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Quick & Easy Guides
A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities
In this quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities, cartoonists Mady G and JR Zuckerberg guide you through the basics of the LGBT+ world! Covering essential topics like sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships, this guide explains the spectrum of human experience through informative comics, interviews, worksheets, and imaginative examples. A great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys!
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2019
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2660 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 711 reviews
June 15, 2019
This is a must read! It was super educational, cute and inspiring. Love love loved it.
November 25, 2019
This was delightful! Exactly what it seems and hecka cute to boot.
April 4, 2019
The title says it all! It actually IS a quick and easy guide to all identities, sexual orientations, romantic orientations and all things queer. If anyone ever says "this book is not for me because I am [insert anything here]", they are lying because this reflects on how having their identity acknowledged and valued is about EVERYONE.
This book is part of the road to become a better human by having empathy and respecting others, just like that. The writing is very simple and easy to follow so I think kids and teenagers would benefit greatly if there were a copy of this in every school and library.
I'm glad I picked this is up and that a book like this is being published. <3
This book is part of the road to become a better human by having empathy and respecting others, just like that. The writing is very simple and easy to follow so I think kids and teenagers would benefit greatly if there were a copy of this in every school and library.
I'm glad I picked this is up and that a book like this is being published. <3
November 22, 2018
I'm a lover of all things queer (surprise I'm also queer), and tbh I'm really shocked I didn't like this book. And I really loved the first in this series about They/Them pronouns! But not this.
I'll start out by saying: when I see "queer & trans identities", I am thinking of content about transgender and genderqueer, non-binary, & gender nonconforming folks. That's what I thought this book would be about walking into reading it.
I think this is a case of the author not knowing what their focus should be. This book is like 30% gender identity content, 10% asexuality, 0.7% other sexual orientations, 50% relationship advice not related to queer stuff, and 9.3% other. The audience is unclear and the subject is unclear. The outtro dedicates it to queer readers, cishet readers, and questioning readers, but this guide was all over the place and idk who it's meant to benefit or what it's meant to be about.
- The first part about identities and queer experience seemed very 101 for cishets. Not for queers or even questioning folks cos tbh I'm pretty sure questioning folks are going to know how to look things up online and not need a guide that sounds like it's directed at cishets.
- The second part spends three entire chapters doing "how to relationship" and was so vague, it could've been for anyone. It didn't tie into queer identities at all. What's the point of putting in a whole section about general relationship advice when it does not relate to your main subject?
- The third part is about coming out, and seems entirely directed towards queer readers. Not for cishets.
In addition because I love bullet points:
- Transness and non-binary identities were mushed into one chapter. Only one example of a non-binary identity was given, which is mind boggling. A guide meant in part to educate on non-binary identity should be including multiple examples of enby identities (genderqueer, non binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, agender was included!!, two spirit, androgynous, bigender, gender flux, etc etc ETCETERA). What's the rush?
- The author spent maybe two entire seconds talking about sexuality in the beginning. Like, mentions gay, straight, bi, lesbian, maybe twice in the whole book. The author makes it clear this book is not meant to be about sexuality--if it was meant to comprehensively include sexuality, it would've gone deeper than "this is gay, this is straight, this is in between". Which leads to confusion over my next point:
- Asexuality has its own entire chapter and I'm confused as to why a book that has made clear it's not about sexuality has a whole entire chapter about a sexual orientation. I'm glad it is included! Asexuality is constantly excluded and constantly deemed as "not queer enough" by the lgbtq community and cishets alike. It is 1000% a queer orientation. However, it seemed out of place, especially given that other sexual orientations were given bare minimum attention earlier, indicating that this book only intended to mention sexuality, not go deep into it like the author did with asexuality. It's a sexual orientation--a queer one, yes!!!--but still a sexual orientation and it's totally different from transness & genderqueerness and it doesn't fit at all in this book. I would rather see it in a book about sexualities than a book mostly about gender, because when I read "queer & trans identities" I'm thinking trans & genderqueer/gender nonconforming. Not sexual orientations.
