I think the chapter on trans and intersex history was the most interesting chapter thus far. I think that we, as trans folks, often times forget that some of the things we have access to are because of intersex folks in history, and often times, their abuse. I think there are still some animosity between the trans and intersex community due to this, even though both groups of people are widely oppressed as individuals.

Also, I can't believe 1950s England had their own version of Caitlyn Jenner. That's wild.

If you are participating in any summer reading challenges with your local bookstore or library I’d love to hear about them! I’d love to hear about what the challenge entails and your potential TBR to beat it!

For the past few summers I have taken part in the summer reading challenge set up by East City Bookshop in Washington, DC (a place I have never been in my life and yet I’ve followed on instagram for about five years now 😅) just for fun; they do offer physical prizes for completing the challenge, but 4600+ kilometres is a bit far to travel for a reward for reading for me lol. This year I’ve taken their current challenge, plus some prompts from previous years, and adapted my own reading challenge list to better incorporate books on my TBR/expand my horizons. Here is my prompt list:

A nonfiction book published within the last five years A book featuring a trans lead/protagonist A banned book A book featuring a body of water on the cover A book featuring a librarian or writer A short story collection A book featuring a disabled lead/protagonist A book borrowed from the library A debut author A graphic novel A Stonewall Book Award winner A book in translation A book published before 1970 A middle grade or YA novel A book featuring a fictional band/musician A book by an Indigenous author A queer romance book A Staff Pick from a local bookstore or library A book with a fruit on the cover or in the title A fantasy book by a BIPOC author

What’s the prize? Since my birthday is at the end of August, I plan on treating myself to a bigger ticket item on my wishlist upon completion of the challenge. For example, a LEGO set I’ve had my eye on, or a hardshell suitcase like I’ve been meaning to buy for years, or maybe just a good, old-fashioned book haul. The world is my oyster!

Feel free to snag my challenge prompts if you’d like to join me this summer! 🏖️☀️