A review by cerynjq
Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

1.0

While the idea of the book was endearing, the actual book itself lacked diversity. 4 of the 6 stories featured individuals who identify within binary trans identities (MTF and FTM, respectively), whereas only 2 stories followed ndividuals who identify outside of the binary (nonbinary/gender-neutral/genderqueer). Additionally, all but one focused on kids in New York; the exception was an individual from Wisconsin. In many spots the interviews lacked clarity; were poorly structured and explained; and all were largely influenced by the author's cis privilege.

As a queer person, I got almost nothing from this book. I appreciate the interviewed individuals having been given a chance to share their stories, but the way in which it was navigated was sorely disappointing. LGBTQ+ youth on social media and internet sites have shared their stories more effectively than did this nearly-200-page book. Quite frankly, these 6 individuals deserve a much better platform than the one this book granted them.