A Blind Muse Foundation Publication
Turning Pain Into Power
Available October 30, 2025
About the Book
The Sissy, The Alchemist, The Man is a transformative memoir about what it means to survive shame, claim identity,
and alchemize pain into power. From a sensitive boy condemned for being ‘different,’ to an artist and seeker learning to
turn trauma into transformation, to a man who stands unmasked in truth — Todd Tolson’s journey is both raw and
redemptive. Told with unflinching honesty and cinematic precision, this is not just a memoir
— it’s a guide to self-creation.
About the Author
Todd Tolson is a writer, storyteller, and advocate whose life’s work centers on transformation and authenticity.
He is the Executive Director of the Blind Muse Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to communicating, educating, and connecting the blind and visually impaired community to the sighted world — and to all communities as a whole — through art, storytelling, and inclusion.
In 2024, Todd Tolson was appointed by the Moore Administration to the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC), where he advocates for greater access, inclusion, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Through his leadership and his work with the Blind Muse Foundation, Todd’s focus extends beyond the blind and visually impaired community to empower all people with disabilities.
His mission is to bridge the divide between the sighted and the disabled through storytelling, education, and creative advocacy — fostering a world where every voice can be seen and heard.
Key Themes
Resilience and identity · Healing from trauma · Queerness and self-acceptance
· Art as transformation · Family, faith, and forgiveness
· Turning pain into purpose
The Sissy, The Alchemist, The Man
This is more than a memoir — it’s a metamorphosis. Tolson transforms his story of shame, secrecy and self-doubt into a revelation about courage, self-creation, and the sacred art of becoming whole.
It’s a story that dares readers to ask: What if the parts of ourselves we’ve tried hardest to bury are the very ones that can set us free?
A guide for everyone!
Share Your Story, Inspire the World
At the Blind Muse Foundation, our mission is clear: to communicate, educate, and connect.
Through books, stories, and creative media, we bring communities together and spark conversations that matter. If you have a story that can inspire, a book that can teach, or a project that can bridge divides—we want to collaborate with you.
Your voice has the power to change lives. Let’s create something unforgettable, together.
The Blind Muse Foundation is committed to creating content that not only informs but also unites communities. Guided by our motto—communicate, educate, connect—we publish books and media that drive awareness and spark meaningful change.
If you’re an author, creator, or organization with a project that aligns with our mission, we invite you to partner with us. Together, we can expand reach, amplify voices, and deliver content that matters.
Explore our current publications and videos, then connect with us to discuss how your project can be the next success story.
For more information email us at info@blindmuse.org