- it covers gender expression separately, which I love. It also has a whole chapter dedicated to dysphoria.
- It seemed like the author ran out of stuff to talk about. Only a couple chapters were about gender identity, the trans & genderqueer experience, etc. The rest were about one sexual orientation, how to date, and coming out. I think adding coming out chapters are vital so I'm not mad about those, but the author didn't really tie it into gender ID as much as I would have liked to see in a book about gender identity.
As a book that is meant to cover every queer thing under the sun, it fails miserably because it barely touched on sexual orientation (except asexuality--check this out if you want to know about asexuality). As a book that is meant to be about trans & non-binary & gender identity, it fails miserably because only a few of the chapters are about the subject (what is written isn't done poorly, though). This book is a jumbled mess of ideas and attempts to extend the word count as long as possible. What is the point of this book meant to be?????
I'll start out by saying: when I see "queer & trans identities", I am thinking of content about transgender and genderqueer, non-binary, & gender nonconforming folks. That's what I thought this book would be about walking into reading it.
I think this is a case of the author not knowing what their focus should be. This book is like 30% gender identity content, 10% asexuality, 0.7% other sexual orientations, 50% relationship advice not related to queer stuff, and 9.3% other. The audience is unclear and the subject is unclear. The outtro dedicates it to queer readers, cishet readers, and questioning readers, but this guide was all over the place and idk who it's meant to benefit or what it's meant to be about.
- The first part about identities and queer experience seemed very 101 for cishets. Not for queers or even questioning folks cos tbh I'm pretty sure questioning folks are going to know how to look things up online and not need a guide that sounds like it's directed at cishets.
- The second part spends three entire chapters doing "how to relationship" and was so vague, it could've been for anyone. It didn't tie into queer identities at all. What's the point of putting in a whole section about general relationship advice when it does not relate to your main subject?
- The third part is about coming out, and seems entirely directed towards queer readers. Not for cishets.
In addition because I love bullet points:
- Transness and non-binary identities were mushed into one chapter. Only one example of a non-binary identity was given, which is mind boggling. A guide meant in part to educate on non-binary identity should be including multiple examples of enby identities (genderqueer, non binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, agender was included!!, two spirit, androgynous, bigender, gender flux, etc etc ETCETERA). What's the rush?
- The author spent maybe two entire seconds talking about sexuality in the beginning. Like, mentions gay, straight, bi, lesbian, maybe twice in the whole book. The author makes it clear this book is not meant to be about sexuality--if it was meant to comprehensively include sexuality, it would've gone deeper than "this is gay, this is straight, this is in between". Which leads to confusion over my next point:
- Asexuality has its own entire chapter and I'm confused as to why a book that has made clear it's not about sexuality has a whole entire chapter about a sexual orientation. I'm glad it is included! Asexuality is constantly excluded and constantly deemed as "not queer enough" by the lgbtq community and cishets alike. It is 1000% a queer orientation. However, it seemed out of place, especially given that other sexual orientations were given bare minimum attention earlier, indicating that this book only intended to mention sexuality, not go deep into it like the author did with asexuality. It's a sexual orientation--a queer one, yes!!!--but still a sexual orientation and it's totally different from transness & genderqueerness and it doesn't fit at all in this book. I would rather see it in a book about sexualities than a book mostly about gender, because when I read "queer & trans identities" I'm thinking trans & genderqueer/gender nonconforming. Not sexual orientations.
- it covers gender expression separately, which I love. It also has a whole chapter dedicated to dysphoria.
- It seemed like the author ran out of stuff to talk about. Only a couple chapters were about gender identity, the trans & genderqueer experience, etc. The rest were about one sexual orientation, how to date, and coming out. I think adding coming out chapters are vital so I'm not mad about those, but the author didn't really tie it into gender ID as much as I would have liked to see in a book about gender identity.
As a book that is meant to cover every queer thing under the sun, it fails miserably because it barely touched on sexual orientation (except asexuality--check this out if you want to know about asexuality). As a book that is meant to be about trans & non-binary & gender identity, it fails miserably because only a few of the chapters are about the subject (what is written isn't done poorly, though). This book is a jumbled mess of ideas and attempts to extend the word count as long as possible. What is the point of this book meant to be?????
