Hey there!
I know you’ve been waiting for the next Pride Month newsletter, expecting me to show you some cool boys' love manga this week. But you’re wrong! This week will be dedicated to everything that falls under the umbrella term ‘trans’. I've collected some good picks where the stories actually focus on identifying as trans (or non-binary). This topic is still underrepresented in my eyes. Trans characters often appear in the background of stories, and you might not realize some characters are trans unless you’re paying close attention. Buckle up for some introspection on this topic and recommendations included in this week’s collection with unexpected trans representation! Remember, the ‘T’ in manga stands for trans!
Boys Run The Riot
My first recommendation this week is Boys Run the Riot, a four-volume series that tells the story of Ryo, our main character who was assigned female at birth but then came out as transgender.
He struggles with people questioning his gender identity and the way he dresses because, to the outside world, it seems ‘wrong’.
What I really like about this story is that it focuses on expressing feelings through art and fashion. Don't get me wrong; I love a well-written sad story. However, especially with the heavier topics discussed here, I appreciate the change of pace. The way we dress says so much more about us than just our gender identity, and I think this story hits the nail on the head in that regard.
On a cry-o-meter, this series is by far the one where I cried the least. Overall, it's a good pick if you're interested in fashion (or graffiti/art) and want to learn more about what it's like to be transgender without being overwhelmed by tears while reading.
Boys Run The Riot 1
€9,75
€12,99
A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire… read more
Also: don’t forget to check out Daniel’s latest piece on Boys Run The Riot — it’s a thoughtful deep dive into the story’s themes of identity, fashion, and why authentic representation matters.
Until I Love Myself
This is a very emotional and blunt autobiographical story told by Poppy Pesuyama. It’s a short read collected in two volumes, so it's a small commitment.
Poppy identifies as non-binary, which falls under the transgender umbrella term. The story touches on gender dysphoria, which is most commonly experienced by people who identify as transgender, as well as the trauma of sexual harassment. If you want to switch perspectives this month, I’d definitely recommend this as a must-read.
You can see the world from the perspective of a non-binary person and how your actions impact the lives of others, for better or worse. It also shows how tough it can be to stand up for yourself, even when you’re technically in the right.
Until I Love Myself GN Vol 01
€11,69
€12,99
Still reeling from being born into a body they hate, Pesuyama confronts their past, their friends, and even their mother as they try to come to terms with who they are and what they experienced. For older teen audiences.… read more
HOT TIP 🔥 - I Wanna Be Your Girl
Unfortunately, this one is being released at the beginning of July, so it just missed the opportunity to be part of Pride Month.
Nevertheless, this manga series is one of the most honest portrayals of what it's like to grow up transgender that I’ve read. The two main characters struggle with their gender identities while navigating the boundaries between friendship and romantic feelings. The story took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It reminds me of Skip and Loafer in some ways, but the focal point of this story is the struggle with gender identity.
If you like stories centered around high school and friendships, I highly recommend checking this one out! (We will stock it in early July, so keep an eye out for this one.)
This is a sale, too!
We're offering a 20% discount on this week's collection.
But only until June 22nd! The discount will be automatically applied when you add books to your cart. You'll also find our recommendations there. So, what are you waiting for?
