A compilation of 5 different media directed towards young audiences that include and/or addresses gender expansive identities in different formats and styles.
SLIDING Magazine was founded on the principles of diversity and democracy. All of us come from vastly different cultures and backgrounds, with some also being part of the LGBTQ+ community. As Pride Month has arrived, we had to share some of our short yet assertive recommendations.
I pitched the idea for a brief collaboration to gather a few media suggestions regarding trans and gender-expansive identities. This was a few weeks after the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, where they declared that the legal definition of woman is determined by an individual’s biological sex, regardless of their gender identity and any gender confirmation surgeries they might have had. Living in the centre of a big UK city, I saw protests rise and organizations promote multiple calls to action.
Although the court ruling was part of the motivation for this publication, it is far from the only one. I spent my school life often being called a loudmouth (some would agree, some would be surprised. I am a multifaceted girl), as homosexuality was often raised as a topic for debate, discussing the ‘naturality’ and ‘ethics’ of it —this was the late 00’s and early 2010’s in Chile, if that helps to paint a picture—, and usually finding myself quite alone against the loudest boys in my class spewing homophobic remarks. Chile has a long list of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, the last one dated the first week of June of this year, no more than two weeks since writing this.
The real motivation behind this is justice. The belief that every human being has the right to be respected as they are. No conditions. Trans people are valid, and trans children and young people have the right to have spaces where they can feel seen, safe, and secure, such as the media we recommend here.
In complete and full honesty, a part of my motivation is spite. And love. As an educator, I have dedicated my time, sweat, and tears to helping my children feel like they matter. That who they are and what they stand for is important; that they deserve respect with no conditions attached. I cannot speak for them, nor for trans people. I am just an average queer femme. But I will use the space I have to share what I can, as long as it contests bigotry.
I have nothing but love and respect for every single trans person I have ever met; I cannot put into words how inspiring they have been. And to my twink-adjacent sister, whose gender is yet unknown to them. Watching them grow into their genderless self has been the most fun, frustrating, and gender-envy-inducing experience I have had the pleasure to chaperone.
1. Red: A Crayon’s Story, written and illustrated by Michael Hall
Narrated by a pencil, this book tells the story of Red, a crayon who struggles to paint red. As much as he tries, following his family’s suggestions, and other art supplies’ help, he can’t seem to paint red, even if his label says so. That is, until he meets a new friend.
This is a simple and insightful book, suited for early childhood, about the pressures of labels and being true to oneself. With a simple metaphor around identity and external expectations, this picturebook offers something for everyone, as it not only revolves around Red’s struggles, but also for the supplies that surround him as well.
Recommendee: Amanda Parada-León
2. Steven Universe by Rebecca Sugar
An animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It tells the story of a boy and his mineral-based intergalactic friends: the Crystal Gems, who work together to protect the world.
Steven Universe has a well-crafted plot, soothing design, and charismatic characters. It also allows the audience to bear witness to the character’s gender and sexuality exploration. Containing a transgender subtext, it has resonated with its adult viewers. Its season 5 finally resonated with the trans community (Muncy 2019), making it both an intergenerational and a cozy piece of trans media.
Recommendee: Laura Arrázola-Hernández
3. The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith
A graphic novel about two royal siblings who flee after a political coup. To stay safe, they must crossdress and seek refuge in a magical communion of women. The siblings train to avenge their family and learn to spin the thread of reality.
The novel deals with gender identity and family expectations. One of the siblings yearns to return to his role in the royal family, while the other feels at home in her role at the communion.
Recommendee: Maud Smulders
4. Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
Jamie is a middle-grade book about an 11-year-old nonbinary kid who is forced to choose between an all-girls or an all-boys school. But together with their two best friends, Jamie decides to fight for a better option.
The book is from 2023, written by an English author who is nonbinary themself. Jamie feels very authentic: they are smart, frustrated, funny, and angry. The book has a happy ending, making it both relatable and uplifting.
Recommendee: Lisa Czuma
5. My Own Way, Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids by Joana Estrella. Adapted by Jay Hulme
This picturebook pushes the question of gender identity and expression to the fore through a cheerful poem. In the face of all these possibilities, Joana Estrela answers the truly important questions: “Boy or girl? None or both? It’s your heart that matters most”.
While it does not solely focus on the trans experience, this brilliant book reads as a joyful exploration of all gender identities, inviting even the youngest readers to say “I will follow my own way!” and to treat others with kindness, always.
Recommendee: Suzanne La Rocca
Bibliography
- Muncy, J. (2019, January 27). The Powerful Transgender Narrative in Steven Universe. Gizmodo.
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