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We're Still Here: An All-Trans Comics Anthology
The first anthology of its kind, We’re Still Here: An All-Trans Comics Anthology offers dozens of new stories that render trans experiences in comics form: some fiction, some nonfiction, some sad, some thoughtful, some funny, some bizarre, all authentic.
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
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379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 9, 2018
I've backed a lot of comic anthologies on kickstarter by this point, and this one really stands out. Every story in the book is written and drawn by a trans author or team including a trans author. There are fiction and nonfiction pieces, humorous and sad, serious and hilarious. There are so many strong pieces it's hard to pick favorites but a few that really stood out to me were "Abominatrix" by Morgan Sea, "A Brief Timeline of the Singular They" by Melanie Gillman, "Tiffany Banks" by Ajuan Mance, "Tiresias" by Lily Ash Sakula, "For Real" by Renny Triangle, "Thots with Thoughts" by Noah Grigni, "Hagios, Hagios, Hagios" by Bis Thornton, "Love is Like A Cephalopod" by Bishakh Som, "I was just 18" by Nox Fox.... I said it was hard to choose! You should just buy the book and read the whole thing.
August 16, 2018
This is such a hopeful anthology, full of love and resilience. I gobbled it up all in one sitting– I kept glancing at the clock telling myself, okay just one more page and then I'll go to bed... next thing I knew I had finished reading the anthology and just wanted to turn back to the first page and start all over again!
August 9, 2018
Great anthology. Great range of perspectives and variety of styles. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to know more about trans experiences.
August 7, 2021
A pretty thick anthology, it felt like the average story length was on the very short side, so many content notes.
Namely nudity, nonsexual and sexual on their own terms, sex, homophobia, transphobia, haunting, body horror, violence, and an ambiguous use of sage.
Many people have contributed to this anthology, and I'll list them in the description with (ideally) a link to their socials.
A diverse selection of artistic styles and genre of story, things probably do lean towards the autobio side of things but we also have some things on the more speculative and fantastical or sci-fi side. Plus a dash of spiritual stories. There's some stories on the more educational and/or informative side; some stories that are just simply joyful and others that reflect a lot of pain. The look of each comic is pretty different and also seems to give a pretty good overview of the different "schools"? of comic art. Not exactly what I'm trying to say, but it hopefully makes sense to you. Some of the styles will appeal to you, some probably will not. As I said, everything is pretty short, so it was easy to get through just about everything.
Keywords that came to mind while reading this anthology, subversion, superhero, history, coming of age, community, love, survival, magic, creative and poetic.
As far as representation goes, I was similarly pretty impressed by the diversity of people who contributed and were represented. Not totally exhaustive, but pretty darn close as far as I could tell.
As far as sexuality and gender went, I obviously really appreciated the inclusion of nonbinary people alongside trans men and trans women. We also touched down in stories about trans trans relationships and trans cis relationships as well as gay and straight relationships. Platonic and sexual.
Moving onto racial representation, looking exclusively through people's bio's in the back of the book we do get a mix of white and none white creators, including some Black creators. Which is obviously something to keep an eye out for. It did not appear to me as if anyone who contributed identifies as Indigenous, either to turtle island or to anywhere else in the world. Which is a shortcoming. That said, many Indigenous cultures have their own understanding of gender beyond the binary, so they certainly don't have to contribute to a specifically trans anthology either.
Class is one of those things that impacts the lives of many trans people and is reflected in a number of the selected stories.
As far as discussions around ability vs disability, I felt like this one was perhaps the one with the lowest amount of diversity overall. Although there are certainly a number of stories that centre the experiance of bodies that fall short of ableist assumptions. Especially near the end. As I always say on this front in particular, take my extremely newbie opinion with a grain of salt.
Overall I must admit to being pretty impressed by this collection. A lot of work clearly went into it and it's obviously paving the way for so much more to be accomplished. Five out of five stars, definitely check it out if it sounds the least bit interesting and you can get your hands on it.
