Member Review

Ye gods, what wouldn't I have given to read this book when I was a teen.

I grew up in the rural far north of England, very much pre-internet. While I knew I was different, I didn't know why. I lacked the language, the concepts even, to put this difference in words. This led to me spending far too many years not knowing who I am or where I fit into the LGBTQ spectrum.

It's never going to be easy coming to terms with yourself but at least the internet is there to hopefully show you that you're not alone. It may give you the language to describe yourself. It may direct you to resources like this book. Above all, it should puncture that feeling of being different, weird, or a freak.

Does that mean a book like 'Your gender book' is redundant? Far from it. Even if you can determine your label, or make a few online friends, that doesn't necessarily translate into an easier, more-fulfilling queer life,

Ben Pechey uses a chatty, straightforward style to explore all kinds of topics - some heavy, some not, all directed at giving the reader the tools, the confidence, to be themselves. No abracadabra revelations are promised. Instead, Pechey goes out of their way to emphasise that self-discovery and self-acceptance happen at whatever pace the reader determines. They also use quotes throughout the book from an impressive array of queer icons which are intended to inspire, reassure, and validate.

This sort of book - honest, kind, accepting - is needed more than ever. Gender-critical voices spread falsehoods. Queer-inclusive sex and relationship education is threatened. Those who aren't cis or otherwise conforming are made to feel less human. This book, and others, are part of the fightback.