Bibliographic Information:
Title: Gender Queer: A Memoir
Author: Maia Kobabe
ISBN: 9781637150771
Publisher: Oni Press, Simon and Schuster, Chicago
Copyright Date: 2019/2022
Genre: Autobiography, LGBTQIA+
Format: Print Book/eBook/Graphic Novel
Awards/Honors: The Stonewall Book Award-Barbara Gittings Literature Award and the Stonewall Book Award-Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award
Reading Level/Interest Level: Ages 14+
Plot Summary:
Maia seemingly always had a hard time coming to terms with their female body: e constantly felt like e wanted to be less feminine and masculine and just be Maia. In this engaging graphic novel, Maia slowly discovers words that explain how e have felt their whole life without knowing it. From simply wanting to cut eir hair to considering top surgery, Maia has certainly been on quite the journey.
Think I just did some major misspelling? I promise I didn't! Author Maia Kobabe uses e/em/eir as eir pronouns. Check out some other pronouns below!
Author Background:
Maia Kobabe (e, em, eir) is a nonbinary, queer author and artist from the San Francisco Bay Area of California. While this graphic novel is a memoir of finding emselves and eir identity, Kobabe also goes into eir general background. Kobabe also worked as a freelance writer/artist for many years as well as self-publishing other short comics and zines (Maia Kobabe).
Critical Evaluation:
Gender Queer was a great graphic novel, and the first one I read for this blog! While I am personally not much of a graphic novel reader, I can safely say that I did enjoy this book and that I learned quite a lot from it. The novel is beautifully written and designed, as well as easy to follow visually even as a non-graphic novel reader. The topic itself is a little heavy at times: there is discussion about sexual experiences, dealing with identity issues, and learning how to stand up for oneself.
I’ll be honest, there were some points where I had to stop reading because the topic got a little dark or uncomfortable for me, but I know that part of that was due to my own ignorance or biases that I tend to ignore, and confronting them via a novel was helpful. I think young adults will be drawn to this book because of the visuals as well as the topic: there are many who struggle with finding themselves, and having an easy to read novel that may kick start their expression journey is always a great thing.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
This book would be a perfect way to open the discussion about pronouns, gender expression, and sexuality in a safe space. I would likely avoid this discussion during Pride month as there is so much else to do during that time, as well as the fact that queer novels should not be regulated to just one month a year. Gender Queer would be a great way to get non-graphic novel readers possibly interested in the medium, and then use that as a way to discuss the aforementioned topics.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer:
Growing up is really, really hard, but it is even harder when you do not know if you’re in the right body or not. Maia Kobabe spent eir youth trying to figure out how to be less feminine but not more masculine, all while dealing with the pressures of performing a certain way in society. From wishing for a gender-neutral name to learning how to gently let people know e didn’t want to date because e was asexual, Kobabe had to deal with it all while feeling alone. Eir intent with this book is to hope that no one else feels that same way.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
Gender Queer has had many challenges to its inclusion in library collections since it came out: some say it should not be read by anybody under the age of 18. Others say it is completely inappropriate because it discusses the topic of sex. In general, it has caused quite a stir: even so, it is a graphic novel that does not get too graphic (sexually explicit). The ALA states that librarians should curate collections that show diverse experiences, and this novel constitutes as part of a diverse experience. Simply because it goes against one patrons morals or ethics does not mean it should be excluded from the collection or censored for other patrons.
Reason for Inclusion:
Young adults deserve to see diversity within their reading materials, as it gives them a chance to see themselves within a story. While this book may be considered controversial for some, it is important that there is a chance for young adults looking for someone who has been through what they are going through to find this autobiography so they feel a little less alone.
Check out some of the music by David Bowie that Kobabe mentions in eir novel!
References:
Maia Kobabe. (n.d.). Simon & Schuster. https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Maia-Kobabe/169808070
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