A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities is a fabulous comic for all ages that both introduces and expands knowledge of LGBTQ+ identities.

Whether you are queer or trans yourself, you have friends, family, colleagues, peers who are, you're questioning, or you just feel the need to expand your knowledge, this book offers a great knowledge base in an accessible way. It goes over different sexualities and genders, what different terms mean, advice for relationships and coming out, and more. The art style is cute, pastel, and lively in a way that makes it accessible to children, but leaves it open for all ages to enjoy. It doesn't feel watered down, it's straightforward and helpful. It is generous in information and style for all knowledge levels.

If you want a place to start for yourself, for someone you know who may be questioning their own identity, or someone you know who just isn't able to get the hang of what these identities mean, this is the book to go for. It's short, so it couldn't cover everything, but it packs a lot into a small space and serves as a great starting point for all.

I'm going to start out this little review by saying that if you are, or you have anyone in your life that identifies as queer/trans or anywhere on the LGBTQIA+ and gender spectrums, this little guidebook is your friend. If you want to become more educated in this area, like I did when I first picked this up, just know that you'll find a little dash of something that you need - and a whole lot more you probably didn't consider.

Cute artwork as a means of storytelling aside, I believe this book is essential for people of all ages - from those beginning to learn about sex and sexuality, those suffering from gender dysphoria, and even those who may not have been as supportive to someone as they could have been when they came out. While I obviously can't speak for the representation and educational background of every gender and sexuality discussed, I found a lot of answers to questions I'd never dared ask - either out of fear of seeming stupid, or of making someone uncomfortable.

This handy wee book speaks simply, in a way that's easy to understand, and is backed up with metaphors and dialogue by the sweetest little drawings throughout. Not only does it teach the definition of each sexuality and gender, and explain the fluidity of each, but it deals with a lot of (sadly, realistically) tough topics. Coming out, as the book points out, isn't always the exciting milestone in a lot of people's lives. In fact, there are many in too much danger, or surrounded by those least likely to lend their support, and therefore coming out isn't an option at all. This book deals with weighing the pros and cons of coming out, ensuring the reader has considered every possible avenue before they're free of their secret - and also mentions the dangers and disrespect of outing others. Such delicate topics were handled firmly, and in a manner that can't be overlooked or argued with.

What surprised me about this book was the addition of relationship advice. In my experience, speaking out about gaslighting, controlling, stalking, and breaking up are rarely spoken about so openly. This book deals with each of these, and ensures the reader is aware of dangerous signs from their friends or partners - but also to remember to look inward if they recognise any of these symptoms of toxicity in themselves. Truly, the message this book is sending out is that everyone deserves to live their best lives, and it's important to educate yourself and allow people to become their true selves.. Once we educate ourselves, and intend to treat others how we, ourselves, want to be treated, the world will be a better place.

Overall, I found this to be an invaluable read. Although I was aware of much of the content before diving into this book, I still stood to gain more insight into the lives of others, and I'm sure most who pick this up will, too. This book will be released on the 23rd of April this year, and if you want something short, sweet (have you seen those cute little snails?!), and educational, I recommend you check this out.

A wonderful way to explore and explain queer and trans identities. Would recommend for someone unfamiliar with the terminology and identities as a whole, and those exploring them themselves.

Attractive and cute illustrations!
Would recommend to any pre-teens and teens looking for answers and support :)

This is a book I wish I could've handed to a younger version of myself. In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel queer identities of all varieties are explored by our narrator, a snail. It is clear that this book was made to be accessible to younger readers, but I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about identities beyond their own, those trying to figure out what identity suits them, and allies trying to educate themselves.

Other reviewers have critiqued the fact that a book geared towards younger readers includes a section on relationship basics, but it was a touch that I actually loved. If you are closeted or struggling with your identity, there may never be an opportunity for you to learn about what the basis of a healthy relationship is or signs of a partner that may be controlling and/or manipulative. I think there is little harm in the way this was approached- emphasizing self love and open communication.

It is clear that the authors aimed to make this an accessible, inclusive read and I can wholeheartedly say they succeeded.