May 17, 2020
Edit: 12/18/18
So, Miss Pihilippines was crowned Miss Universe 2018 and we Filipinos are quite proud of her! But there is also a lot of transmisogyny (pertaining to Ms. Spain , Angela Ponce who is a transwoman) spreading especially in my OWN country because most of them failed to acknowledge that trans women ARE INDEED women as well. And I realized that this graphic novel that I read on 12/06/18 holds more relevance now that transphobia is leeching its toxic fumes in social media.
An online article published by Preen.ph articulates this well, here is an excerpt:
I hope that everyone here in GR would give this book a chance for it effectively educates more on what the LGBTQ community is. You can find it in NetGalley in the Read Now Section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank the publisher Oni Press, Limerence Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this book.
1. What is Queer?
2. What is Gender Identity?
3. What's Gender Expression?
4. What does Dysphoria mean?
5. So, what is Asexuality?
6. Relationship Basics
7. What does it mean to 'come out'?
This is a relevant book and I think everyone needs to read what it has to say. Its light candy aesthetics will surely appeal to every reader out there and it makes it a more enjoyable read!
So, Miss Pihilippines was crowned Miss Universe 2018 and we Filipinos are quite proud of her! But there is also a lot of transmisogyny (pertaining to Ms. Spain , Angela Ponce who is a transwoman) spreading especially in my OWN country because most of them failed to acknowledge that trans women ARE INDEED women as well. And I realized that this graphic novel that I read on 12/06/18 holds more relevance now that transphobia is leeching its toxic fumes in social media.
An online article published by Preen.ph articulates this well, here is an excerpt:
"What is the essence of being a woman?” He said that Sushmita answered that the ability to bear a child is what makes a woman. That’s not the exact answer, but the beauty queen did say, “The origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman.” We understand how someone would come to the conclusion that Sushmita meant bearing a child made a woman. However, she didn’t specify childbirth. Becoming a mother doesn’t just mean you should carry a baby in your womb, adopting a child and/or being a motherly figure to someone also count.
That said, equating Angela’s womanhood to being able to bear children is an archaic way of thinking. What about the cisgender women who are unable to get pregnant? Does that make them less of a woman, too? Additionally, a woman shouldn’t be expected to be a mother as the end goal. Many don’t want children, and that’s okay. There are also those who want to focus on their careers rather than start a family, and that’s fine too. They claim that “being gay” doesn’t qualify her to join, that her “femininity” isn’t enough to warrant a crown. In the same breath, they preach about equality in the world.
Angela isn’t gay, she is a woman. Her circumstances may be different than yours but, as she said, “My identity is here [points to temples], not down there.” If you want equality, take a long hard look in the mirror to make sure you’re practicing what you’re preaching."
I hope that everyone here in GR would give this book a chance for it effectively educates more on what the LGBTQ community is. You can find it in NetGalley in the Read Now Section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank the publisher Oni Press, Limerence Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this book.
"There's no right or wrong way to be gay, straight, male, female, or whatever you are. Don't put yourself in another box, you just came out of one!"How ironic that I've learned so much from one of my most greatest phobia--snails. Bubblegum hues and bubblegum smiles. This graphic novel really is a quick and easy guide to understanding the LGBTQ spectrum. It easily breaks down every crucial misconception we have of them.
1. What is Queer?
2. What is Gender Identity?
3. What's Gender Expression?
4. What does Dysphoria mean?
5. So, what is Asexuality?
6. Relationship Basics
7. What does it mean to 'come out'?
This is a relevant book and I think everyone needs to read what it has to say. Its light candy aesthetics will surely appeal to every reader out there and it makes it a more enjoyable read!
December 15, 2019
"The world is home to such a vibrant rainbow of people, so why not genders."
This is filled with wonderful, informative and easy to digest information.
