Gender Explorers by Juno Roche

Gender Explorers Reviews

• 
  Alice Oseman

  Gender Explorers is a compilation of interviews between author Juno Roche and trans children and teenagers at events hosted by UK trans charities Mermaids and Gendered Intelligence. This book is honestly an incredible beacon of trans power and joy. While the interviews don't shy away from the harder aspects of being a trans young person in the UK today, the kids Roche speaks with are living their truths, taking ownership over gender, and being 'gender explorers' in every way. Despite so much transphobic garbage in today's UK media, this book gave me so much hope for the future.
• 
  Coco Day

  an amazing collection of interviews from trans children, teens + adults (plus their parents) that is so eye opening and informative!
  i don’t see many, if any, trans stories in films, tv shows or books so to have so many grouped together in one place is great :))
  i really felt like i learnt a lot and got to know how to be the best ally possible.
  
  only thing i would change is maybe trying a different angle or method of interview as well as the original format just to try and get and even wider range of stories.
  
  4.5/5
• 
  Roomies' Digest

  Everyone needs to read this book!!! Full thoughts on my reading vlog:
  https://youtu.be/t9dZrj0ZK0M
  
  xx
  -Christine
• 
  Bogi Takács

  This was cool and now I have THE EXACT title to recommend instead of Beyond Magenta - I strongly do not recommend Beyond Magenta, but people ask me about it a lot. This has the same concept of interviews with young trans people, but it's done by a trans author, and that really has made ALLLLL the difference when it comes to thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity.
  
  I only wish the book had been longer, because it's really quite short; I would have liked to see some of the interviews go into more detail. But it will go on my list of trans books to habitually recommend.
  
  Thank you to Nicky Drayden, who brought this book to my attention.
  ____
  Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library (who ordered it on my request - thank you!)
• 
  Adara Kirana

  5.0
  
  --
  
  [In Indonesian]
  
  Bagus banget! Diawali dengan pengantar dari Juno Roche dan dilanjutkan dengan sekumpulan interview terutama dengan remaja trans dan orang tua mereka. Walau tetap membahas "sisi gelap" dan tantangan menjadi trans, tapi buku ini juga penuh dengan dukungan, cinta, dan harapan buat masa depan.
  
  Seperti kata salah satu Ibu dalam buku ini: "I do worry about her, about her future, but I hope the world becomes a kinder place. Being a parent of a trans child isn’t a thing. I love her, whatever. I would never change that, whatever is thrown at us."
  
  Buat saya yang cis, buku ini mengajarkan banyak banget hal dan membuat saya lebih memahami bagaimana perasaan dan pengalaman mereka, salah satunya mengenai pronouns yang seringkali masih dianggap sepele.
  
  "Every time someone uses the wrong name or pronoun it hurts, and you want to tell them that it’s not you, they’re not seeing you, but you can’t."
  
  Saya juga salut banget sama keberanian mereka buat menjalani hidup sesuai yang mereka inginkan, tidak tunduk kepada stereotipe masyarakat, berusaha menjadi diri mereka sendiri dan hidup bahagia.
  
  "I believe that children who are questioning and exploring their gender, or simply making gender do what they need it to do in order that they can lead happy, functional and aspirational lives, are the future of this planet. They are the gender explorers and gender bosses that we all so desperately need."
  
