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Title details for Transitions by Élodie Durand - Available

Transitions

by Élodie Durand
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When Anne learns that her 19-year-old is a transgender man, she struggles to understand her son's new identity. A new landmark in nonfiction comics, Transitions is a sympathetic, informative, and moving story of a family's journey to acceptance. "I thought I was open-minded... The news of my child's gender change hit me like a tidal wave, sweeping away all my certainties. Sweeping away the comfort of my tidy little life." When university biologist Anne Marbot learns that the 19-year-old she raised as "Lucie" is a transgender man named Alex, she's overwhelmed by questions. How can this be? Who put these ideas in your head? What if you regret it? Am I overreacting? How will your grandparents react? Why didn't I see it coming? Why is this so easy for others? Am I a bigot? What does gender really mean, anyway? How can I be the parent my child needs? It soon becomes clear that Alex is not the only one embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The road is not easy, and sometimes their relationship is bitterly strained. But Alex is sure of himself, and Anne is determined to be strong for his sake. With time, she too will be transformed, rediscovering her identity as a mother in profound new ways. With grace and sensitivity, award-winning graphic novelist Élodie Durand (Parenthesis) captures the unique journey of well-meaning loved ones who struggle to reconcile new gender identities with their old assumptions. Deeply researched and drawn from true experience, Transitions is a must-read companion for allies and families navigating trans issues and a compassionate roadmap to acceptance.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    November 8, 2023

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Read

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      November 27, 2023
      This gracious and informative gender primer from Durand (Parenthesis) invites readers along on a parent’s learning curve. Based on interviews with a real family and styled as a graphic narrative, the story focuses on Anne, the mother of a 19-year-old trans man named Alex. To Alex’s revelation that he’s a boy, Anne initially responds, “Did something bad happen to you?” Given that Anne is a professor of animal biology, her shock at the existence of gender-fluidity in her own species seems rather naive. A family therapist notes, “You fear that Alex will be marginalized, but the first and foremost marginalization is family rejection.” The tense relationship between mother and son turns when Alex’s friend attempts suicide, spurring Anne to commit to her “own transition.” She dives into research on gender identity and reminds herself to “call him Alex, at least some of the time.” With time, naming Alex becomes easy; hearing reports of anti-trans hate crimes never does. The main narrative is drawn in simple black-and-white lines, with the exception of Anne’s shock of pink hair. Colorfully drawn flashbacks depict Alex’s early childhood, and abstracted interstitial drawings showcase diverse bodies. Trans-savvy readers may find aspects of the story remedial or problematic (i.e., centering an initially transphobic cis woman). But for parents who relate to Anne—and are open to education against bias—Durand builds a sturdy bridge to acceptance brick by brick.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read

subjects

Languages

  • English

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