Powerful Books That Commemorate Transgender Experiences
Stories have the power to inspire, broaden perspectives, and connect our unique experiences with others. Amplifying the voices of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people is essential for building stronger, more equitable communities that are aware of the nuances of identity and transition.
In honour of Transgender Awareness & Remembrance Week, we’ve curated a diverse selection of books — from raw and intimate memoirs to heartfelt fantasy and family stories. Dive in and add these powerful stories to your reading list!
1. Felix Ever After
by
Kacen Callender.
A heartwarming (and heartbreaking) coming-of-age story about Felix, a Black, queer, and trans artist who's on a mission to find love and figure out who he really is. When someone at school exposes his pre-transition photos, Felix is forced to confront his deepest wounds, setting him on a path of self-acceptance, revenge, and an unexpected love triangle. Written with honesty, emotional depth, and a nuanced look at identity and friendship, this book captures the ups and downs of staying true to yourself bringing a tear or two to your eyes.
2. This Is How It Always Is
by Laurie Frankel.
This novel centers on a family’s journey in supporting their transgender child, blending humour, love, and the complexities of parenting. It takes the reader into the magic and difficulty of transformation, the leap of faith that raising kids requires, and how growth doesn’t always go as planned. In this heartfelt story, some secrets are just too big to keep forever.
3. The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar.
An imaginative and intimate exploration of how we all search for and ultimately embrace our truth. This intriguing novel follows a closeted trans-Syrian boy in the U.S. who stumbles upon the journal of a Syrian American artist mysteriously connected to his dead mother. Through grief, love, and a journey of self-acceptance, this story dives into what it means to find and embrace yourself and live authentically.
4. I'm Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya.
Short yet insightful and powerful, this intimate essay delves into the complex intersections of gender, masculinity, and identity. Drawing from her personal experiences, Shraya exposes the ways misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia shape the lives of marginalized people, challenging societal norms around gender and the harmful expectations placed on men. With emotional and intellectual honesty, the author calls us to rethink masculinity and offers a compelling vision for a world where gender expectations don’t cause fear or harm.
5. The Heart Break Bakery by A.R. Capetta.
The Heartbreak Bakery is a story about queer joy, magical baking, love and heartbreak. Syd is an agender teen who bakes with heart and a touch of magic.
When Syd’s breakup brownies accidentally cause love problems for couples around the Proud Muffin bakery, Syd teams up with Harley, a cute bike messenger, to put things right. The story shines with a vibrant, inclusive cast, that feels authentic and loving. Written with humour and warmth, it celebrates love in all forms, making it a sweet and cozy read.
6. The Little Blue Encyclopedia (For Vivian) by Hazel Jane Plante.
Little Blue Encyclopedia (for Vivian) is a deeply moving novel that serves as a love letter to queer friendship, self-acceptance, and the healing power of art. Told by a queer trans woman grieving the loss of her best friend and unrequited love, Vivian, the story unfolds through an "encyclopedia" dedicated to Vivian's favourite cult TV show. Blending humour, tenderness, and pop culture, the novel explores the ways art and memory bring solace and connection. It's an authentic, funny, and beautifully crafted story that leaves the reader with hope and heartache.
This book list was curated by the Sheridan College Library! If you’re looking to discover more books, films, and resources available to available to support our the transgender community, we can help.
Looking for more 2SLGBTQ content?
The SSU is dedicated to sharing and promoting resources and content for and from our 2SLGBTQIA+ students. From inclusive medical and sexual health and free counselling services to book recommendations and events. Learn more about Sheridan Pride Resources or explore more blog content below!
Your VP of Community Development, Julia Bertola, has put together a list of artists, books, movies and more to highlight and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride. Take a look at who made the list this year!