Namely nudity, nonsexual and sexual on their own terms, sex, homophobia, transphobia, haunting, body horror, violence, and an ambiguous use of sage.
Many people have contributed to this anthology, and I'll list them in the description with (ideally) a link to their socials.
A diverse selection of artistic styles and genre of story, things probably do lean towards the autobio side of things but we also have some things on the more speculative and fantastical or sci-fi side. Plus a dash of spiritual stories. There's some stories on the more educational and/or informative side; some stories that are just simply joyful and others that reflect a lot of pain. The look of each comic is pretty different and also seems to give a pretty good overview of the different "schools"? of comic art. Not exactly what I'm trying to say, but it hopefully makes sense to you. Some of the styles will appeal to you, some probably will not. As I said, everything is pretty short, so it was easy to get through just about everything.
Keywords that came to mind while reading this anthology, subversion, superhero, history, coming of age, community, love, survival, magic, creative and poetic.
As far as representation goes, I was similarly pretty impressed by the diversity of people who contributed and were represented. Not totally exhaustive, but pretty darn close as far as I could tell.
As far as sexuality and gender went, I obviously really appreciated the inclusion of nonbinary people alongside trans men and trans women. We also touched down in stories about trans trans relationships and trans cis relationships as well as gay and straight relationships. Platonic and sexual.
Moving onto racial representation, looking exclusively through people's bio's in the back of the book we do get a mix of white and none white creators, including some Black creators. Which is obviously something to keep an eye out for. It did not appear to me as if anyone who contributed identifies as Indigenous, either to turtle island or to anywhere else in the world. Which is a shortcoming. That said, many Indigenous cultures have their own understanding of gender beyond the binary, so they certainly don't have to contribute to a specifically trans anthology either.
Class is one of those things that impacts the lives of many trans people and is reflected in a number of the selected stories.
As far as discussions around ability vs disability, I felt like this one was perhaps the one with the lowest amount of diversity overall. Although there are certainly a number of stories that centre the experiance of bodies that fall short of ableist assumptions. Especially near the end. As I always say on this front in particular, take my extremely newbie opinion with a grain of salt.
Overall I must admit to being pretty impressed by this collection. A lot of work clearly went into it and it's obviously paving the way for so much more to be accomplished. Five out of five stars, definitely check it out if it sounds the least bit interesting and you can get your hands on it.
July 12, 2019
Wonderful anthology! My enjoyment of the entries ranged from “I liked it” to “Wow! I loved this piece!” and most fell in the latter category. I’m so happy to own this book as it introduced me to a large amount of talented creators to check out!
Big thanks to all the contributors, Kickstarter backers, and especially the editors! 😍🌈👍
Big thanks to all the contributors, Kickstarter backers, and especially the editors! 😍🌈👍
February 15, 2019
Like most anthologies, I loved some more than others--there were some that were really hard to read or make out the art in, which led me to skipping after struggling to get into the first few pages, which I think is a shame. On the whole though, I think this is an awesome project and I'm glad I got to read it.
October 15, 2018
This collection is diverse, imaginative, tender, thoughtful, heartfelt and powerful. It anthologizes small works by several dozen trans comic artists, with the express intention of getting that work a broader audience, and making it quite clear to the wider world that there are plenty of transpeople making comic art, and no excuse for passing over trans voices when writing trans characters. Many of these stories are about the authors' varied trans experiences, but some are not focused on that, being simply stories. The pacing and organization of the collection is very strong, without any jarring transitions, and the collection ends on a particularly lovely note. Very well done, and highly reccomended for anyone interested in comic art, or in learning more about trans experiences.
September 30, 2018
Loved this--a great concept and beautifully done. I loved all the viewpoints and various styles. The only thing was, there were several comics that were not very coherent, where I couldn't tell what was going on. I know some people like this style, but I like things spelled out a little more. Still, wonderful collection, and I'm glad I contributed to the Kickstarter.