I received my copy of A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities from Oni Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a brilliant book that takes an in-depth look at the broad spectrum of queer and trans identities, and what that means to LGBTQ+ people themselves, along with allies. I think this book should be in every school library, and it would be a superb tool for teachers and parents alike. The author manages to deal with complex issues in an accessible way that makes the book an easy read, whilst still covering important topics in a way that is meaningful.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel receives 3/5 stars. Overall, I mostly enjoyed reading this graphic novel. Although I am already a part of the LGBT community I did find this graphic novel to be informative. I especially found the section on asexuality to be insightful. I think the way that this graphic novel is formatted would be useful to someone outside of the LGBT community to gain further perspective and understand key terms as it was easy to follow along with the sections. I also like that this is in graphic novel form, as it allows for a reader to set the pace of how they read this book. I was able to read through this in under an hour the first time, however, if I was to go back and read this graphic novel again, I would appreciate that I would be able to dip into key sections that I wanted to at the time.

There are a few things that I am confused about and did not enjoy as much. The main aspect of this being the section about relationships which I do not feel is appropriate as this book was meant to be a guide on queer and trans identities. While I agree that it is important to highlight red flags in relationships, I feel that this message is somewhat out of place in this graphic novel. I am also a bit confused about what the age demographic of this graphic novel is meant to be. In my opinion, the information provided in this graphic novel does not equate to the illustrations. What I mean by this is that the illustrations are a bit childlike and I do not feel the age demographics line up with one another. I feel this graphic novel would have been better if the information was entirely presented by the people around the campfire as it would feel more connected compared to the snails and other figures that were involved.

*I received an ARC of this comic via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free comic that I enjoyed a lot.*

This "Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities" reminded me of "Queer - a graphic history" (Barker & Scheele), yet it takes a less scholarly approach to the diverse topic. The drawings are pinkish and blueish, sometimes a bit over the top, but I liked it.

The guide is meant to be read by both allies and persons seeking to learn more about their identities and/or find terms that fit their own gender expression. Best quote: "Do not put yourself in another box - you have just come out of one."

Topics covered: queer(ness), trans, bi, pan, homo, hetero, cis, asexual/ARO/ACE, coming out, healthy relationsships, self-care, self-love, relationship basics, dysphoria, gender expression, assigned sex/gender, stereotypes, different ways of dressing oneself, and many more!

Parts of the comic are narrated from the point of view of snails (I'm serious) learning more about humans and their gender expressions. Really cute and interesting! The other part deals with "Sproutlings", a genderneutral species living in a forest.

While I enjoyed the snail-part of the comic, I did not particularly enjoy the "Sproutlings" part, yet I am not really sure why because the message was quite sweet. But see for yourself!

I think that this book is a well designed, easy-going and fun introduction into quite the serious topic. 4 Stars!

Honestly, I can't give a 100% good review because this book talks mostly about being trans, which I am not. However, there is a whole chapter dedicated to asexual people, which I am. So I can honestly say that that specific chapter is great and perfectly explains what asexuality is and the differences. I definitely recommend people read this because the art is amazing as well!

This book has a lot of important and relevant information in it and the illustrations are great! At first I thought the stuff about relationships seemed out of place in a book about identities, but actually it was helpful to be reminded of what toxic relationships look like and how to make sure your relationships are healthy. I already knew most of the stuff from this book but it would be a good resource for anyone who is questioning their identity, or friends and family members who want to learn more if a loved one has recently come out.

**Full blog review to come closer to the publication date on my blog (https://bookishr.wordpress.com) on APR 23rd**

When I saw this book, I was immediately tempted to request it. I love comics and I really like learning about perspectives that are not my own. As a straight cisgender female reader, I've been getting more interested in the experiences of transgender and queer people. And I definitely got to learn more and consolidate some of the knowledge I already had after reading this book!

The first thing I really liked was the introduction. I think it frames the work really well and I especially liked how inclusive it was. By admitting that there are different experiences and that monolithic approaches are wrong, the authors added a lot of depth to this guide.

I also really, really liked the illustrations. They were so adorable! Pink is one of my favorite colors, so it's no shocker that I think the palette used was fantastic. The blue "sproutling" passages were also very interesting and beautifully drawn. The blue/pink contrast worked great! Not to mention that all the details drawn look perfect on the page...

I could never review this book and not mention how valuable the input is. The structure works great. The fact that each chapter approaches a different identity was awesome, in my opinion. It made the information easy to digest, not overwhelming at all, and gives readers time to reflect on what they've just read before they move on to the next concept.

Introducing us to the snails was, too, a great move, as was introducing us to the sproutlings. I think this frames what can feel like very abstract and out-of-this-planet concepts to people who are not familiar with them in a tangible manner.

