The Transgender & Nonbinary Reading List
Transgender is an umbrella term for anyone whose gender identity does not match the one they were born with. Gender dysphoria is a common experience, but is not required for someone to identify as transgender.
Transgender people can also be gay, straight, bi, or any other sexual orientation. Sexual orientation isn’t determined by someone’s gender. Transgender people may also elect to transition via hormones or surgery, or they may not.
Non-binary means that one’s gender doesn't fit into the binary categories of male or female.
While non-binary people fall under the transgender umbrella, non-binary is itself an umbrella term covering an entire spectrum of identities. Non-binary individuals may identify more or less with the transgender label. Shorthand terms include enby, or NB; some people who do not fit into the binary prefer "genderqueer", which has its own flag.
Transgender and non-binary people have been a part of the queer community from the very start, and have existed long throughout history. Transgender women were at the heart of the Stonewall riots. Many cultures have celebrated trans and non-binary people for generations, with various names and roles in their societies. Still too remain the records of cloistered communities built in secrecy, isolated to remain safe, but together in their shared experiences.
GLAAD recognizes November 13-19 as Transgender Awareness Week. November 20 is the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, for honoring those trans people who were lost to violence and hate.
International Non-Binary Peoples Day is on July 14.
Adult Fiction
The House in the Cerulean Sea
by T.J. Klune
This comfy fantasy about unfamiliar spaces and chosen family is prefaced with a message from the author for all of the transgender people who read his stories. If you have time, consider following up with its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea.
Detransition, Baby
by Torrey Peters
A slice of life story that cuts into the deep realities of gender dysphoria and the true complexity of identity. Written by a transgender author for transgender people, Detransition, Baby is not afraid to tell the stories of characters that are messy, as being human often is.
Boys Run the Riot (Series)
by Keito Gaku
In this manga, main characters Ryo and Jin riot against social pressure and norms through performative fashion. Boys Run the Riot is a beautiful exploration of expressive art as a means to free oneself.
The Left Hand of Darkness
by Ursula LeGuin
The sci-fi genre is among the earliest to garner acceptance of queer narratives, and sci-fi writer Ursula LeGuin is famous for introducing classic queer stories ahead of their time. The Left Hand of Darkness featured a predominantly nonbinary cast (albeit with male pronouns) as early as 1969. Her world is built top-to-bottom to blur lines between binaries we encounter every day of our lives.
Model Home
by Rivers Solomon
After the untimely deaths of Ezri’s parents, Ezri must re-examine some chilling occurrences from childhood — both seemingly supernatural and not – and come to terms with the effects of their mother’s oppressive control. Every conversation between Ezri and their sisters is very tense, and often vulnerable, as the siblings are forced to relive trauma and uncover more dark truths. While a slow burn, “Model Home” masterfully intertwines psychological horror, troubled family dynamics, and social commentary on the lasting impacts of segregation.
Adult Nonfiction
Gender Euphoria: Stories of Joy From Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Writers
by Laura Kate Dale
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Gender Trouble: Feminism and Subversion of Identity
by Judith Butler
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Becoming Two-Spirit: Gay Identity and Social Acceptance in Indian Country
by Brian Joseph Gilley
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How To They/Them
by Stuart Getty
As a baby queer who’s learning more about LGBTQ+ terminology, culture and history every day, this visual guide helped me embrace my nonbinary identity and feel less alone. It’s also a useful resource to pass onto friends and family because it gives a broad overview of many curiosities they may have about gender fluidity. The author relays information in a way that doesn’t shame someone for needing to start from the very beginning in learning about this topic.
Teen & Kids
Mooncakes
by Suzanne Walker
This sweet graphic novel, originally a webcomic, features a nonbinary werewolf whose identity is as natural as their transformations. The perfect story for anyone who loves witches, magic, adventure, and budding romance.
The Heartbreak Bakery
by A.R. Capetta
Although I don’t typically pick up YA novels, I just had to read this after hearing the premise. Our agender protagonist, Syd, bakes magical brownies that break up a bunch of queer couples, and Syd has to run around undoing the hurt. There are some great discussions about LGBTQ+ identities as there’s so many seen throughout the book. I wish Columbus has a place similar to the Proud Muffin, where queer folk could gather without the presence of alcohol. It’s a quick read and very heartwarming!
It Feels Good to Be Yourself
by Theresa Thorn
Creative non-fiction for 4-9 year olds introducing the topic of gender identity. Some people are boy, some are girls, some are both, neither, or somewhere in-between. Provides vocabulary to discuss important topics with sensitivity. Representation: Transgender, cisgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid characters. Straight and queer families. One character uses a wheelchair, another wears a hijab. The author is the parent of a transgender child, and the illustrator is transgender.
Sir Callie (Series)
by Esme Symes-Smith
Fantasy Novel for ages 8-12. Trapped in a rigid hierarchy where girls learn magic and boys train as knights, 12 year old Callie dreams of becoming a knight. They and their friends find themselves involved in an ancient war, but before the group can face the outside threats facing their kingdom, they must first defeat the bigotry inside it. Representation: nonbinary/sapphic main character, sapphic side characters; genderqueer side character, gay parental figure, bi parental figure. Trigger warnings: verbal and physical abuse from parental figures, internalized homophobia/transphobia, deadnaming, bullying, queer-coded distrust of magic, implied depression; implied suicide of side character, death of sibling, grief, anxiety and other traumas.
Lunar Boy
by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
Sci-fi graphic novel for ages 8 and up. With gorgeous, imaginative, sci-fi art steeped in Indonesian culture, this book follows Indu, a boy from the moon, who feels like he doesn’t belong, at least not since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their space ship to live on New Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he's weird, he has a crush on his pen pal, and his step family just don't know what to do with the new family member. His mom being to busy to be his confidont like she used to be, Indu calls out to the moon instead begging to go back. Somehow the moon hears him and agrees to take him back on the first day of the new year. As the fated day approaches Indu finds friendship in new places and learns the real meaning of home. So when the moon reaches out once more, will he give up what he has just discovered? Representation: Trans main character, queer and nonbinary characters throughout, diverse body representation, non-English speakers, pride flags, and indigenous rituals. Trigger warnings: Instances of bullying, misgendering, transphobic and homophobic remarks, and familial loss.