I wanted to read this banned book when I first heard about it, but didn't have the time to read it. Now I found some time, and I'm so happy I read it. I also want to clarify that Gender Queer isn't banned in Norway, but in several states in the U.S. I did read it in Norwegian, and I don't think much got lost in the translation. 

This is a graphic novel, and a memoir Maia eirself wrote. Maia goes by the pronouns e/em/eir and writes about the journey of finding out ones gender identity. This is obviously a pretty queer book, with themes surrounding sexuality and gender identity. Some of it might be triggering, like the misgendering, so beware of that before reading.

I am drawn to books like this, as I'm queer myself, and I have at times been struggling with my identity. Like who am I, who do I want to be - and does it really matter? Maia asks many of the same questions I once had, and describes eir journey on finding an identity eir felt comfortable with.

I rated it 5 stars. I loved the drawings and style that was used - and the way the memoir was written was to my taste. It was relateable in many ways, and a fun (but hard) read. It definitely made me question some things about myself.

I really enjoyed this, and would recommend it. You don't need to be queer to read it - it might give some insight into what people who don't identify as cis might struggle with. It might also be educational and help anyone who is struggling as well - with their gender or sexuality. 

Just feeling like you aren't alone in your struggles are oftentimes enough - and Gender Queer made me feel less alone.

I loved this book, it’s the audio version of a graphic novel and the story was good I just wish it was longer! So cute with full cast! 

4.5 ⭐️ 

Reading banned books likes its my mission on earth

I've seen this book in multiple places advertised as the most banned (or one of the most banned books) since it was published. I decided I wanted to see what it was about. 

 

To start, I did not realize this was a graphic novel. That made it much easier to read and also somewhat understandable as to why some adults felt the need to ban it. Graphic novels are often confused for children's books and this is not for children. There is nudity as well as explicit mentions of sex and periods. However, this would be very helpful for teenagers and young adults also struggling with their gender identity. I think Maia does a great job of explaining how their gender has felt like a balancing act and even illustrating the more complex feelings about it, as well as the additional confusion around sexuality that comes with a fluid gender. I found the ending a bit abrupt, but I understand that, like any identity, it is forever evolving, so that is not really the end. This is simply a chronicle that Maia has published to help others understand what growing up gender queer is like and to create explicit gender queer representation in literature. 

Gender Queer is a quick read that holds a lot of wisdom in its pages. Queer and trans people will find many moments of resonance, and I see this book being an invaluable resource for friends and family members trying to better understand their non-binary (or otherwise trans or queer) loved one(s).