I did think it was geared more to teens/adults and younger people may need help reading and understanding all the details discussed. That's not necessarily a bad thing since it would hopefully spark conversation/questions.
They really touched on a bit of everything, including signs of toxic relationships. This is something I think all people should be made more aware of in order to spot and escape these kinds of harmful dependencies. This is especially true for anyone still coming to terms with their own identity who may not feel brave enough to speak up and/or draw attention to themselves.
"Let yourself grow and change and learn- that's what being alive is all about."
I think I would have preferred if all the conversations had all been delivered by humans. I found the snails and sproutlings conversations a bit weird. The human discussions around the fire were much easier to connect to and I would have favoured more of those with less of the other critters.
Or it should have had no humans and all sproutlings/snails instead.
Overall I found this was a warm, respectful and loving delivery that could open up fantastic dialogue toward understanding one's own personal feelings or those of a loved ones.
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for this DRC.
This is filled with wonderful, informative and easy to digest information.
I did think it was geared more to teens/adults and younger people may need help reading and understanding all the details discussed. That's not necessarily a bad thing since it would hopefully spark conversation/questions.
They really touched on a bit of everything, including signs of toxic relationships. This is something I think all people should be made more aware of in order to spot and escape these kinds of harmful dependencies. This is especially true for anyone still coming to terms with their own identity who may not feel brave enough to speak up and/or draw attention to themselves.
"Let yourself grow and change and learn- that's what being alive is all about."
I think I would have preferred if all the conversations had all been delivered by humans. I found the snails and sproutlings conversations a bit weird. The human discussions around the fire were much easier to connect to and I would have favoured more of those with less of the other critters.
Or it should have had no humans and all sproutlings/snails instead.
Overall I found this was a warm, respectful and loving delivery that could open up fantastic dialogue toward understanding one's own personal feelings or those of a loved ones.
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for this DRC.
October 22, 2018
This is a story, told by a snail, to explain, in simple terms, queerness and transexuality.
But, I think the most important part of this whole story is this statement the snail makes.
Because, that is what it is all about. Really. We are all worthwhile, in our own ways, and we just are trying to make peace with ourselves.
The rest of the book, yes, is important, as it explains the various aspects of sexuality and gender, but really, we are all on a journey, trying to find ourselves, with others along the way.
I am so glad all these books are be coming available, and to have it in cartoon form, the more the better, the easier it is for everyone to understand the struggles that trans and queer folk are going through.
I would recommend this for schools and libraries.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But, I think the most important part of this whole story is this statement the snail makes.
Every person is worthwhile and valuable in their own way and if you are able to make some sort of peace with yourself while on your transitional journey that will definitely ease the burden.
Because, that is what it is all about. Really. We are all worthwhile, in our own ways, and we just are trying to make peace with ourselves.
The rest of the book, yes, is important, as it explains the various aspects of sexuality and gender, but really, we are all on a journey, trying to find ourselves, with others along the way.
I am so glad all these books are be coming available, and to have it in cartoon form, the more the better, the easier it is for everyone to understand the struggles that trans and queer folk are going through.
I would recommend this for schools and libraries.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 14, 2022
Muito fofo e informativo. Queria muito que tivesse sido lançado aqui no Brasil pra eu presentear algumas pessoas <3
May 27, 2019
I found this very worthwhile and educational. It was good to reinforce the things I already know, and I found out about other things of which I was ignorant and still need to wrap my mind around, particularly the spectrum of asexuality and the role of libido. ("Plenty of asexual people still masturbate or even have sex with their partners.)
The cartoonish art, snail narrator (snails are hermaphrodites), and color scheme were off-putting at first, but I grew to appreciate the lightness they brought to what could be some pretty heavy material. I never warmed up to the Sproutlings though with their sickly sweet Fraggle Rock/Smurfs vibe.
The cartoonish art, snail narrator (snails are hermaphrodites), and color scheme were off-putting at first, but I grew to appreciate the lightness they brought to what could be some pretty heavy material. I never warmed up to the Sproutlings though with their sickly sweet Fraggle Rock/Smurfs vibe.
