Gender Euphoria: Stories of Joy from Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Writers

Joy gets the spotlight in this candid and empowering collection from journalist Dale (Uncomfortable Labels). Pointing out that the popular narrative surrounding trans experiences is one of discomfort and dysphoria, Dale aims to feature examples of “people doing small actions and grand gestures that made them feel radiantly themselves and wonderfully at peace.” “Becoming Prom King” sees Oliver Jones being elected prom king in a gesture of gender affirmation by his classmates. In “The Gender of Language,” Teddy Sweet considers how to choose the right pronouns, and “Reflections” features Mia Violet finding confidence after wearing the perfect bridesmaid dress: “Glamorous bridesmaid, visiting the city from my coastal home.” Dale contributes almost a third of the essays, reflecting on triumphs such as the joy of finding a community in roller derby and of getting a correctly gendered passport. Even though the focus is on positivity, things aren’t all sunshine; traumas do creep in: “To talk about my experiences of euphoria properly, I need to contrast the good with the bad,” Júlia F. Cândida writes. The writing is a bit uneven from essay to essay, but the collection’s power lies more in its testimony than its literary finesse. Readers who have had their fill of trauma narratives will find this a breath of fresh air. (Apr.)