  Overall sangat bagus dan masuk rak buku favorit saya! Five stars! :D
  
• 
  Nathaniel

  4.5/5
  
  I was really looking forward to this book and Juno did not disappoint. The wonderful and brave Pansy will stay with me for a long, long time.
  Unlike "Queer Sex". which I also enjoyed immensely, I felt that "Gender Explorers" really honed in on its aim and purpose. The title, premise and structure of the book are clear and fulfilled their promise.
  The book is a set of interviews with young people who take part in trans youth support groups. Something I didn't have access to growing up and, having read the book, like Juno I feel both a sense of happy relief for future generations of trans people who are growing up to be confident, informed and supported at a much earlier stage and a tinge of sadness because I, like many others, didn't have these opportunities to hand. Reading this book has been a very uplifting experience, even if I wasn't able to identify with the very young children, I was and am still in awe of their confidence and inner strength.
  I think this book is going to be a great resource for both young people but also parents in particular. I am very glad that Juno went to the effort of interviewing many parents and seeking out fathers in particular. As much as it is not the parents' decision to make, their support and love is a HUGE game changer for a child and it was very important to have their voices heard in this book. One of the things my mom said she wished for when I began my journey was a support book for parents, not only a guidebook but a book that covered the personal experiences of different kinds of parents. And as a trans adult I found the combined child/parent stories particularly touching and important.
  Juno paces the interviews so that we see both the bright and the darker sides of growing up as a trans person in UK, especially in our current media and cultural climate. Their interviews don't shy away from the difficult themes but also don't push their young interviewees beyond their limits. I would heartily recommend this book for anyone who is trying to learn and understand what it means to be trans of what it means for them to have a trans child/friend/family member.
• 
  Nicola

  Offers so much hope to (young) trans people, and so much insight for cis people with real stories and real emotions (and not about the legitimacy of trans people, or written from a medicalised viewpoint, as often presented in the mainstream media). Even if you think you are knowledgable about the trans/non-binary experience, there’s still much to be gained from these individual narratives. Great resources for those in the UK at the end of the book too.
• 
  Sacha

  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. I’ll post that review upon publication.
  
  Updated 6/25/20
  
  4.5 stars
  
  This is a fantastic collection of interviews completed by trans, gender fluid, and nonbinary children and teens, adults, and - at times - their parents.
  
  In the introduction, Roche discusses personal experiences with identity, feelings of acceptance and being oneself, and both internal and external struggles. The vast majority of the work centers on two groups of interviewees, and Roche is the one to conduct all of the Q&A. Each respondent offers personal insight into their experiences at school, at home, and in the world at large. What's striking is how uncomplicated the respondents' answers are; they're just living their lives. When readers get expressions of angst or more in-depth conversations about pain, acceptance, and ongoing struggle, it always comes from the parents or the adult mentors. I love how clearly delineated these responses are since the overwhelming messaging is that regardless of the external obstacles they face, a person who lives as themselves is going to be happier and more functional in every way than a person who lives by others' expectations of who they are supposed to be. This sounds obvious, but I think the repetition of this pattern and message is one of the strengths of this collection as a whole.
  
  The one space where I would have liked to see more is in the final notes. There are resources listed - which is essential - but some final impressions and reiterations there from Roche to round out the conversation would be ideal.
  
  Overall, this is a compelling collection of insights from generally young gender explorers (as Roche terms the subjects). I'll absolutely be recommending this widely to students and everyone I know: especially, in my case, other folks working in academic spaces where we can impact individuals' feelings of safety and acceptance in more obvious ways.
• 
  Charlie Egon

  Made me feel a lot of things about my own childhood as a kid who did live out their gender identity and gender expression, but never had the words or the community for it. I realise that there's still a lot to unpack for me in terms of my own history with my gender - and that it'll never be easy, but that there is only wonderful things to discover, eventually.
  
  While this book does mention the transphobia and hardships these trans kids, teens and young adults go through, it does have hopeful undertones. It really is a go-to book for parents of trans people and their kids alike! Listening to Juno Roche and to the people they interviewed is simply beautiful.
• 
  Althea

  Such an important book that I wish I could give to everybody to read! There was so much hope and so much love in this book and I felt myself tearing up on multiple occasions!
  
  Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-ARC copy in return for an honest review!
• 
  Michelle

  I don't often read non-fiction but this one has been on my radar for a while, and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. It has given me a lot to think about in two main ways.
  
  As an educator it's sometimes easy to forget the importance of creating an open and inclusive environment in our classrooms with everything else we have going on. But this book reminds us of the importance of providing a safe space for trans, non-binary and fluid children as it can have such a massive impact on their wellbeing and experience of education.
  