That said, I was very confused throughout the comic as to what age this is aimed at. While it is clear that you don't need to know much about sexual attraction and identity to get into it, I cannot pinpoint what age group of readers I would recommend this to. On one hand, the language used and the analogies employed work great on children (pre-teens), but seem a little infantilizing to adults and even young adults. On the other, the words that were chosen and the structuring of some sentences does not seem too appropriate for children that young and would be better suited for adults... But I also think that some of these chapters (especially the one about how to be in a relationship) can be directed at both children and adults, but more so at young people, since it might be stuff they don't know about yet nor have the experience to grasp on their own.

In the end, I am giving this three starts (maybe an extra half star) because although I loved the artwork and how informative and accessible the information was, I was extremely confused about who the writer had in mind when writing this book. It even made me feel super disconnected with the writing since I felt infantilized in the way the author seemed to be putting the concepts into simplistic metaphors.

** Thank you to the publisher who gave me a review copy in exchange for an unbiased and truthful review **

This was so clear and so charming. The art was lovely, and each section was very understandable and well-explained. My only complaint was that the narration was sometimes a bit wobbly, they jumped from one section or narrator to another somewhat abruptly.

It seems to be an interesting book, but was impossible to read as the Kindle copy I received from NetGalley was in two parts, and the pages jumbled. It’s a pity because it seems very promising. I’m going to have to buy a copy when it’s out, I suppose.

Iggy the Snail takes us through a beautiful journey answering the most popular questions about the LGBTQ community. It is beautifully illustrated and very well-written. I highly recommend this quick and easy guide for those wanting to educate themselves on this community, or for anyone in this community that may need guidance.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

With beautifully colourful and amazing art, as well as a important message, we have A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities.

Mady G and J.R. Zuckerberg brings us a nice book with little stories and well as a look on the Queer and Trans Identities so that people on the beginning of finding itself, or just wanting to start understanding it can find it in a easy way. It follows a snail teaching others about sexuality, the queer and trans communities, the basic stuff, in a fun and colourful way so that it's less likely to make one drop the book like it if was the same but without the youthfulness and creativity of them.

As someone that has friends on the community and is always glad to learn a bit more, it was a easy and fun read, very smooth and educative! Really something I think we can have in our bookshelves to loan out to someone in need of this words.

I would really like to thank Netgalley and Limerence Press for the chance of reading this book!

"A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities" can basically be summed up by its title. Short, simple and to the point of the variety of sexualities and gender identities. I think this would be a perfect present for people who might still be "in the closet" or for those who are struggling with their own identity. It can be difficult to know what label a person should use since there are so many out there but this graphic novel does a good job outlining all different kinds of identities and orientation. I also learned about the phrase "in the closet" and where it originated from so it was interesting to learn something new (since I am not straight, I automatically thought I would not gain anything from this graphic work. I also thought the illustrations were fun and cute and I thought the different kind of species added a nice touch. My one complaint that I have is that my digital copy was kind of messy. I am not actually sure if it's supposed to be the finished product, but the pages didn't seem to be in order so that part kind of hindered my reading experience

This book is a necessary addition to any high school library. Although at times I felt it was a little unnecessarily out there with the snails, it overall provided a simple, direct, and enjoyable approach to issues so many students (and staff!) are unfamiliar with. The illustrations were beautiful and the content was well written.

This was a very colorful book that explained a lot of terms and what they meant. It tracks snails as they learn about human sexuality with some random animal comic thrown in. Overall it didn't give me much more information that I already knew; it doesn't get very deep and doesn't go much past titles other than with asexuality. I think this would be fun and educational for terms but not for truly understand the ideas and seeing the humanity that goes with those ideas.

This was adorable and engaging without being preachy. The drawings were supercute - I don't even like snails usually (although perfect choice of creature for the subject matter due to them being hermaphroditic and asexual as well as sexual!) I knew a lot of the material covered but I learned some new stuff as well. Very well done.

This is informative, quirky and fun. It's a clever way to inform about gender and sexual identities. I also love the illustrations, the colors, the characters and all of it. The way it's structured, with clear questions and a new chapter for every subject is also good. Love how it's honest and very careful to assure that every bit of the spectrum and everything around it is perfectly normal and the most important thing is to love yourself.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

/ Denise