October 11, 2018
Un recueil de BD d'une cinquantaine de bédéistes trans de 2 à 6 pages en moyenne. Définitivement un must à avoir, plein plein plein de découvertes à faire (une mini-bio sur chaque artiste est disponible à la fin), des BDs parfois excellentes, parfois bonnes, quelques corrects et de rares BDs inintéressantes (à mon avis). On parle d'une variété de sujets et d'expériences avec une diversité de thème (réaliste, fantasy, sf, comics, super-héros, humour, romance, etc.) et de personnages (humains, monstres, animaux, etc.).
Un tremplin vers la lecture de ces bédéistes et un pari réussi d'en faire une imposante anthologie d'une 300aine de pages.
Un tremplin vers la lecture de ces bédéistes et un pari réussi d'en faire une imposante anthologie d'une 300aine de pages.
October 1, 2018
This is a book of transgender cartoons, done by transgender people, so they know of where they speak.
Some are more talented then others in drawing and telling their story, but all have a story to tell, and I found that it took me a long time to read through each of them, and absorb what was being said.
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to understand. Just be prepared to have to stop after reading one or two of the stories, before moving on.
Some are more talented then others in drawing and telling their story, but all have a story to tell, and I found that it took me a long time to read through each of them, and absorb what was being said.
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to understand. Just be prepared to have to stop after reading one or two of the stories, before moving on.
October 29, 2020
An All-Trans Comics Anthology written by and for trans folks?! Yes!, says this cis (queer) woman. A range of drawing styles and story-telling, I loved everything about this book...which is not to say that I loved every contribution in particular, but the importance of the work being out there, these stories being told, and in such an accessible way! I wish they'd print more copies so I could order one for myself and for folks I know...mine was a library copy.
April 14, 2019
An amazing variety of stories, from simple narratives to inscrutible abstractions, and some didactic lectures. They are varied and personal and yet they all tap into the same core truth everyone feels: the desire to be accepted for who you are.
October 29, 2019
A plethora of creators explore the nature of being trans in their own unique ways, as it should be. (Disclosure: A considerable number of people in this book are my fiends and acquaintances.)
August 12, 2018
A fantastically curated anthology that I am so glad I own, something I will come back to again and again. The range of emotion and experience in this is perfect.
January 12, 2020
Such an inspiring and satisfying read. So many styles and themes, clearly edited and arranged with much care. Let's get some more of THIS on the reading pile!
June 5, 2022
I talk about this book in this wrap up video.
Read
September 28, 2018Fiction W486 2018
March 20, 2019
It's very difficult to create this sort of book. First, there are very few trans people alive. Of those trans people, only some will make comics. Of those who make comics, few will be of high quality. So, it's no wonder that many of the stories in this anthology are not of high quality (from the bizarre to the trite). But that's not the main reason I don't recommend this book. I believe this book has a trans-masculine bias.
As I read each story, the difference in narratives emerges quickly. Trans women are portrayed as failed copies, violent psychopaths, and/or victims. Trans men and nonbinary AFAB people are portrayed as handsome heroes. Even worse than this, and please do beware of spoilers, was the transmisogyny (hatred of trans women) implied in "It Could Have Been a Great Bromance" by Kai-Boom.
Perhaps the anthology's only redeeming story, for being about something to which I could relate without victimization tropes or comparison of a trans woman to a monster, was "The Third Time's the Charm" by Christianne Benedict.
I was able to put myself in this story easily and laughed at things that have happened also to me. Like, literally all of those things.
A close second, but just outside of acknowledgement, was "Love is Like a Cephalopod" by Bishakh Som
"In Transit" by Tara Madison Avery and Mike Sullivan wasn't transmisogynistic, bizarre, victim-making-oriented, or trite, but just left me thinking, "...and?" No spoiler tags are required, as there's nothing happening in the story to spoil.