April 22, 2020
What a cute way to get information to people! I loved learning more about the LGBTQ+ community:)
July 25, 2025
There wasn't much I liked about this book. First the color scheme hurt my eyes. The art, along with the prose was way too cutesy, who is the target age group here? Don't get me started on the Sproutlings, some weird Care Bear/Smurf hybrid, I thought the book could have done without them entirely.
My biggest issue with this book is that it isn't very informative. It contradicts itself and I didn't find its attempts to explain a complex subject to be very successful. Instead of answering my questions it only led to more of them. Perhaps this subject is not something that can be covered in a "quick & easy" guide, or perhaps the authors are not the proper authorities on the matter (what are their credentials exactly?).
First and foremost, the entire concept is based on where people fall on the spectrum of male and female, but these terms are never defined.
"Gender is the social, cultural, and mental state of being male, female, a combination of the two, or neither. It has to do with how somebody feels inside rather than what they look like."
How can this be understood if male and female are not defined? What does it mean to "feel" female? No clarity is offered instead they double down on the confusion:
"Lately, the entire concept of 'biological sex' has begun to be debunked as well....chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, and internal anatomy can vary in so many different ways that lumping people into 'male' and 'female' sexes doesn't make much biological sense for humans..."
They then go on to not mention or explain any of those differences or provide any support for the radical idea that categorizing people by male or female doesn't make sense. I say radical, because since the beginning of the human race the overwhelming majority of people have been perfectly content with the categories of male and female. Even today when transgenderism is on the rise 99% of people today fall into one of those two categories. source
"For ages we've been taught that there are 'boy things' and 'girl things'. This logic is flawed overall..."
I would love to hear about how this logic is flawed, I think I agree with this statement, but can't be sure since they don't really provide examples or explanation. Also, this going unexplained only adds to the confusion surrounding what makes someone feel like a male or female. Since interests and objects cannot be classified as "girl things" or "boy things", they cannot be used to support an individual's gender feelings. For example, it invalidates someone who says, I knew I was a trans girl because I liked dresses and makeup and didn't like trucks or cars - I Am Jazz
Now onto the poor explanations that I think are irresponsible and down right dangerous. They vaguely describe gender dysphoria as being unhappy or uncomfortable in your body. So...every teenaged person ever? What kid going through puberty doesn't feel awkward, uncomfortable, and unhappy with their body?
"I'd like to be comfortable enough in my body to go to the beach and feel as at home there as my cis peers"
Bold of you to think that anyone feels comfortable in a bathing suit. I would be very concerned that a confused child would read this and wrongly assume they are trans and end up making decision they would later come to regret.
"Simply by being trans, you define its meaning"
What an incredibly unhelpful and useless definition. You could absolutely turn this around and say a person is not trans, since by simply being born a female you define its meaning, by simply being born male you define what it is to be a man.
"Self-love means to accept and value the person you are...feel comfortable in your own skin"
Do I even have to explain how this contradicts everything prior, especially when paired with the previous quote "defining" what it means to be trans?
Overall, I thought this book was a complete mess. I felt it did a really poor job explaining the topic and instead rested on clichés and empty platitudes. The tone, art, and overall style was really off putting, childish, and patronizing.
My biggest issue with this book is that it isn't very informative. It contradicts itself and I didn't find its attempts to explain a complex subject to be very successful. Instead of answering my questions it only led to more of them. Perhaps this subject is not something that can be covered in a "quick & easy" guide, or perhaps the authors are not the proper authorities on the matter (what are their credentials exactly?).
First and foremost, the entire concept is based on where people fall on the spectrum of male and female, but these terms are never defined.
"Gender is the social, cultural, and mental state of being male, female, a combination of the two, or neither. It has to do with how somebody feels inside rather than what they look like."
How can this be understood if male and female are not defined? What does it mean to "feel" female? No clarity is offered instead they double down on the confusion:
"Lately, the entire concept of 'biological sex' has begun to be debunked as well....chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, and internal anatomy can vary in so many different ways that lumping people into 'male' and 'female' sexes doesn't make much biological sense for humans..."
