The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics

This anthology of trans and nonbinary stories originated as a successful Kickstarter project, initially featuring 18 autobiographical stories. In its 2023 edition, the concept has been expanded, inviting 29 artists to share their personal journeys of self-care and acceptance.

Diverse and Validating:
Reading this anthology, I experienced a deep sense of validation. The collection embraced diversity, showcasing a wide range of perspectives, identities, and experiences. However, I did hope for even more diversity, which I'll elaborate on below.

Expectations and Rating:
Having held high expectations for this book, I initially anticipated giving it a stellar 5-star rating. However, upon completion, I feel it falls slightly short, earning a 4-star rating. The main issue was the sense of repetition evident in some of the stories toward the end of the anthology.

Room for Improvement:
One aspect that left me disappointed was the lack of representation for intersex, agender, and two-spirit individuals. With such a significant number of artists involved (29 in total), I believe it would have been valuable to include these perspectives as well.

Conclusion:
Despite my reservations, I still wholeheartedly recommend this anthology. It offers a powerful and diverse collection of stories that highlight the importance of self-care and acceptance for trans and nonbinary individuals. However, I hope that future editions will strive for even greater inclusivity to ensure that the richness of all identities within the community is represented.