Gender Queer
Here's what we found in Gender Queer. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Gender Queer
Gender Queer: A Memoir is a 2019 graphic memoir by Maia Kobabe, chronicling eir personal journey of self-discovery through adolescence and adulthood, focusing on gender identity and sexuality. The narrative explores themes of gender dysphoria, gender euphoria, and asexuality, culminating in Kobabe identifying as non-binary. Written and illustrated by Kobabe, the book aims to provide representation and help young people struggling with similar questions feel understood and less isolated. While celebrated for its candid exploration of identity, the memoir has garnered significant controversy due to its sexually explicit illustrations, leading to frequent challenges in school and public libraries across the United States. It is primarily marketed towards older teens and adults.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book is entirely centered on the author's exploration and eventual identification as non-binary and asexual, making LGBTQ and gender identity themes central and explicit. It details personal experiences with gender dysphoria, gender euphoria, and the process of understanding one's true gender identity and sexual orientation.
Maia Kobabe recounts eir journey of self-discovery, ultimately identifying as being 'outside of the gender binary' and asexual. The memoir includes experiences of gender dysphoria, such as Kobabe struggling with breast development and actively seeking to reduce gendered traits, stating, 'I don't want MORE gendered traits, I want LESS'. Kobabe uses Spivak pronouns (e/em/eir) throughout the narrative to reflect eir non-binary identity.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book contains multiple sexually explicit illustrations and frank discussions of sexual exploration, masturbation, and various sexual experiences. This content is a significant source of controversy and challenges against the book.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
18+ due to the presence of sexually explicit illustrations and detailed discussions of sexual activity and identity exploration. While some outlets recommend for ages 14-15 or 15+, the explicit visual content, which has been a primary source of controversy and challenged in various settings, necessitates a more cautious recommendation for a comprehensive Christian parent's guide.
Good to Know
Gender Queer is a standalone graphic memoir, and no sequels or adaptations that intensify its content have been identified. The book has been recognized with an Alex Award by the American Library Association, which highlights adult books with special appeal to young adults, yet it has simultaneously been the most challenged book in U.S. libraries for several consecutive years due to its content.
What are you reading next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families