6 Books to Read for the Trans Rights Readathon

Published by Renee Powers, March 26, 2024

According to Pew Research, over 5% of adults between 18-29 in the United States identify as trans or non-binary and over one-third of adults report knowing someone who is transgender. While many cultures have always recognized multiple genders, the United States is seeing more and more younger people embrace fluid gender identities. 

At the same time, book bans targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ narratives, authors, and readers have become increasingly prevalent. In response, author Sim Kern (they/them) founded the Trans Rights Readathon in 2023 to raise money and awareness around trans issues. What began as a small movement gained lots of momentum across the bookish internet and over $234,000 was raised in support of trans organizations around the world. Over 2600 readers participated in this decentralized fundraiser, which encouraged readers and followers to donate time, energy, or resources to organizations within their own communities in support of the cause.

This year, the Trans Rights Readathon is happening from March 22 to March 29, 2024 in support of International Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurs annually on March 31. 

If you’d like to participate in the readathon, it’s simple! According to the Trans Rights Readathon website, here’s how:

• Sign up.
• Read, support, review, and uplift books written by and/or featuring trans, genderqueer, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and Two-Spirit authors and characters.
• Make content using #transrightreadathon and #TRR24 and tag the official accounts on Instagram and TikTok.
• Donate to a trans rights organization that is meaningful to you!

Don’t fret if you missed the event – there’s never a bad time to read stories by and about trans people!
Here are our top 6 picks for the readathon and beyond:

If you’re new to this topic: This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Average Pango rating: 5.0 ★★★★★

It’s okay if you’re not familiar with all of the terms and norms associated with queerness or trans identities. Dawson, a trans woman, has written the primer for you. While it is intended for younger readers, it's the perfect place for anyone to start to learn more!

"The book every LGBT person would have killed for as a teenager, told in the voice of a wise best friend. Frank, warm, funny, USEFUL." -Patrick Ness

Other suggestions: Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon, He/She/They by Schuyler Bailar, Redefining Realness by Janet Mock

For the young (and young-at-heart) readers: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Average Pango rating: 4.54 ★★★★★

What happens when you summon a ghost and then you happen to develop a crush on him? On Día de los Muertos, that’s just fine. This lush tale will warm your heart, no matter your age, gender, or sexuality.

"This was such a good book, I was holding back tears in the epilogue, I think Aiden Thomas is an instabuy for me now. I got so emotionally attached to all the characters and I really felt I was in there in the story. This was just an excellent experience.” - Anastasia

Other suggestions: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore, A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

For the hopeless romantic: A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

Average Pango rating: 4.25 ★★★★☆

For fans of Bridgerton, this historical romance will have you swooning! Hall is known for their inclusive love stories and we love seeing trans women written back into history.

“I was immediately drawn into Viola’s world through the wonderful writing as well as the cleverly crafted plot. I loved the trans representation as well as the themes of grief, love, and acceptance. “ - Amber

Other suggestions: Chef’s Kiss by T.J. Alexander, For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes, The Love Study by Kris Ripper

For the fantasy fans: She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Average Pango rating: 4.21 ★★★★☆

Described as Mulan meets The Song of Achilles, this epic tale follows Zhu as she steps into her brother’s identity to claim her own greatness.

“An amazing book that I couldn't put down. The characters in this are so fascinating and complicated.” - Tonya

Other suggestions: A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland, The Deep by Rivers Solomon, The First Bright Thing by J. R. Dawson, Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

For the literary darlings: Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

Average Pango rating: 4.5 ★★★★★

If you love watching messy people live messy lives, get this book and a bag of popcorn. Peters sits us down in the middle of an unlikely chosen family as they make decisions on how they want to parent… or not.

Other suggestions: Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist, Nevada by Imogen Binnie, The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar

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