They then go on to not mention or explain any of those differences or provide any support for the radical idea that categorizing people by male or female doesn't make sense. I say radical, because since the beginning of the human race the overwhelming majority of people have been perfectly content with the categories of male and female. Even today when transgenderism is on the rise 99% of people today fall into one of those two categories. source
"For ages we've been taught that there are 'boy things' and 'girl things'. This logic is flawed overall..."
I would love to hear about how this logic is flawed, I think I agree with this statement, but can't be sure since they don't really provide examples or explanation. Also, this going unexplained only adds to the confusion surrounding what makes someone feel like a male or female. Since interests and objects cannot be classified as "girl things" or "boy things", they cannot be used to support an individual's gender feelings. For example, it invalidates someone who says, I knew I was a trans girl because I liked dresses and makeup and didn't like trucks or cars - I Am Jazz
Now onto the poor explanations that I think are irresponsible and down right dangerous. They vaguely describe gender dysphoria as being unhappy or uncomfortable in your body. So...every teenaged person ever? What kid going through puberty doesn't feel awkward, uncomfortable, and unhappy with their body?
"I'd like to be comfortable enough in my body to go to the beach and feel as at home there as my cis peers"
Bold of you to think that anyone feels comfortable in a bathing suit. I would be very concerned that a confused child would read this and wrongly assume they are trans and end up making decision they would later come to regret.
"Simply by being trans, you define its meaning"
What an incredibly unhelpful and useless definition. You could absolutely turn this around and say a person is not trans, since by simply being born a female you define its meaning, by simply being born male you define what it is to be a man.
"Self-love means to accept and value the person you are...feel comfortable in your own skin"
Do I even have to explain how this contradicts everything prior, especially when paired with the previous quote "defining" what it means to be trans?
Overall, I thought this book was a complete mess. I felt it did a really poor job explaining the topic and instead rested on clichés and empty platitudes. The tone, art, and overall style was really off putting, childish, and patronizing.
July 5, 2019
Excellent easy-to-read guide on gender fluidity.
February 24, 2025
Fun and educational read highlighting an array of queer and trans identities.
The book doesn't assume you know anything and takes you through everything.
The art style is pretty cute as well.
The book doesn't assume you know anything and takes you through everything.
The art style is pretty cute as well.
April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady G is a rather clever way to educate those who may be unsure about where they fit themselves in terms of how they feel as well as to educate those around the people of the LGBTQ community. Using snails and a varying array of illustrations from people to a fun little creature called a sproutling to take readers along on a journey to discover more about the people with these identities, this book is chalk full of fun and informative scenes that I think this world really needs..
I would definitely gear this book more toward older kids and adults simply because I don’t see very young children fully understanding everything that this book discusses. Even I still find some of it confusing at times, particularly that which discusses what it means to be asexual, a topic with a wide variety of identifications that can sometimes vary greatly from person to person. Even so, I truly believe that this topic is one that everyone should be exposed to no matter how old.
This book was clever, informative, and easy to read. It broached a variety of subjects regarding the LGBTQ community and offered not only information, but support to those who may relate to some of the situations and feelings expressed throughout the course of the book. I was really pleased with how the entire thing was presented and handled and I even learned a few new things along the way, which is always a great thing to experience. All in all, this book is definitely one to be pleased with and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady G is a rather clever way to educate those who may be unsure about where they fit themselves in terms of how they feel as well as to educate those around the people of the LGBTQ community. Using snails and a varying array of illustrations from people to a fun little creature called a sproutling to take readers along on a journey to discover more about the people with these identities, this book is chalk full of fun and informative scenes that I think this world really needs..
I would definitely gear this book more toward older kids and adults simply because I don’t see very young children fully understanding everything that this book discusses. Even I still find some of it confusing at times, particularly that which discusses what it means to be asexual, a topic with a wide variety of identifications that can sometimes vary greatly from person to person. Even so, I truly believe that this topic is one that everyone should be exposed to no matter how old.