  As someone who has always struggled to accept the cis-gendered society we have imposed on us, and has struggled to understand their own gender identity, this book has given me hope for the future. One where you can be your authentic self regardless of how you identify, and be safe and happy. There is still a long way to go but this book has shown me we are on the right track.
• 
  Karolyn Hogg

  A perfect compilation of interviews between author Juno Roche and trans children and teens, as well as their parents. It’s truly hard to imagine someone could read this and still spout off ignorant & hateful transphobic speech. One interviewee said “I feel like I have to lead a double life: one where I hide and one when I’m happy and open” —how tragic to be so young and feel this. Such an important read! Highly recommend.
• 
  queerpoetssociety_

  4.75*
  
  Unfiltered notes that have been typed vigorously in the Notes app of my phone on an airplane and on a work desk:
  
  - juno roche asks one common question to every kid: "when/where do you feel happiest?"
  - she also asks them in always every interview: "what are your pronouns?" 🙌
  - there are instances where parents of kids who are interviewed have been transphobic/have still not "recovered emotionally" which covers a different range of experiences, not all possible, rather a realistic glimpse into the trans experience.
  - "don't be your child's first bully if they tell you" tell this to every parent ever.
  - "youtube was my resource." every queer person ever.
  - "you don't have to be dysphoric to be trans."
  - a trans kid who doesn't usually read picked up a chunky book at a bookstore and their mother didn't question it at the time but when she was cleaning their room, they read the back and saw it was a story about a trans person's journey and their coming out. THIS IS LITERALLY ME.
  - when people misgender you, it's like they're being rude to you even though they don't know your pronouns
  - being under the rainbow is like being with a family you know will always be there for you.
  - "the stuff that makes me happy makes the world mad."
  - "it wasn't bravery. it just made me happy."
  - "what would you say to people who want to take away your identity and lock you away in a shelf?"-"please don't! i can't be happy if i am not being me. simple."
  
  Thank you, Isaac, my bookish aroace king 💜🖤🤍💚
• 
  Carlin

  Loved all of Juno's previous books and this one was no exception. Through a series of interviews, Juno allows and encourages young trans people and their parents to tell their stories in their own words. What struck me was that, although many of these young people have experienced prejudice and transphobia to varying degrees, they all display a sense of hope for the future, as well as an impressive level of self-awareness.
  
  The final interview is an imaginary conversation between Juno and their eight-year-old self, who came out at school as 'Pansy' and was then 'forced back into a closet by a world not ready for a trans kid to be happy'. Sadly there are forces at play in today's world which would deny trans kids their happiness and even their autonomy, but it is heartening to read the stories of love and acceptance shown to these young people by their families. In the introduction, the author states that 'in fifty or a hundred years' time, gender expectations, stereotypes and fixed gender positions will be utterly unrecognisable if only we support these children to be themselves.' This may be a bold statement, but by offering this support we can all contribute to building a future where gender diversity is accepted and embraced.
• 
  Jen (Better Off Read)

  This collection of interviews with trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming kids and young adults and their parents and caretakers is moving and insightful. Roche does a good job of asking thoughtful questions without leading. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to understand the experience of a gender expansive childhood. Highly recommend!
• 
  Lena R

  This book definitely addressed topics that needed to be addressed, and it wasn't that the book wasn't good, it just wasn't my kind of book. It's all basically written out interviews and I just barely got through it but if you don't mind the format, I would highly recommend it.
• 
  Kate

  An uplifting read that was informative and respectful. I'm not trans myself but my sibling is trans and although it might not have been the resolution for them when they were younger it is certainly the case that many behaviours were similar. I wish for their sake that the world had been more open at that time in their life so they could have explored other routes. I will certainly bear this in mind if I ever become a mother - the importance of a supportive family is crucial as this book makes very clear. If you have any doubts about hormone blockers or "phases" I urge you to read this book, put yourself in the shoes of these children and teens and dare you to take away their chances of happiness.
• 
  Marilyn

  First audio book for 2022
  
  Loved the realism of the interviews, trans interviewer with trans child and parent/s. The frequent use of the word “happy” to describe post coming out though seems to over simplify and diminish the extent and difficulty of the end to end process. I guess the book is intended to provide a positive perspective, to help others when making their difficult choices.
  
  The interviews include children from age 5 through to late teens, as well as several adult trans. The overwhelming perspective is just how strong willed and determined, not to mention how extroverted most of them are.
  
  Insightful, though too simplistic.
  
  “On the darkest days you need to get rid of the nay-sayers and surround yourself with those who support you.”
  
  
• 
  Elisabeth

  Interviews with trans children and adolescents which so well illustrates how valid this sexuality is, as every single person interviewed described it as finally being themselves, when people address them with their chosen pronouns. Short, and such a well written piece including lots of advice for parents and children who find themselves in a situation where they don't feel right in their assigned gender.
• 
  Natalija O'Connell

  Wow. What powerful interviews about individuals and their journeys with gender. I always thought I was educated about how to support transgender, non-binary or gender fluid individuals but to hear first hand what they want from their friends, family and greater community is so uplifting and I'm feeling better equipped to empathise, understand, support and stand up for anyone at any age going through any kind of transition
• 
  Laura

  Absolutely fantastic book should be a must read. Would be a fantastic insight for anyone that doesn’t understand anything but being cis. Such brave youngsters sharing their stories and empowering the further generation
• 
  Kyle

  Gender Explorers is a collection if interviews between the author and trans youths, as well as with their parents.
  
  This is clever, uplifting and also Heart breaking book that gives a glimpse into the lives of trans youths and their families.
  
  A brilliant book that will stay with me
• 
  Hanna

  Beautiful - would recommend to everyone and easily best read so far this year. The courage and empathy of the children interviewed (despite, in some cases horrific experiences) is inspiring and moved me to tears.
• 
  Faran

  Trigger Warning: some retelling of situations of transphobia related bullying. Minor* retelling and not graphic*, although I highlight, as minor and graphic are not defined the same by everyone.
  
  
  5 star! A great quick book of transcripted interviews between the author (transgender) and young gender explorers (and some of their parents).
  
  “This is what we need to see! Not people talking about trans kids, but people talking to them and their families.” - Narrator (also transgender).
  
  I particularly liked the way the author finished the book with a fictional transcript between their adult self and their child self. Quite creative!
  
• 
  Craig Maxwell

  This was a good read - I wish it was longer and more in-depth. I felt like the interviews were quite similar in terms of experiences - a wider range would have been more interesting to read.
  
  I enjoyed how it focused on the next generation and how they are navigating their genders. I just wanted more - and I wanted to learn more.
• 
  Ramón

  Un excelente libro para saber más de la comunidad trans / no binario / género fluido 🔅
• 
  Mar

  A collection of interviews with young trans people and their families. Hopeful and moving, a much needed antidote to all the negativity and scaremongering about this, that brings the child or young person back into focus as the priority and the human lives impacted by that media shitstorm.
• 
  Gee

  I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  In this present time when trans children are seen as a debate and their rights to healthcare, sports, bathrooms, and simply existing are constantly under attack, on both sides of the Atlantic... how refreshing it is to have a book where trans children just simply are. This book isn’t a polemic, it’s simply a positive space where they can speak for themselves.
  
  The heart of this book is interviews with children from across the trans spectrum, from the very young to older teens. They have many different experiences, many different perspectives of their gender, and many different levels of support. Through asking simple questions like “If you could have a superpower what would it be?” and “What do you want to do when you leave school?” Juno Roche manages to capture a wonderfully wide range of viewpoints.
  
  As well as the interviews, the author reflects on their own experiences and their attempts to come out as their feminine self “Pansy” as a child in the 1970s, and ends the book with an imagine interview with Pansy. It’s a nice reflection on what many trans readers, myself included, take away from many of the interviews: what if we had had the support and resources that many trans children have now, when we were children? I’m glad Roche leans into, rather than shies away from, that sense of wistful envy many of us have towards trans children today, as difficult as they may have it.
  
  I think this book can be a worthwhile read for a whole range of people who will each get something out of it. Read it if you’ve never encountered a trans child and aren’t entirely sure what to make of the whole thing. Read it if you’re a trans child yourself. Read it if you’re a parent whose child is telling you they’re trans. Read it if you’re a trans adult. I definitely foresee this becoming one of the books I recommend first to people who want to read their first trans books.
• 
  Madeline

  My 16th Queer read of 2022!
  
  It was nice to have gender front and centre in this book. So often, the LGBTIQ+ books I've read this year focus on sexuality. It was both heartbreaking and enlightening to hear from transgender youth; hearing how they feel and what they need from the adults around them.
  
  I have no issue with the topics or experiences discussed, however, the formatting made the content a little clinical and dry.