First Year Out: Essential Reading for Understanding Trans Identity
Sabrina Symington's First Year Out, which debuted in 2017, is still the indispensable graphic novel about Trans identity. Over the years, several comics and graphic novels have centered Trans characters—especially as the LGBTQ+ community has grown more publically accepted. This has not quieted Trans writers and artists despite the flood of anti-Trans laws around the country as they continue to create gripping narratives on what it means to be a Trans person. Among the noteworthy instances are the innovative webcomic Pandora's Tale by Xanthippe Hutcheon and The Kao's transverse interpretation of Sailor Moon, Magical Boy.
But among them all, First Year Out is perhaps the definitive Trans graphic story since it offers a touching and instructive look at a Trans person's first year in transition. Symington, most known by her online alias Bria Comics, presents Lily, a just come-out woman starting her Trans path. The story tracks her ups and downs as she negotiates life in transition—that is, relationships with her mother, dating, and Lily's road to self-acceptance. Though the plot is straightforward in idea, the one told in these flimsy 127 pages flishes off Lily and the surroundings. Apart from the good writing, the way it presents the truth about being Trans in modern society makes this interesting.
First Year Out: Accepting Transsolidarity
The most defining incident in the book is Lily complaining about her dissatisfaction with another Trans lady Kara. Kara only reacts to Lily by bringing out the bad sides of being Trans by showing her a flower emerging from ground level. She informs Lily "simply to bloom they have to force their way through concrete. But here it is despite all that. blossom. As lovely as every other blossom. Symington's Trans audience should pay close attention to this scene since it illustrates how difficult transition can be however the outcome is worth it.
Presenting the benefits of transitioning for questioning Trans people in the midst of discrimination is crucial. Especially with Symington's excellent writing and artwork, how First Year Out manages this will help it to remain as the indispensable Graphic Novel about the Trans experience and accessible for purchase right now.
First Year Out: Showing the Path Is Worth the Work
First Year Out does not sugarcoat the Trans experience, very rightly. The community still deals with many difficult facts, including many government officials advancing laws discriminating against Trans persons. Still, the Graphic Novel highlights for Trans readers how valuable it is to make the long-term change. Lily always comes out on top with a smile on her face even when she faces prejudice and challenges to her identity as she understands just how happy she has become since coming out.
First Year Out is not just accessible to Trans people starting their path but also to cisgender friends curious about the Trans experience. Symington uses Lily — and occasionally a third-person narrator — throughout the graphic novel to clarify vocabulary most Trans people will be familiar. While having basic questions about what it means to be Trans answered, it makes this story the ideal entryway to grasp these concepts and widen one's vocabulary to be more Trans-inclusive.
First Year Out: Learning Tool
First Year Out will probably be a vital reading for not only Trans persons but also their supporters as the years pass. This affirmative and instructive comic tale not only recognizes the Trans experience but also celebrates it.
Showing the benefits of transitioning for questioning Trans people in the face of discrimination is crucial. Especially with Symington's excellent writing and artwork, how First Year Out manages this will help it to survive as the indispensable graphic novel on the Trans experience and be accessible for purchase right now.