This book was clever, informative, and easy to read. It broached a variety of subjects regarding the LGBTQ community and offered not only information, but support to those who may relate to some of the situations and feelings expressed throughout the course of the book. I was really pleased with how the entire thing was presented and handled and I even learned a few new things along the way, which is always a great thing to experience. All in all, this book is definitely one to be pleased with and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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March 3, 2019
Such a vibrant book! The art style and color template is beautiful.
The book does exactly as it says on the title. It's an easy guide to understand all the different identities, the difference between gender/sexuality, relationships, the journey and the community. It's told from the perspective of a very chipper snail. The tone of the book is very optimistic and educational. It's simple, straightforward and informative. I can definitely see how important this book can be in the right hands and how it can be used to educate so many people. Sometimes non-academic resources are needed for one to wrap their heads around new things or new terminology -especially with how language in rapidly growing- and what better way than in a graphic novel format.
If you're well-read on the topic then I would say don't go into it expecting theories or expecting to learn a lot as this serves more like basics 101 (for some not all). But I still think anyone can find something they could enjoy in this book. I mean.. it's cute, adorable, fun, lighthearted, educational and has great art!
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
The book does exactly as it says on the title. It's an easy guide to understand all the different identities, the difference between gender/sexuality, relationships, the journey and the community. It's told from the perspective of a very chipper snail. The tone of the book is very optimistic and educational. It's simple, straightforward and informative. I can definitely see how important this book can be in the right hands and how it can be used to educate so many people. Sometimes non-academic resources are needed for one to wrap their heads around new things or new terminology -especially with how language in rapidly growing- and what better way than in a graphic novel format.
If you're well-read on the topic then I would say don't go into it expecting theories or expecting to learn a lot as this serves more like basics 101 (for some not all). But I still think anyone can find something they could enjoy in this book. I mean.. it's cute, adorable, fun, lighthearted, educational and has great art!
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
July 16, 2023
Snails educating each other on different elements of queer and trans identities. The comic/art style in this was very cute!
I'm not sure who this book is designed for. If it's for baby queers looking to get more language and understanding of the community, this would definitely be something great to check out. If it's for an ally interested in learning more in depth information, this would really work. If this is for a 'well intentioned, but clueless family member', I personally wouldn't share this. There's a lot of information, nuance, and info dumping on everything under the sun, which I found interesting, but know that someone who barely understands what 'cis' means is going to think this book is written in a different language.
I'm not sure who this book is designed for. If it's for baby queers looking to get more language and understanding of the community, this would definitely be something great to check out. If it's for an ally interested in learning more in depth information, this would really work. If this is for a 'well intentioned, but clueless family member', I personally wouldn't share this. There's a lot of information, nuance, and info dumping on everything under the sun, which I found interesting, but know that someone who barely understands what 'cis' means is going to think this book is written in a different language.
April 25, 2019
This review is posted on both my personal account and the account for Crossroads Public Library.
There are a lot of resources available to learn about queer and trans identities, but a) the sheer amount of them can be overwhelming and b) they tend to focus on a specific aspect (sexuality, gender theory, etc.). If you're just starting out in educating yourself, this is an excellent resource. Incredibly informative for such a little book.
There are a lot of resources available to learn about queer and trans identities, but a) the sheer amount of them can be overwhelming and b) they tend to focus on a specific aspect (sexuality, gender theory, etc.). If you're just starting out in educating yourself, this is an excellent resource. Incredibly informative for such a little book.
December 22, 2020
First read of Pride month! This is a great read for anyone who would like to know more about the LGBTQIA+ community. Super cute illustrations and fun colors!
December 28, 2019
This sets out to be educational (and succeeds) but by the end, it feels more like a self-help book. I don't read a lot of self-help books, but everything is better in comics format. This resonated with me on a lot of levels.
January 30, 2020
An informative look at queer & trans identities, spectacularly told in graphic novel format. Read for semester 1 packet 1 at VCFA.
January 22, 2019
This is a book I wish I could've handed to a younger version of myself. In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel queer identities of all varieties are explored by our narrator, a snail. It is clear that this book was made to be accessible to younger readers, but I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about identities beyond their own, those trying to figure out what identity suits them, and allies trying to educate themselves.