As I read each story, the difference in narratives emerges quickly. Trans women are portrayed as failed copies, violent psychopaths, and/or victims. Trans men and nonbinary AFAB people are portrayed as handsome heroes. Even worse than this, and please do beware of spoilers, was the transmisogyny (hatred of trans women) implied in "It Could Have Been a Great Bromance" by Kai-Boom.
Perhaps the anthology's only redeeming story, for being about something to which I could relate without victimization tropes or comparison of a trans woman to a monster, was "The Third Time's the Charm" by Christianne Benedict.
I was able to put myself in this story easily and laughed at things that have happened also to me. Like, literally all of those things.
A close second, but just outside of acknowledgement, was "Love is Like a Cephalopod" by Bishakh Som
"In Transit" by Tara Madison Avery and Mike Sullivan wasn't transmisogynistic, bizarre, victim-making-oriented, or trite, but just left me thinking, "...and?" No spoiler tags are required, as there's nothing happening in the story to spoil.
May 13, 2024
WOW probably one of the best anthologies I've ever read? There are so many stories in here and only like a few I didn't enjoy. It's just so cool to see an anthology of trans artists telling trans stories, it's really beautiful. Even the ones I didn't like as much, idk it was just cool to see trans people stories. Something you don't see enough of in comics.
The first half was really good and I think every story hit for me. While the second half I guess I got fatigued because the stories kinda melded together I guess. And alot of the ones I didn't like or felt netural on where in the second half. Though I think there's some good variety in stories, art styles, and there's a good blend of idententies, etc there's still alot of stories that kinda have the same feel to it. Passing, transphobia, dysphoria, euphoria, etc. My favorites were the ones were the fantastical ones, those were fun. But still the coolest part of the anthology is that it gives trans creators a chance to express what being trans mean to them and I think that's nice.
Still I really enjoyed this anthology, and after most of the stories I looked at the artist's biography. I actually wanted to look into more of the creators works featured here.
My favorites
Abominatrix
For Real
Thots with Thoughts
Deadnamed
Out of the Box
The Perfect Knight
The Chameleon
Back to Your Place
The Water Gatherer
Ones I didn't like as much
Glamoured- My least favorite, I liked the fantasy setting idea, but it felt very juvenille and poorly written. I feel bad for saying this! But it was just like kid proves themselves to their transphobic parents by being amazing at everything. Idk I don't know about that message.
Allegheny Cemetary- Not terrible, I just didn't really follow it.
Trampoline- One of those wordless comics that I usually dig, but this one was just very confusing.
Trans Cat- This one had a nice message at the end, but it was way too long and wordy. The artist has a whole series with this character, cute idea for a character ig, but this story didn't make me want to read more.
Dracula Party- idk not too into vampire stories, also I didn't get this one, and how it relates to being trans? Was the vampire trans?
All in all amazing anthology. Like seriously only 4 stories I didn't like! Check this out. Trans comics are awesome!
The first half was really good and I think every story hit for me. While the second half I guess I got fatigued because the stories kinda melded together I guess. And alot of the ones I didn't like or felt netural on where in the second half. Though I think there's some good variety in stories, art styles, and there's a good blend of idententies, etc there's still alot of stories that kinda have the same feel to it. Passing, transphobia, dysphoria, euphoria, etc. My favorites were the ones were the fantastical ones, those were fun. But still the coolest part of the anthology is that it gives trans creators a chance to express what being trans mean to them and I think that's nice.
Still I really enjoyed this anthology, and after most of the stories I looked at the artist's biography. I actually wanted to look into more of the creators works featured here.
My favorites
Abominatrix
For Real
Thots with Thoughts
Deadnamed
Out of the Box
The Perfect Knight
The Chameleon
Back to Your Place
The Water Gatherer
Ones I didn't like as much
Glamoured- My least favorite, I liked the fantasy setting idea, but it felt very juvenille and poorly written. I feel bad for saying this! But it was just like kid proves themselves to their transphobic parents by being amazing at everything. Idk I don't know about that message.
