It’s another Saturday, meaning today’s Pride post features transgender and non-binary characters! Today is actually the Pride festival in my hometown as well, but I have to work. So, I won’t be joining in the festivities. But it’s all good! I have book club tonight, so I definitely have that to look forward to.
When it comes to transgender and non-binary characters, there are definitely a lot more than there were a few years ago. But one of the issues that has sprung up recently is whether or non cisgendered people should be writing these stories. Mainly, as one transgender writer puts it, make them more complicated. One of the issues that spring up when writing outside what you know is that sometimes, the characters get reduced down to a single thing. This makes their portrayals problematic and not realistic.
Looking at this from a YA lens is a mixed bag. There are good portrayals, there are okay portrayals, and then there are bad portrayals. Sort of like my topic from last week, asexuality and aromanticism. We’re getting there, but we’re not 100% there yet.
Anyway, I did my research on these books, and they seem to be mostly validated by the community. So read them! Enjoy them! And support publishers promoting more characters like this.
Transgender and Non-binary Characters
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
A recent release, I Wish You All the Best follows Ben’s story as they come out to their family and the fallout that happens afterward. And a relationship/friendship that stems from that. Coming from a non-binary author makes this story authentic, and it needs to 100% be higher up on my TBR.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
I have to admit that I haven’t read this book yet either, but it’s a graphic novel! I’ve kind of been in a graphic novel mood lately. The reviews say that it’s light-hearted, with beautiful illustrations and a fairytale feel. Definitely sign me up!
Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard
Another own voices story, this one follows Pen, struggling to figure out her own gender identity in a world where everyone is telling her what to do. It’s an examination of expectations and gender identity and just a novel about finding your own voice.
Roving Pack by Sassafras Lowrey
This book often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the only books I’ve read where they actually use gender neutral pronouns for some of the characters. It’s a realistic look at the lives a lot of transgender and genderqueer teens face, and though it’s not necessarily a comfortable book to read, it’s an important one.
Dreadnought by April Daniels
I made the decision to get this on Audible, so when I’m done with Illuminae this will be my next listen. Because in addition to being in a graphic novel mood, I’m in a hardcore superhero mood. And this definitely will fit the bill!
Not Your Villain by C.B. Lee
I’ve heard that this series has some pretty good LGBTQ rep, and it’s about superheros again! Literally, why have I not read these things yet. I should just get my hands on them so I can stop saying “I need to read this” and just have read it already.