Celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility: Stories That Empower and Inspire

Every year on March 31, TPL celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility. This day is a celebration of trans people everywhere, highlighting trans achievements and fostering positive visibility. It is also a time to advocate for Two-Spirit, non-binary and trans rights, and raise up their voices. We are proud to stand behind intellectual freedom and ensure trans stories are represented and reflected in our collections and programming.

Visibility is necessary for social transformation. When trans and non-binary voices shine bright, they help to clear up misconceptions and foster acceptance. Books by trans authors allow trans people to feel seen and understood, and allow cisgender people to see and understand them. Reading these stories can be healing, cathartic, joyful, informational, affirming and eye-opening. They can also build empathy and open new questions about one's own self and the world.

Visibility and understanding is more crucial than ever with rising attacks on trans rights globally. Restrictive laws now target gender-affirming care, while book bans aim to erase 2SLGBTQ+ narratives. Trans communities face a storm of challenges, demanding our attention and action. We affirm our commitment to including trans voices in our collections and resisting censorship of these important stories.

To honour this day, we’ve created a special booklist featuring works by trans authors and narratives that centre trans experiences. These books showcase the resilience and joy of trans lives, serving as both acts of defiance and celebrations of existence. More than just stories, they are proof that trans people have always been here and will continue to tell their truths.

Select the options below to jump to a specific section, or keep scrolling to discover all the titles chosen by our staff. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility!

Recommended Children's Titles

A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff

After coming out as trans, fourteen-year-old A is forced to attend weekly Save Our Sons and Daughters meetings, where he uncovers the terrifying truth that the group is run by a demon feeding on their pain and is part of a larger, darker force preying on the world's vulnerable.

Becoming Who We Are: Real Stories About Growing Up Trans edited by Sammy Lisel and Hazel Newlevant

This graphic novel spotlights stories by members of the trans community, sharing their childhoods, dreams and the paths they took to achieve them—featuring musicians, actors, teachers, scientists, forest rangers and activists.

A Kids Book About: Being Transgender by Gia Parr

Gender is uniquely beautiful, and each person's experience is individual to them. This book is an introduction for people who want to explore what it means to be trans, and helps start discussions about trans identities with kids aged 5-9. Found in our paren'ting collection.

Making the Moment by Diva Newbold

A 10-year-old femme queen (trans girl) makes her debut in ballroom. Moving through the community preparing to compete, she meets friends and house members who give her advice, support, tokens and the confidence to walk the runway. Advanced picture book.

True You: A Gender Journey by Gwen Agna

There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities. Found in our paren'ting collection.

Calvin by JR Ford

A trans boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time in this sweet, affirming picture book showing an ideal world embracing Calvin’s identity and his new name.

Recommended Teen Titles

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa

Mar is open about his gender, but not his magical abilities. To defeat el Diablo in a no-win scenario, he’ll have to trust a demon and embrace his full self—magic and all.

Girlmode by Magdalene Vissagio

At a new school and eager to try out her new look, Phoebe falls into the orbit of It-girl Mackenzie, who sees her lack of experience and takes Phoebe under her wing.

Homebody by Theo Parish

Theo is trying to figure out where their identity lies within the binary rules of high school and how to express it in this graphic memoir about finding your true self.

Breathe: Journeys To Healthy Binding by Maia Kobabe and Sarah Peitzmeier, PhD

Short personal narratives and evidence-based, medically-sound information if choosing to safely practice chest-binding as a form of gender-affirming care.

Middle Distance by Mylo Choy

As Mylo’s love of running pushes them to grow, the time alone also gives them space to contemplate their identity, healing, hopes and self-care in this graphic memoir.

Recommended Adult Titles

Making Love with The Land by Joshua Whitehead

Joshua Whitehead explores the intimate connections between body, land and language through a variety of genres.

Horse Barbie: A Memoir by Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero explores her journey as a trans woman, from her childhood in the Philippines as a beauty pageant queen to her career as a successful model in the United States.

Woodworking by Emily St. James

Erica Skyberg is a thirty-five year old, recently-divorced high school teacher. She begins her journey of coming out as trans, forming an unlikely and transformative friendship with a student.

Some Strange Music Draws Me In by Griffin Hansbury

Alternating between 1984 and 2019, this coming-of-age story captures trans awakening and reflects on society's views on gender and identity.

Dear Senthuran by Akwaeke Emezi

Akwaeke Emezi chronicles their journey as a non-binary writer and spirit-being through letters with family, friends and lovers.

The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor

Kit McNair was reborn after a near-fatal drowning in childhood. They navigate identity and love as the approach of World War II begins to affect their farming community.