Both/And: Essays by Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Writers of Color

From Denne Michele Norris and Electric Literature, a vital anthology of essays by trans and gender-nonconforming writers of color, sharing stories of joy, heartbreak, rage, and self-discovery.

Featuring seventeen essays by trans people of color—spanning writers, scientists, actors, activists, and drag queens—Both/And explores what it means to live as a trans or gender nonconforming person of color today.

Acclaimed authors Akwaeke Emezi, Tanaïs, and Meredith Talusan share their stories alongside activist and organizer Raquel Willis and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Peppermint, as well as a host of rising literary talent. Each story is told with honesty, authenticity, and beauty. A nonbinary molecular biologist has nightmares about their estranged father transitioning. A writer revisits a casual hook-up when she discovered her womanhood. And a woman vacations with her wife in Hawaii, where she gets in touch with the fire goddess within. These stories depict real trans lives from trans points of view, at a time when these perspectives are most urgent and valuable.

Inspired by Electric Literature’s groundbreaking series and edited by the first Black, openly trans editor-in-chief of a major literary publication, Both/And uplifts and amplifies stories of queer joy, heartbreak, rage, and self-discovery.

"Stunning … Across the collection, the complex and multifaceted experiences of trans people of color are rendered vividly, and the pieces urge political action in the present while offering a beacon of hope for a more just future. Readers will find this tough to forget." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This outstanding collection includes 17 essays by trans and gender-nonconforming writers of color, some of whom you will be familiar with and others you’ll be grateful to get to know as they share their wisdom on love, loss, rage and joy." - Ms. Magazine

"In a time when they are trying to erase us, this book is timely and necessary. It’s a window into what it is to be a person of color. … These essays show our humanity to the world at large. This needs to be on everyone's shelf!!!" - EL Winston, Blaque/Out

"For those wanting to understand the inner lives and hopes of trans and gender-nonconforming people, Both/And is an excellent place to begin." - The Gay & Lesbian Review