Transfiguration's going to come for me at last
And I will burn hotter than the sun
I waited so long
And now I taste jasmine on my tongue
And I feel so proud to be alive
And I feel so proud when the reckoning arrives
Heretic Pride by The Mountain Goats
Schedule
These are the dates the discussion posts will go up, but remember you can go at your own pace and contribute when you’re ready!
Kick-off: September 8, 2023✓Midway Check In: September 18, 2023✓Final Discussion:September 29, 2023 at 5PM PSTDidn’t finish? Who cares! Come hang out anyway.
If you can’t make it to the digital hang, you can always use the comment section to leave your thoughts, reviews, and reflections at any time.
Related Reading
Transness as Joy
by Bek (they/them)
I have heard many stories about or from other trans people; some I have heard as a reader but so many more as a friend, as an organizer, and as a researcher. Through all of this, I have learned many things about the trans experience. One huge lesson was on the impact of a story. So often, the ones that are widely shared are defined by hard moments, harsh realities, or the worst kind of brutal fiction. With these, it is all to easy to see one’s self as the worst or see their transness only through that pain (only as that pain). It is essential for our well-being to be able to see ourselves in the good and connect through positive moments. This anthology is a beautiful way to connect to the shared joy and beauty of being trans.
Through a variety of art styles, this anthology also shows a wide range of gender expressions and experiences. These stories are connected to each other through the themes that each chapter is named for, but even beyond those themes there are so many details that can connect us. While discovery or euphoria through D&D may seem like a niche fact about one person’s life or a trip to the barber shop may feel like one person’s defining moment, there are so many people who also experience these moments euphoria in the same context. This recognition is a unique spark of happiness and connection all on its own. There is something so magical about seeing yourself on the pages, but it is also there when you can see those you love or have been in community with on the very next page. There were sections of this that I wanted to (or did) show to people who I knew would light up with the same recognition and that was just as delightful as the pieces I could relate to myself.
Dysphoria and isolation are hallmarks of many mainstream stories about trans people – and can be a reality for many of us. But euphoria is an unsung but integral part of the trans experience for many, as is this rush of connection. Stories like the ones in this anthology are so important for trans people to access, especially when the loudest voices are determined to define us by our pain.
Overall, When I Was Me was truly a joy to read. While I would love to see many of these expanded beyond the page that they had, I love that we were able to see from so many different people. This will definitely be one that I will revisit and I will be looking for more from quite a few of the artists who contributed!
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Bek is a queer reader, crocheter, cat parent, and Pisces. They have a background in English (BA) and Sociology (MA) that informs their eclectic, multi-genre reading habits. You can find them talking about books on Instagram and Youtube at MoonyReadsByStarlight and on TikTok at MoonyReads93.
Welcome to the Final Discussion of 📖 When I Was Me: Moments of Gender Euphoria
These are simply questions to get you thinking. You’re not required to answer any of them to participate. Remember to keep comments and replies respectful and hate-free!
Final Thoughts
Overall, how strong was the anthology for you?
Now that you’re done reading, how did the book make you feel?
What was your favorite ? What about it made it your favorite?
Is there an artist that you’re planning on looking into due to their work here?
Questions from Eve Greenwood 💛
Is there a particular comic that struck a chord with you as a cis person or someone who doesn’t consider themself trans?
Was there a comic that made you uncomfortable, or contradicted your own experience?
Was there an experience that you felt was core to your identity as a trans person that was missing in this book?
Did you find any threads or common themes between the comics?
Some of the comics are in nontraditional formats: how do these comics succeed, fail, or express their ideas differently than traditionally-formatted panel-by-panel comics?
Was there a particular chapter illustration that you felt drawn to and why?
Share your thoughts in the comments and I’ll see you in the next one!