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This 12 months marks the third 12 months of the Trans Rights Readathon. The readathon encourages folks to learn books by or about trans nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-nonconforming folks to indicate their help for the transgender group, which has come beneath rising assault lately. The second Trump administration has already issued govt orders concentrating on trans folks, declaring that there are solely two organic sexes and making an attempt once more to ban transgender service members from the navy. Well being info has even been wiped from authorities businesses, together with the CDC, to adjust to Trump’s ideology. So you possibly can see why it’s extra vital than ever to talk out, not solely about what’s occurring now however in regards to the historical past of trans folks. I’ve stated it earlier than, and I’ll say it once more: trans folks have all the time existed. You’ll be able to strive, however you possibly can’t erase that reality.
The Trans Rights Readathon is greater than only a studying occasion; it’s a name to motion. Based on the official web site, the occasion calls on “the reader community to read and uplift books written by and/or featuring trans, genderqueer, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and 2Spirit authors and characters.” In the course of the eleven days of the readathon (March 21-31), persons are requested to learn trans books and donate to trans organizations. Final 12 months, E book Riot Editor Danika Ellis shared varied methods you possibly can take part, from donating to posting on social media. The readathon has a lot of graphics you need to use to share what books you’re studying and even simply to indicate your help. You’ll be able to even be a part of a Trans Rights Readathon problem on Storygraph.
Since I write loads about historic fiction right here on E book Riot, it solely made sense to share some new 2024 and 2025 trans historic fiction releases simply in time for the readathon. They’re under no circumstances the one books you need to select from. Personally, I’ll be studying a number of alongside a brand new biography of Marsha P. Johnson. Nevertheless you select to take part, I hope you’ll uplift trans voices this month and each month. You’ll be able to signal as much as take part right here or simply learn alongside at dwelling.
Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander
Within the vein of A Woman for a Duke, TJ Alexander has penned a trans Regency romance novel stuffed with pining and joyful endings for queer and trans folks. It follows the eccentric Lord Christopher Eden, pressured to enterprise away from his property to London to discover a spouse or else lose his inheritance, and the brand new valet is decided to make him presentable for the season. The burgeoning friendship between them and the secrets and techniques they’re every retaining, nevertheless, might derail all their plans. However perhaps collectively, they’ll craft a future that may make them each joyful.
The Lilac Folks by Milo Todd
Berlin within the Nineteen Thirties is an efficient place to be queer — till the Nazis rise to energy. Now, queer and trans persons are being rounded up. In a single fell swoop, Bertie loses his job at Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld’s famend Institute of Sexual Science and the Eldorado Membership, the place the as soon as thriving queer group spent their nights. Bertie barely manages to flee along with his life and his girlfriend, Sophie, fleeing to a farm the place they pose as an aged couple till the top of the battle. However the Allied victory poses a brand new risk as a result of whereas they’re liberating everybody else, queer prisoners are being arrested. So when a younger trans man nonetheless sporting jail garments from a focus camp collapses of their yard, Bertie and Sofie know they’ll go to any size to guard him from the very individuals who declare to be rescuing the nation.
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The Lions’ Den by Iris Mwanza
A younger lawyer in Nineteen Nineties Zambia takes on the case of a dancer arrested by the police. When Grace meets her shopper, she is shocked by Bessy’s overwhelmed look, however her protests over her shopper’s therapy solely get her barred from seeing Bessy once more. It’s not lengthy earlier than Bessy disappears with out a hint. Alongside the pinnacle of her legislation agency, who needs to tackle one final struggle as AIDS takes its toll on him, Grace brings collectively college students, unions, and political opposition to struggle towards the corrupt administration that desires to silence anybody who’s totally different.
A Uncommon Discover by Joanna Lowell
On this historic romance novel, an aspiring archeologist discovers a Viking amulet that proves Norsemen as soon as camped on her household’s property. However when her childhood rival returns from London following a current scandal, the amulet is misplaced. Now, working collectively to uncover a misplaced hoard of Viking gold is the very best shot for each of them to make a reputation for themselves. However is it actually hatred Elfreda has all the time felt for Georgie? Or is it one thing a bit extra difficult than that?
The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé
The principle character in The Library Thief just isn’t herself trans, however queerness and gender nonconformity do come up within the novel. It’s additionally a e book about identification usually. The story follows the Jamaican daughter of a British bookbinder pressured to go as white by her father. Kuchenga Shenjé, the writer of The Library Thief, is a Black trans lady. Supporting trans authors is simply as vital as studying trans books, so I believe this e book nonetheless very a lot falls beneath the spirit of the Trans Rights Readathon.
Discover much more nice trans books for the readathon (or simply usually) with these lists:
