Beyond They/Them: 20 Influential Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse People You Should Know

by Em Dickson, Cameron Mukwa (illustrator)

Beyond They/Them is a captivating, gorgeously illustrated book celebrating 20 trailblazing nonbinary, genderqueer, and two-spirit individuals who have left an indelible mark on music, sports, film and television, politics, and more.

Explore biographies of 20 game-changing and noteworthy nonbinary people of diverse backgrounds and in a wide variety of industries. The individuals featured are ND Stevenson, Janelle Monáe, Rebecca Sugar, Maia Kobabe, Sarah Gailey, Joshua Whitehead, Quinn, Layshia Clarendon, Jaiyah Saelua, Vico Ortiz, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, Cris Derksen, Amita Kuttner, Uzomo Asagwara, Maebe A. Girl, Audrey Tang, Dr. James Makokis, Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins, and Judith Butler.

Complete with beautiful illustrations by the talented artist Cameron Mukwa, this book is a celebration of nonbinary joy and proves that there has been, and always will be, a place for people of all genders.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography, Queer, Politics, Graphic Novels

96 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As a parent to a nonbinary child, I wanted to take a look at this book and show it to them. There are some well-known gender diverse celebrities like Demi Lovato and Sam Smith, and this book highlights other gender diverse individuals in sports, politics, and graphic arts.

[HaileyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights 20 nonbinary individuals, including authors, artists, musicians, athletes, and more. I really enjoyed this because it highlighted some of my faves (ND Stevenson, Maia Kobabe) and many people I'd never heard of before. It's so uplifting to read inspiring stories of nonbinary individuals living their lives unapologetically and achieving their dreams.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to people outside of the gender binary system who use their experiences to not only help themselves, but to advocate for others to be seen and have equality. Some names you might be aware of, while others might be new. Plus, there are some terms or expressions you might not be familiar with. Read via an online reader

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent exploration of various queer, transgender, and non-binary identities that go beyond mainstream ideas of gender identity. The book covers 20 different individuals in various fields, from entertainment to sports to activism. This is a great addition to any school or public library collection!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book highlighting a mixture of better-known and lesser-known nonbinary and gender-diverse trailblazers. I liked the selection of celebrities, though I do think it could have stood to have a few more featured. To be honest, it felt at times as if the book had a bit of an identity crisis. I don’t think illustrations inherently mean the book is for children, so I want to be clear that what I’m about to say isn’t about that. But there were a lot of tonal indications that felt like this was geared towards a younger audience, while simultaneously the format felt more adult. I think tailoring it to a more specific audience would have made the piece more clear and resonant. There is also a surprising number of typos for a book so short.

Critiques aside, this is a gorgeous book with a lot of insight into notable queer people, and it’s still a great addition to your library. I’d particularly recommend it to LGBTQ+ folks who want to see themselves represented more in popular culture.

[Kris Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a bad read. It's quick with details on people like myself who are nonbinary. It's also diverse including people of color and their experiences. I like how it gives a background on each. I got it for free as a kindle book (I know "booooo"), but I didn't feel like buying it and honestly would have a hard time finding it in the wild. I do like the disclaimer that the people in the book at the time of publishing identify as [blank]; it helps provide flexibility as people change and find out more about themselves. Some interesting notes: I'm glad they included Janelle Monae and I got more clarity about Demi Lovato and why she went back to "she/her". I know it can be hard being yourself, with it feeling like you're coming out every day over and over. Hopefully people's ignorance will become a thing of the past. I took notes on some I was interested in or were my heroes already. I think I saw this book advertised on Pinterest? In any case, it was a nice break from serious text.

[Sam Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to the author and illustrator in collaboration with Andrews McMeel books for sending this gorgeous collection my way — this beauty is out to the general public and makes the perfect educational read just in time for Pride Month!

I really enjoyed learning about the many non-binary individuals who take up space in a variety of industries, including, Politics, Activism and Education, Entertainment, Music, and literary environments.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: transphobia (recounted), religious bigotry (recounted), homophobia (mentioned), death of parents (recounted), mental illness (mentioned), substance abuse (mentioned), racism (recounted)

I would like to thank Edelweiss and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Beyond They/Them is an excellent resource for folks wanting to learn more about gender diversity through the 20 vignettes Dickson provides on non-binary and gender diverse people. Spanning across different identities and walks of life, Dickson creates interesting and engaging biographies of the 20 people featured in this book and has created the material in an accessible, easy-to-read format. More illustrated nonfiction than a graphic novel, you can clearly tell the effort and dedication Dickson takes when sharing these stories and that ultimately reflects itself onto the pages of this book.

[CYBILS Awards]

Recommended to us by Rachael (Do Good with Books)

[Bob H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a colorful, beautifully-illustrated book that should appeal, visually and in content, to youthful readers in particular. These are profiles, usually in 3-4 pages each, of gender-diverse/nonbinary people, in the fields of Films & TV, Books & Poetry, Music, Sports, Politics and Activists & Scholars. The people tend to be young, often from Canadian or US territory, in various ethnicities and gender expressions. Each profile has a flattering drawn portrait, with name, preferred pronouns, and a professional resume (and quite impressive), and then a brief biography. Their quotes are breakout: their words against a colorful rectangular background (larger font) in the text -- so their voices are prominent, meant to be heard. The book is brightly illustrated, a nice palette of colors, and quite readable. These are people who genuine role models, people with voices and stories that need to be told. Highly recommend, especially to young readers.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is indeed no one way to be trans…existing outside of the binary for me is freedom.” —Layshia Clarendon
🙍
This YA biography collection spans 20 game-changing and noteworthy nonbinary people of diverse backgrounds in a wide variety of industries through an illustrated book that will enlighten, empower and shine a spotlight on nonbinary joy.
🙆
I learned so much by reading this nonfiction illustrated guide—many of these people I hadn’t heard of before so it was a great educational experience. Great for 7th grades and up. It releases May 6!

CW: transphobia, religious bigotry, homophobia, death of parents (recounted), mental illness, substance abuse, racism

[Christine Lucia Asha · Rating 4 out of 5]

MUST READ BOOKS in every genre:
Thriller Say Goodbye
Memoir The Yellow House
SciFi Murder by Memory
Romance Time Loops & Meet Cutes

Why did you not include Sara Ramirez?!! Em Dickson -- she is as well known and an advocate as Demi Lovato and Janelle Monae !!

#blackgirls #lesbiana #twospirit #underrated

[K.C. Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only real complaint is that I wish that the title was clearer. All of the people named in this book are contemporary, and there is so much of this “nonbinary is a new thing!” rhetoric out there that I wish that was spelled out more clearly in the title and the blurb.

Otherwise, this was pretty cool. My library has this shelved as YA, which feels inaccurate given the limited text and basic information. As kid’s nonfiction picture book, though, it’s very cool. I had never heard of a lot of these folks!

[Eva B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this thinking it was a children's book but I feel like although it's definitely kid-friendly, it's maybe a little dense for a young audience? At least in how the text is laid out, and with the listing of accomplishments and such. Either way, very informative look at the lives of several genderqueer people, some of which are well-known and some of which aren't as widely known outside of queer spaces.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to learn more about individuals who use various pronouns outside of the binary. I'm proud to say I knew some of these figures, but also sad to say it was less than half. I have nonbinary people in my life that I'm close with and want to be a better supporter of them. This book has given me a lot of resources on how I can help not just those close to me, but the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole when discussing nonbinary or trans issues.

[Moonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable but also kinda nuts to realize that the people I was growing up alongside on tumblr are now like BIG names, like these are the people a whole generation owe their childhoods to and to me like a third of them are still “Oh ha ha I remember them from 2011 shitposting”.
The art style is lovely and the dedications are heartwarming.

[oli]

Cute little collection to get you started. Good glossary. Gives lots of recommendations on media too.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is geared towards younger readers but I really enjoyed it and think many adults would. this book was educational, enlightening & enjoyable. I also loved the format and artwork!!

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the layout and the short but impactful biographies.

Grades 6 and up.

[Mirandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really adorable biography of trans nonbinary icons. The art was so cute.