From laser hair removal and coming out to her parents, through to dating, voice training and gender reassignment surgery, this intimate and witty graphic novel follows the character of Lily as she transitions to living as her true, female self. Providing support and guidance on a range of issues such as hormones, medical procedures and relationships, the story traces the everyday thoughts, emotions and struggles many trans and non-binary people face and seeks to empower those who are starting to question their gender as well as promoting wider discussion about the complexities of gender and identity. Based on the author’s own experiences as a trans woman, this honest and powerful work is a testament to being who you are and a celebration of gender diversity.
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Reviews
Sabrina Symington's First Year Out is a gorgeous graphic novel about the main character, Lily's, experiences through her transition. It's a warm and moving story, beautifully illustrated, that will resonate with many people. I loved the inclusion of a diverse cast of characters who experienced their gender in different ways, as well as the focus on Lily in particular. It was good to see Lily and her friends answering some of the questions trans people hear a lot, in ways that should be accessible to anyone. This would be a useful book for parents, partners, friends, and colleagues of trans people to read to gain a better understanding. I expect that First Year Out will end up being a good friend to many trans people embarking on their own journeys.
I laughed and I cried. I personally identified with many of the situations ... This is not only a great guide for transgender people, but for allies as well.
Sabrina Symington's work is beautiful but she isn't afraid to show the ugly side of transition too, making this a story all trans girls can relate to.
Lily's clear explanations of how she tucks in her pre-op genitals or how she copes with dysphoria and dysmorphia, her mother's realisation that her unconscious bias sounds like Transgender Exclusionary Radical Feminism (TERF), and the stories of other transitioning women whose appearance will never reach the delicacy they feel is authentic, inspire great empathy and visceral emotion.
Much of this is due to the art, which is vibrant in style and colour.
This intimate and witty book is a testament to being who you are and a celebration of gender diversity.
Aside from being a profoundly moving story, First Year Out is a valuable text because it answers questions about the process of transition that both trans people first coming to terms with their own identity and the friends and families of trans women may have...You should read this book.