Reading Recap: What I Read for the 2025 Trans Rights Readathon

Two years ago, I participated in the inaugural Trans Rights Readathon and wrote about it. I pointed out the significant and alarming increase in anti-trans rhetoric and legislation; sitting here in 2025, that almost seems quaint. The second Trump administration is actively trying to erase the existence of trans folks and spreading disinformation aggressively with the goal of making Americans fear and hate trans people.

Trans people have always existed and always will. Trans rights are human rights. Full stop.

The Trans Rights Readathon is one small way to show support to trans folks. The goal is to read and uplift trans voices over the course of an 11 day readathon, participating in mutual aid, donating to organizations protecting trans folks, and speaking out against anti-trans legislation and hateful rhetoric along the way. Of course, these are all worth doing year-round, not just during the readathon. This year’s readathon ran from March 21-31, culminating with Trans Day of Visibility. Trans Day of Visibility is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of transgender and gender-expansive folks, honor the trans people who paved the way throughout history, and highlight the work that remains to be done to combat discrimination and violence. 

As the organizers of the readathon said in a recent Instagram post, “This event is proof that resistance can be joyful, uplifting, and celebratory. It can be kind and upbeat… but it HAS to be sustained.” So let’s keep learning, reading, caring, and doing. You can get inspired with some action items on the readathon website. Listen, help others, donate, call your reps–whatever way you like to help, lean into it and keep going. Even checking trans books out of the library helps; it shows that there is demand for books like these!

If you’re feeling inspired to read more stories beyond the binary, here’s what I read for the 2025 Trans Rights Readathon:

1) Homebody by Theo Parish

This sweet graphic memoir feels like a warm hug. The author frequently returns to the theme of coming home to yourself and illustrates it with people as little houses with legs walking around and decorating themselves in fun, unique ways. A quick and enjoyable read; it’s a great entry point for someone unfamiliar with nonbinary identity. 

2) Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

In this graphic novel, we follow the story of Nayra, a young girl who is bullied relentlessly by Islamophobic classmates during Ramadan. She’s also struggling with her relationship with her family and going through a rocky patch with her best friend. When a djinn from another world comes to help Nayra, they’re able to help each other in flawed but well-intentioned ways. 

3) Lunar Boy by Jess and Cin Wibowo

Set in a futuristic, utopian society, this sweet graphic novel is ideal for younger readers. It does a wonderful job showing that trans people have always existed and always will. 

4) One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller

This one was my favorite read of the readathon! Our protagonist, Grace, was a football player before transitioning. She returns to football for her senior year because she misses it…and because the team desperately needs her. It’s realistic about the discrimination and hate trans folks face, but it also shows what beautiful support is possible with an amazing community. Grace has a ragtag crew of queer friends, plus some diehard support from the football captains, and they come together toward the end of the book in a way that was wholesome and heartwarming. I loved seeing Grace grow into herself more and learn to accept love from the people around her. Plus, the humor in the novel is top notch. All in all, a great read, and the author is from Buffalo. Go Bills!

5) Boyfriends, vol. 1 by refrainbow

Boyfriends is a fun choice when you’re in the market for a light, fun palate cleanser. A gay polycule tries to navigate their relationships and cute, silly moments ensue. 

6) A Song for You & I by K. O’Neill

I still haven’t loved a K. O’Neill book as much as The Tea Dragon Society, but this was a sweet story with great insights about accepting yourself and not worrying so much about what others think. 

7) Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

A queer, trans retelling of Pride and Prejudice? Yes please! This was an entertaining and absorbing story. Unfortunately, I found Oliver (the Elizabeth character in this version) to be annoying and misogynistic. I also grew frustrated with the use of modern therapy-speak like “I took a walk because I had a lot to process” or “I’m still processing everything I experienced.” It strays pretty far from the original by the end, cutting the Wickham/Lydia subplot in favor of a blackmailing scenario. If those things wouldn’t bother you, then give this book a try! 

8) The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught

This is a fun, wholesome adventure with themes of figuring out your identity and learning to live in harmony with nature. An easy and comforting read. 

9) In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee

Beautiful and sad. This graphic memoir is heavy, but very well done. The illustrations are striking. I loved seeing young Deb’s doodles and enjoyed the way they depicted their therapist as a disembodied voice coming from behind some plants.

a meme i made about the trans rights readathon

Readathon participants are encouraged to donate to trans-supporting organizations or GoFundMes and other mutual aid efforts. This year, I read 9 books and 2,452 pages. I donated 5 cents per page, for a total of $122.60. $60 went to a GoFundMe by Penny Sterling, a talented storyteller from Rochester looking to take her show on the road soon. The remaining $62.60 went to the Transgender Law Center by way of a fundraiser organized by my friend Amanda. The current state of the economy and inflation makes donating to good causes harder these days, but every little bit counts!

Find more great books beyond the binary on my Bookshop!