Family roles can feel like they are set in stone. For many of us, returning to our families of origin catapults us back in time. We’re once again the responsible one or the flaky one or the trouble maker.
Gender roles can also feel inflexible. There are still many expectations about how we’ll dress, behave and speak. While there have been some shifts, there is still a long way for us to (hopefully!) progress in the future.
In other words, families—and social roles—are complicated. And making changes to our identity and the roles we play—mother, father, daughter, son—adds another layer of complexity.
To explore the lives of some individuals with gender variant identities or some of the assumptions made around gender and identity, check out the titles below. You may also enjoy the Read Proud booklists or the Staff Picks featured on our LGBTQIA+ services page.
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The inspiring true story of transgender actor and activist Nicole Maines, whose identical twin brother, Jonas, and ordinary American family join her on an extraordinary journey to understand, nurture, and celebrate the uniqueness in us all. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
In this poignant and urgent love letter to his son, award-winning Broadway, TV and film producer Richie Jackson reflects on his experiences as a gay man in America and the progress and setbacks of the LGBTQ community over the last 50 years. When Jackson’s son born through surrogacy came out to him at age 15, the successful producer, now in his 50s, was compelled to reflect on his experiences and share his wisdom on life for LGBTQ Americans over the past half-century. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Lori Duron shares her experiences in raising her gender nonconforming child. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
The story of Ryland, the Whittington’s transgender son who was deaf and received cochlear implants then began to speak at age four. Once Ryland was able to speak, Ryland insisted that he was a boy and his parents supported him. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.
At age 15 Alex Cooper told her parents she was gay and what followed was a horrible experience of being held captive in a “therapeutic” boot camp. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eBook on Hoopla or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Boylan presents her trans experience and the physical and mental changes she went through during her transition from male to female. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
The story of a father who transitioned into a mother and the changes in parenting that happened along the way. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
An examination of some common myths and misconceptions about the transgender and gender non-conforming population. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.