What they have in common are their feelings of elation, pride, confidence, freedom and ecstasy as a direct result of coming out as non-cisgender, and how coming to terms with their gender has brought unimaginable joy into their lives. In this groundbreaking anthology, nineteen trans, non-binary, agender, gender-fluid and intersex writers share their experiences of gender euphoria: an agender dominatrix being called 'Daddy', an Arab trans man getting his first tattoos, a trans woman embracing her inner fighter. Today I will continue reading Gender Euphoria, edited by Laura Kate Dale, savouring the stories and especially the.

This is a stitch with Suswati introducing. But for many non-cisgender people, it's gender euphoria which pushes forward their transition: the joy the first time a parent calls them by their new chosen name, the first time they have the confidence to cut their hair short, the first time they truly embrace themself. I was recently featured on the How to Be Books Podcast, hosted by Suswati Basu with special guest Laura Kate Dale. So often the stories shared by trans people about their transition centre on gender dysphoria: a feeling of deep discomfort with their birth-assigned gender, and a powerful catalyst for coming out or transitioning. Gender euphoria : stories of joy from trans, non-binary and intersex writers / edited by Laura Kate Dale. (Apr.GENDER EUPHORIA: a powerful feeling of happiness experienced as a result of moving away from one's birth-assigned gender. Readers who have had their fill of trauma narratives will find this a breath of fresh air.

The writing is a bit uneven from essay to essay, but the collection’s power lies more in its testimony than its literary finesse. Even though the focus is on positivity, things aren’t all sunshine traumas do creep in: “To talk about my experiences of euphoria properly, I need to contrast the good with the bad,” Júlia F. In “The Gender of Language,” Teddy Sweet considers how to choose the right pronouns, and “Reflections” features Mia Violet finding confidence after wearing the perfect bridesmaid dress: “Glamorous bridesmaid, visiting the city from my coastal home.” Dale contributes almost a third of the essays, reflecting on triumphs such as the joy of finding a community in roller derby and of getting a correctly gendered passport. Pointing out that the popular narrative surrounding trans experiences is one of discomfort and dysphoria, Dale aims to feature examples of “people doing small actions and grand gestures that made them feel radiantly themselves and wonderfully at peace.” “Becoming Prom King” sees Oliver Jones being elected prom king in a gesture of gender affirmation by his classmates. Joy gets the spotlight in this candid and empowering collection from journalist Dale ( Uncomfortable Labels).

Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale