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A review by amanda_shortman
Changelings: An Autistic Trans Anthology by Ryan Vale, Ocean Riley
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Changelings presents 13 stories from autistic trans masculine and non-binary voices. The anthology's tagline of "nothing about us without us" lies at the heart of this book. Far too often in today's society we hear too much about autistic and trans people from those who are neurotypical and cis, and not enough from those with the lived experience to know exactly what it feels like. Add in the intersectional nature of being both autistic and trans, and you'll begin to understand the important role this anthology plays in helping others to feel seen and less alone.
The stories themselves take you on a journey through a range of genres and topics. Whether you like sci fi and fantasy, contemporary pieces, or something with a darker edge, you'll find a story in here that you'll love. Trying to choose a favourite is too hard!
Expect to feel things when you read these stories. Whilst there is an overarching feeling of love and acceptance within these pages, the authors have not shied away from the grittier aspects of being an autistic trans person in today's world. There's sensory overload, gender dysphoria, homophobia and transphobia, controlling parents, abusive partners, and more.
All of the stories come with a list of content warnings, so you can be prepared for what is to come (and skip any which might be too painful for you to read). Even though I have not experienced some of these things (I am autistic and queer, but I am cis), I still felt everything deeply. The authors have really created some incredible stories that deserve to be read by both autistic trans people and those who'd like to understand their experiences more.
The stories themselves take you on a journey through a range of genres and topics. Whether you like sci fi and fantasy, contemporary pieces, or something with a darker edge, you'll find a story in here that you'll love. Trying to choose a favourite is too hard!
Expect to feel things when you read these stories. Whilst there is an overarching feeling of love and acceptance within these pages, the authors have not shied away from the grittier aspects of being an autistic trans person in today's world. There's sensory overload, gender dysphoria, homophobia and transphobia, controlling parents, abusive partners, and more.
All of the stories come with a list of content warnings, so you can be prepared for what is to come (and skip any which might be too painful for you to read). Even though I have not experienced some of these things (I am autistic and queer, but I am cis), I still felt everything deeply. The authors have really created some incredible stories that deserve to be read by both autistic trans people and those who'd like to understand their experiences more.