Other reviewers have critiqued the fact that a book geared towards younger readers includes a section on relationship basics, but it was a touch that I actually loved. If you are closeted or struggling with your identity, there may never be an opportunity for you to learn about what the basis of a healthy relationship is or signs of a partner that may be controlling and/or manipulative. I think there is little harm in the way this was approached- emphasizing self love and open communication.
It is clear that the authors aimed to make this an accessible, inclusive read and I can wholeheartedly say they succeeded.
I received my copy of A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities from Oni Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Other reviewers have critiqued the fact that a book geared towards younger readers includes a section on relationship basics, but it was a touch that I actually loved. If you are closeted or struggling with your identity, there may never be an opportunity for you to learn about what the basis of a healthy relationship is or signs of a partner that may be controlling and/or manipulative. I think there is little harm in the way this was approached- emphasizing self love and open communication.
It is clear that the authors aimed to make this an accessible, inclusive read and I can wholeheartedly say they succeeded.
I received my copy of A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities from Oni Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2019
Everyone, no matter their age, should read this little guide. The way everything is explained is very clear and colorful. It covers everything from sexuality to gender identity and what it means to come out and advice on how to do it safely; self-care, self-love, and relationships.
I definitely appreciated how they discussed the red flags in a relationship, how you should try to remove yourself from that situation and to take responsibility if you are the one promoting those toxic actions. It also discusses how sometimes it's important to remove yourself from a harmful situation or end a toxic relationship and to try to do what's best for your physical, mental and emotional health.
Overall, I highly recommend everyone to pick this up. I am definitely getting my own copy.
I definitely appreciated how they discussed the red flags in a relationship, how you should try to remove yourself from that situation and to take responsibility if you are the one promoting those toxic actions. It also discusses how sometimes it's important to remove yourself from a harmful situation or end a toxic relationship and to try to do what's best for your physical, mental and emotional health.
Overall, I highly recommend everyone to pick this up. I am definitely getting my own copy.
December 26, 2018
*I received this from netgalley and the publisher, this does not affect my review.*
Honestly, I like to consider myself pretty knowledgable about the LGBTQ+ communities but this still taught me a lot. Nonbinary folks are definitely the area I knew the least about and now I feel like I know more. I also learned a lot about Asexuality! Highly recommend this if you're curious to know more about the queer community. I also think this should be in every library and classroom!
Honestly, I like to consider myself pretty knowledgable about the LGBTQ+ communities but this still taught me a lot. Nonbinary folks are definitely the area I knew the least about and now I feel like I know more. I also learned a lot about Asexuality! Highly recommend this if you're curious to know more about the queer community. I also think this should be in every library and classroom!
June 13, 2019
I do think that there's a lot of good in this, but I also have some problems with it. Mostly, I hated the art and the frankly lurid color scheme. It felt really young to me. I also sometimes felt slightly confused, which is ok in the sense that identity itself is very confusing and also overwhelming. Actually, overwhelmed is a good word for how my eyes felt after reading this. Anyway, identity is such an important topic, and I wanted to like this, but...
February 5, 2019
Cute, informative, and exactly as described!
July 24, 2019
EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS! (also super cute and lovely colors)
October 3, 2019
3.5⭐️
March 1, 2021
This was cute. I learned little that I didn't know but this an excellent entry point and very validating.
Read
December 3, 2024It's crazy that someone can write a book that I—a cross-dressing, dysphoric bisexual—find so incomprehensibly annoying. An overall hideous venture.
Read
December 4, 2020This was a wholesome, yet informative graphic novel about queer and transgender identities. This is a great introduction and informational way to introduce folks to queer, trans, and gender-non-conforming people through snails! I really loved the aesthetic of the illustrations and the color tones.
I do wish they had also included demisexual when talking about sexualities like bisexual, pansexual, and the asexual spectrum.
I do wish they had also included demisexual when talking about sexualities like bisexual, pansexual, and the asexual spectrum.
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