PRIDE MONTH 2024! Sometimes at Broken Frontier we’re happy to bend the rules a little and venture into the realms of zines and DIY culture, or to look at publications that aren’t strictly comics but do include examples of the form as part of their delivery. Where We Are, Where We SHOULD Be: Shaping a Future for Trans Young People, from Comics Youth’s Marginal publishing imprint is an example of the latter. It’s a book with a seemingly all-encompassing remit on the subject, looking to provide not just a guide for trans, non-binary and gender queer youth to “navigate through life” but also hoping to succeed in “educating others on the experiences and truths of trans people.”
This is a true group effort with editing and curation credited to Emily McChrystal, Eric, Ernie Thompson, Rowan Frewin, Lucas Pilkington, Lucas Sheridan and Jasper Ainsel. Illustrations and occasional comic strips are by Ainsel and Frewin (whose Gyula Diary we reviewed here at Broken Frontier last year.) Where We Are, Where We SHOULD Be uses multiple approaches to disseminating information in a compact format with an expansive content. These include illustrated prose (an initial look back on trans and non-binary people through history); diagrammatic features like the one explaining the different ways people choose to transition (below); and those aforementioned short comics (one on medical gatekeeping is particularly effective in depicting the profoundly frustrating experiences trans people face dealing with unacceptable behaviour of that kind.) Another short comic by Rowan Frewin (bottom image) in the section about presenting (‘Self-Expression Vs. Expectations’) also makes its points with succinctness and clarity.
Where We Are, Where We SHOULD Be: Shaping a Future for Trans Young People is part reference book, part guidebook and part community activism. With sections on sex education, safe spaces, mental health and support it provides not just an invaluable source of information to young people but also reminds them that they are not alone in their experiences, however much it may sometimes feel like they are. But what lends it such authenticity is the trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming voices who contributed to its existence, putting their experiences at the forefront of its delivery.
Importantly there are also sections that deal with self-care and trans joy; ensuring the book is ultimately a beacon of positivity as well as being realistic about the challenges young trans people may face. And it shouldn’t be overlooked that Where We Are, Where We SHOULD Be is also a crucial read for allies. Comics Youth have been doing such important work for young people for nearly a decade now and haven’t had a fraction of the recognition they deserve. Check out their site for more information on their mission and their Marginal Publishing store for more on their catalogue of socially relevant publications.
Emily McChrystal, Eric, Ernie Thompson, Rowan Frewin, Lucas Pilkington, Lucas Sheridan and Jasper Ainsel • Marginal Publishing, £8.99
Review by Andy Oliver
