Books & Audiobooks
I love graphic novels, especially ones that highlight a wide range of human experiences. To celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite graphic novels with transgender characters, creators, and stories. From real experiences to fantastical tales, these books illustrate striking and diverse trans experiences, history, and adventures. Whether you are looking to learn something new or find a story you can relate to, there is something for everyone in the world of comics and graphic novels.
Click on the images below to read a little bit about each book.
Becoming Who We Are: Real Stories About Growing Up Trans
All journeys must begin somewhere. In this collection, nine trans adults share their experiences of growing up and discovering who they truly are. From musicians and actors to scientists and activists, the stories capture diverse experiences of gender nonconforming youth and provide inspirational looks to their futures.
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Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms
This queer teen romance follows Annie, an antisocial lesbian, and Bebe, a people-pleasing trans girl, as they navigate the social pressures of high school. When Annie is pushed to join the cheerleading squad, the two girls rekindle their friendship and grow closer than they ever expected.
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Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure
Speaking to his teenage self, Lewis reflects on coming-of-age as a closeted trans man in early 2000s England. The book traces an at times messy and confusing journey of self-acceptance while navigating parental divorce, puberty, disordered eating, and the early stages of seeking gender-affirming care.
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Trans History: From Ancient Times to Present Day
This introduction to trans history explores stories of gender nonconformity across cultures and time. Illustrated profiles of historical figures, conversations with modern activists and scholars, and consideration of social and political context combine to consider what it means to be trans.
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The Deep & Dark Blue
After a political coup, twins Hawke and Grayson must flee and assume new identities to find protection in a communion of magical women. As Hanna and Grayce, they hatch a plan to avenge their family, but Grayce becomes reluctant to return to her old life.
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Lunar Boy
Indu, a boy from the moon, doesn’t fit in at school or with his family on New Earth. Lonely, he begs the moon to take him back. When the moon agrees and gives him a deadline, Indu must decide whether or not to leave the life he is building behind.
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Magical Boy, Volume 1
Max is an average trans boy trying to get through high school until his life turns upside down when his mom reveals a family secret: he’s descended from a line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from evil. Now, he has to accept his destiny and save the world.
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Across a Field of Starlight
Lu and Fassen are unlikely friends living solar systems apart and secretly keeping in contact as an ever-expanding empire threatens their communities. When a war from Fassen’s world threatens Lu’s home, their two worlds collide.
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Boys Weekend
Blending satire and horror, this story follows newly-out transfemme Sammie as they are invited to an old friend’s bachelor weekend in a hedonistic wonderland city. While trying to maintain their friendships, they seem to be the only one to notice the mysterious cult staying at their hotel.
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A Song for You and I
When their flying horse Kes is injured, aspiring ranger Rowan is forced to join sheep hearder Leone on a slow, winding expedition. Their unlikely friendship grows and forces Rowan to rethink what pursuing their dream of being a ranger really means.
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Us
Full of humor and heartbreak, this graphic memoir follows Sara and Diana’s love story as it evolves along with Diana’s gender transition. Navigating everyday struggles and celebrating small triumphs, the pair grow and change together.
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Girl Haven
The fantasy world Ash’s mom created is a haven for girls where no boys are allowed. When it turns out to be a real place with very real danger, why is Ash able to be there if everyone has always called him a boy?
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