Young people today have more ways than ever before to describe themselves when it comes to gender and sexuality: asexual, bi, gender queer or gender non-conforming, gender expansive being just a few of them. For some, understanding all of this can be confusing or even threatening. And some of those feelings have led to legislation across the country especially targeted at the transgender community.
Nico Lang, a journalist who has reported on transgender issues for over a decade, wanted to shift the focus to the voices and experiences of transgender teens in their new book, “American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era.” They shared their insights with Texas Standard in a recent interview.
Lang emphasized the importance of centering trans kids in their own stories, giving them a platform to share their experiences, hopes, and dreams. By highlighting the humanity of these teens, Lang hopes to combat the dehumanization that often occurs in media narratives surrounding the transgender community. The goal is for readers to see these kids as individuals deserving of rights and respect.
In the book, Lang introduces readers to eight transgender teens from various parts of the U.S., offering a glimpse into their lives through a narrative design. By showcasing the everyday experiences of these teens, Lang aims to humanize their stories and show that their lives are not so different from those of other young people.
One of the teens featured in the book is Ruby from Houston, whose story is described as a love story. Lang documents Ruby’s journey of finding love and acceptance, highlighting the importance of support from family and community in the lives of transgender youth. By celebrating Ruby’s story, Lang hopes to underscore the significance of validation and allyship in helping transgender teens thrive.
The timing of the book’s release, close to a significant election, is not lost on Lang. They view the book as an “election book” that delves into how political outcomes impact the lives of transgender youth. Lang acknowledges the challenges faced by many families in the current political climate and hopes that the book will shed light on the struggles and resilience of trans American teens.
Ultimately, Lang’s greatest wish is for the book to become outdated as society progresses towards greater acceptance and support for transgender individuals. They express hope for positive change and urge political leaders and influencers to advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender youth. Lang sees their book as a contribution to the fight for a better future for all young people, regardless of their gender identity.
The personal stories shared in “American Teenager” serve as a time capsule of this particular moment for trans American teens, capturing both the challenges and triumphs they experience in a society grappling with issues of gender identity and acceptance. Lang’s work highlights the resilience and humanity of transgender youth, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and advocacy in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young people.