TRANS HISTORY

A concise overview of transgender history presented in graphic novel format.

Combs and Eakett begin with a preface that notes that they’re introducing historical figures who, while they may not have identified as trans, are “relevant to trans history.” Next, they cover terminology, the ancient world, Europe and colonization, sexology, trans rights in the U.S., and profiles of notable contemporary trans people. Given the broad scope, this work will serve as a solid jumping-off point for those interested in learning more. Throughout, the authors provide frameworks for interpreting information. For example, when describing ancient Rome, they caution readers that most historical accounts of Elagabalus’ possibly being trans are “unverifiable and seem exaggerated,” that “untangling fact from fiction may be impossible,” and that most reports came from someone who “had motivation to paint the former emperor negatively.” The segment closes with prompts encouraging teens to consider questions such as, “What does the story reveal about the point of view of whoever recorded it?” Cameos featuring a diverse array of scientists, historians, and other experts appear throughout, offering valuable insights, although at times their remarks would have benefited from being paraphrased into more accessible language (Dr. Howard Ching, an expert on eunuchs in Chinese imperial courts, is quoted on the “Western biomedical lexicon and its cognate understandings of the human body”). Nevertheless, the attractive illustrations and broadly diverse array of individual subjects and communities are real strengths.

A solid and useful introduction to a vast topic.