LitPick Review
Beyond Magenta is a compilation of life stories told through the eyes of six transgender teens. One teen, Jessy, was born a girl, but realized at a young age that he was not comfortable with his gender. Another teen prefers not to identify with one specific gender. Each of the six teens shares their backstory, their journey to become their "true self," and the struggles they have had to face on the way.
Throughout the book, the reader is given insight into the difference between gender identity and sexual preference, and the trials faced by transgender teens today.
Opinion:
The transgender community is a topic very relevant in today's schools and political scene. Students are faced with the question of how they should treat transgender peers, and the national conversation on the legal and moral status of transgendered citizens is ongoing.
Beyond Magenta gives voice to transgendered teens, and allows readers to see their side of the story. By sharing their personal stories and struggles, the teens have made their thoughts and feelings accessible to the average person.
I am glad that I was able to read the stories contained in this book. I started reading with no intense opinion about the LGBTQ community, and left still not having an opinion. I did leave the book, however, with a deeper understanding of the community, and feel much more prepared to have intelligent discussions about the LGBTQ community in the future.
I would recommend Beyond Magenta for mature teens interested in broadening their perspectives on the transgender community.
