Symptoms of Being Human

The nice thing about Griffin being a librarian is he's really in tune with different book genres. So, when I asked him for any recommendations for LGBTQ books, he was not only well qualified but also very willing to help.

The first one he suggested was Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin.

It deals with a genderfluid high school student named Riley starting their junior year at a new school. At the beginning of the book, they've come out to their therapist but not their parents. Also, their dad is a congressman (and is heavily implied to be a Republican). This helps push the drama at home for Riley and the whole "will they or won't they tell them" story arc.

School for a genderfluid student goes as well on Riley's first day as you'd expect. They do meet a few people whom become friends (football player Solo) or eventually something more (goth girl Bec).

When they're not at school or going through usual high school angst, Riley writes a blog (another reason I love them! 😄). As the book continues, their blog grows until it becomes a huge online talking point in the LGBTQ community. They even start providing advice to those asking for it (which leads to more drama).

Without going into too much detail, I will say that I absolutely fell in love with this book and these characters. Jeff Garvin created a protagonist and a story that I never wanted to see end.

I feel that Garvin was also smart in not outright mentioning what is Riley's birth gender. As Riley says at one point when asked about gender, "People are complicated. And messy. Seems too convenient that we'd all fit inside some multiple-choice question. (pg. 327)"

I couldn't agree more, as my own journey as genderfluid and pansexual has shown me. Riley also mentions their gender identity being like a gauge with an arrow constantly sliding between the female and male sides. That's absolutely how I've felt as well (my needle has been more on the female spectrum than male spectrum recently).

I also love the different mentions of musical taste used in the book. Riley has a similar taste to me as they really enjoy different punk and grunge style artists. Constant references to The Pixies, The Ramones and Against Me! are littered throughout the book (Garvin's musical background really shines here). It got to the point where I listed each specific song mentioned in the book and created an iTunes playlist: Genderfluid Pride (Riley's Playlist) lol.

While Riley is very careful in whom they trust with their gender identity, they do mention how wonderful it feels when they do: "I've never been so accepted...so...normal...my body feels amazing. Whole. Almost like I belong in it...but, rather than exhilarating me, the realization kind of depresses me, because I think about how much time I've spent feeling wrong. (pg. 196-197)"

I've felt the same type of euphoria whenever I've come out to someone and been so accepted. Why do we keep it inside though? Well, for obvious reasons. Like Riley mentions in their blog, "People tolerate secrecy...It's like, it's okay to have gay feelings or trans feelings or gender fluid feelings - as long as you keep them inside...People don't condemn you for being trans. They condemn you for embracing it. (pg. 117)"

Unfortunately, I (and all of us) have seen this happen too often. It can be incredibly scary to share that much and be that vulnerable with someone; even if you've known them your entire life. That's why I change names, use only store descriptions and haven't shown my face yet. The world can be scary when they realize you're different and can go to great lengths to destroy you.

So, if you're an ally, how do you approach an LGBTQ person to let them know that you're on their side? Riley actually provides some kind and basic ideas: "There's no need to have "the big talk"... mention a book, or a movie with a trans character in it. Make positive remarks. (They'll) get it...just be the kind of person he will want to turn to when he - or, she - is ready. (pg. 141)"

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. It's wonderfully written, features some terrifically emotional moments, and I truly never wanted it to end.

That'll do it for me this week. I'll be back with all of you on Monday. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy some more of Riley's Playlist. 😉

Have a wonderful weekend, my loves.

-Trixie 😘 ❤️ 

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