Allegheny Cemetary- Not terrible, I just didn't really follow it.
Trampoline- One of those wordless comics that I usually dig, but this one was just very confusing.
Trans Cat- This one had a nice message at the end, but it was way too long and wordy. The artist has a whole series with this character, cute idea for a character ig, but this story didn't make me want to read more.
Dracula Party- idk not too into vampire stories, also I didn't get this one, and how it relates to being trans? Was the vampire trans?
All in all amazing anthology. Like seriously only 4 stories I didn't like! Check this out. Trans comics are awesome!
November 5, 2025
After a spellbinding start, this collection dragged for me and felt repetitive towards the end. I love the concept, many of the artistic styles, and the stories that resonated for me were wonderful. But because of this, I was left frustrated by how this came up short for me in the end. I want another anthology and work by trans illustrators, and for the next anthology, I'd kindly request:
• more long contributions. Most of the comics were 2-3 pages, which felt like it constrained the artists and led to rushed storylines and premature endings;
• more thematic variety. About half way through I started expecting every other story to follow the same format (which largely happened): scene setting - trans person experiences dysphoria or discrimination - trans person works through it solo or with a partner - sentimental/wistful/knowing finalé. This got tired quickly - potentially because the stories were short and didn't have space to develop into something richer.
All said with love and gratitude for those who brought this to life.
• more long contributions. Most of the comics were 2-3 pages, which felt like it constrained the artists and led to rushed storylines and premature endings;
• more thematic variety. About half way through I started expecting every other story to follow the same format (which largely happened): scene setting - trans person experiences dysphoria or discrimination - trans person works through it solo or with a partner - sentimental/wistful/knowing finalé. This got tired quickly - potentially because the stories were short and didn't have space to develop into something richer.
All said with love and gratitude for those who brought this to life.
July 5, 2022
Spotted this anthology in the pile of books the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center sent over for call number creation and knew I had to read it. I especially enjoyed the international perspectives. Edwards' journey to Two's Cabin, a Japanese bar for trans guys, and Fox's presentation and discussion on the Belgian practice of combining top and bottom surgeries, highlight the restrictiveness of a government requiring complete physical transformation before recognizing someone's legal gender. Of course, it's not all woes and regrets. Some pieces are lighter, focusing on issues like passing, carrying two identity cards, etc. and there's even an excellent romance in Benedict's "The Third Time's the Charm". My favorite piece of all, however, is Grigni's "Thots with Thoughts" whose 12 Ways to Make Hookups More Sexy and Less Transphobic should be circulated widely. (Oh look, they have it on their Etsy site! https://www.etsy.com/listing/62031427...)
October 24, 2019
A very strong anthology of comics by trans, genderqueer and nonbinary creators. Pretty diverse in terms of background and drawing style. I'd love to see a broader range of stories and characters. A lot of it was autobiographical or semi-autobiographical work focusing on gender dysphoria and transphobia, which is so necessary but I'm looking forward to the day when there's less of a need to educate cis folks about the discrimination and multiple, intersecting oppressions that trans folks face. Still, this is a very important collection and an important reminder that there are plenty of trans, genderqueer & nonbinary comics creators out there and you should highlight them (and hire them) whenever possible.
December 8, 2024
DNF
In the introduction, the editors proclaim "isn't it great that anyone can write a comic!?" Sure, but in order to publish a comic, one more thing is required: the ability to draw. Just because someone "can" write a comic doesn't mean they should publish it. The very first comic didn't make sense and was so badly drawn I couldn't even make out all the pictures. I wanted to give this a try because someone lent it to me, but there was so much swearing (including on the very first page(!), and in the introduction), and upon skimming I saw some X-rated drawings that I had not consented to. Nowhere is there a warning that this is an 18+ comic. You don't get a pass on being unprofessional just because you're trans.
