Let’s be real for a moment: trans spectrum persons aren’t always accepted and respected as their true selves. The harsh reality is they’re dead-named, misgendered, harassed, and worse on a daily basis simply for wanting to exist.
But there is hope, as bleak as the world seems.
In 1999, Navy veteran Monica Helms created the Trans flag. And though some may seek to wrongfully exclude them, she specifically designed the white stripe at its center to represent Non-binary, Genderfluid, Gender Non-conforming, and Genderqueer persons. One flag to include all who do not fit the mold of the gender binary they were born into.
And each day, cities, states, and nations of the world are taking a stand to protect their fellow citizens’ rights to exist as their true selves.
So, with that in mind, here are 12 stories from across the genres featuring trans spectrum lead characters. I tried to include a little something for everyone, so I hope you’ll enjoy this diverse selection from indie and traditional authors.
1) The Flowered Blade
by Taylor Hubbard
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Romance, Achillean Romance
Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Fae Fantasy, Enemies-to-lovers Romance
READ IT
2) A River of Golden Bones
by A. K. Mulford
Queer Genre: Genderfluid Romance
Genres: Romantasy, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance
READ IT
3) Most Ardently
A Pride & Prejudice Remix
by Gabe Cole Novoa
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Romance, Achillean Romance
Genres: Young Adult Romance, Historical Romance, Classics Retelling
Awards: Stonewall Honor Book, NPR Best Book of the Year, Goodreads Choice Award nominee, New York Times Bestseller
READ IT
4) Spell Bound
by F.T. Lukens
Queer Genre: Nonbinary Fantasy
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
READ IT
5) To Wield the Darkest Night
by Beau Van Dalen
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Romance, Achillean Romance
Genres: Dark Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, Supernatural Romance, Sword & Sorcery
READ IT
6) The Prince and the Dressmaker
by Jen Wang
Queer Genre: Transfeminine Romance, Sapphic Romance
Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Historical Romance, Royal Romance, Graphic Novel
Awards: Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens, Harvey Award for Best Children or Young Adult Book, NPR Best Book Award, Washington Post Best Graphic Novel Award, Boston Globe Best Children’s Book Award, Children’s and Teen Choice Book Award, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
READ IT
7) Lucas
by MJ James
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Fantasy
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal/Supernatural Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror, Vampires
READ IT
8) The King’s Weaver
by Novae Caelum
Queer Genre: Trans Romance, Bisexual Romance
Genres: Romantasy, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance, Royal Romance
READ IT
9) A Bone in His Teeth
by Kellen Graves
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Romance, Achillean Romance
Genres: Romantasy, Dark Fantasy, Mermaid/Siren Romance
READ IT
10) The Sunbearer Trials
by Aiden Thomas
Queer Genre: Trans Fantasy
Genres: Mexican-inspired Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award nominee
READ IT
11) Self-Made Boys
A Great Gatsby Remix
by Anna-Marie McLemore
Queer Genre: Transmasculine Romance, Achillean Romance
Genres: Historical Romance, Classics Retelling
Awards: Stonewall Honor recipient, Two-time National Book Award Longlist selectee
READ IT
12) A Tide of Treason
by A. B. Daniels-Annachi
Queer Genre: Trans Romance, Trans Fantasy
Genres: Romantasy, South East Asian Myth & Legend, Fantasy Adventure, Sword & Sorcery, Fairytale Retelling, Mermaid Romance
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