In the introduction, the editors proclaim "isn't it great that anyone can write a comic!?" Sure, but in order to publish a comic, one more thing is required: the ability to draw. Just because someone "can" write a comic doesn't mean they should publish it. The very first comic didn't make sense and was so badly drawn I couldn't even make out all the pictures. I wanted to give this a try because someone lent it to me, but there was so much swearing (including on the very first page(!), and in the introduction), and upon skimming I saw some X-rated drawings that I had not consented to. Nowhere is there a warning that this is an 18+ comic. You don't get a pass on being unprofessional just because you're trans.
January 21, 2019
A solid anthology. My complaint is that a few comics were incoherent and I had no idea what was going on, or what the point of the story was. There were also times where I felt like I was reading comics by the same author, in that they used the same language and had similar characters.
But hey, as long as this anthology gets to and works for it's intended audience, that's all that matters.
My favorite stories were:
- Singular They by Melanie Gillman (great look in linguistic history)
- Two's Cabin by Dylan Edwards
- For Real by Renny Triangle
- Out of the Box by Kameron White
- Glamoured by Ryan Rose Aceae
-Where Have I Been All My Life? by Sonya Saturday
But hey, as long as this anthology gets to and works for it's intended audience, that's all that matters.
My favorite stories were:
- Singular They by Melanie Gillman (great look in linguistic history)
- Two's Cabin by Dylan Edwards
- For Real by Renny Triangle
- Out of the Box by Kameron White
- Glamoured by Ryan Rose Aceae
-Where Have I Been All My Life? by Sonya Saturday
May 10, 2022
Mandatory reading for anyone in the alphabet mafia or with loved ones who are (or if you're just an ally) and you enjoy comics anthologies. A lot of great stuff in here, but the authors/artists whose work stood out the most to me were Renny Triangle, Kit Beukes, Sophie Labelle and Arvi Tammi, Evelyn Ricky, and Kyri Lorenz. The works by those last two artists in particular struck that ineffable "this is art that absorbs me" chord (that's a thing, right?). (This review is mostly a note to myself for future reference to check more of all of their stuff out!)
September 13, 2018
Certainly don’t regret buying this. Important to have these voices out there. That said, frustrated by how many of these stories used the same kind of language to describe what are supposed to be unique experiences. A lot of these are far too wordy when the art style takes care of a lot of that uniqueness. Really loved some of the art work, but didn’t connect with most of it. Still, I’m sure someone out there connects with each story, so I can’t knock this as a concept.
January 27, 2022
Imaginative, creative, tender, and powerful. Glad to have backed this anthology on Kickstarter years ago! I'm not a regular comics-consumer so the very short form left me wanting more story, more depth. Nonetheless, this diversity-filled work of art tackling transphobia, gender euphoria, sexism, resilience, class, trauma, racism, community, love, and trans magic is a very moving and very needed collection.
March 31, 2019
It's an anthology of very short comics, so it's a very, very mixed bag. Some of them are uplifting, others funny, a few self-indulgent and pretentious, and some are moving, poignant and beautiful. If you're trans, genderqueer, or love someone who is, it's worth getting. This was a crowdfunded effort from Stacked Deck Press, from who I have bought at least one other book.
January 16, 2020
Featuring artists both familiar and new to me, this anthology does a great job communicating experiences through art. Recommend the whole book for trans folks, and specific comics definitely serve as helpful guides for cis people. "See? This is how I feel! This is what it's like!"
Anyway it's an excellent anthology and I'm grateful to the people who put it together.
Anyway it's an excellent anthology and I'm grateful to the people who put it together.
November 20, 2023
Really really enjoyed these, many were profound and/or beautiful, only a handful of misses and even then they were misses-for-me, I could see how someone else would appreciate them.
CN: racism, transphobia, homophobia, violence, sexual assault, some other stuff I'm not remembering (but all in terms of critique / lived experiences of these things)
CN: racism, transphobia, homophobia, violence, sexual assault, some other stuff I'm not remembering (but all in terms of critique / lived experiences of these things)
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