Trans books, The Odyssey, and U.S. Book Ban Bills

 

This week we have trans books in the news, a trans historian discussing The Odyssey, and an urgent call to oppose 4 U.S. book ban bills.

Books & Authors

‘Unsafe’ challenges us to handle anti-trans backlash differently - Eli Erlick reviews the new book by S. Lamble, Unsafe: the carceral roots of the anti-trans backlash. This book intrigues me and I hope to check it out soon. (Xtra*)

Laverne Cox’s memoir transcends the lies told to her - Review of the new Laverne Cox memoir Transcendent reveals a rollercoaster ride of truths. (Out in Jersey)

Meet Mia Siegert, Author of “The Names We Buried” - an interview with the author of The Names We Buried in which a trans teen's attempt to change their name leads to the discovery that he is a genetic match to a girl kidnapped seventeen years ago. (It Gets Better)

A welcome boost for Tees Valley writers - Trans writer Irie McGurrin is one of three writers chosen to be part of the Tees Valley (UK) development program New Writing North. (Cultured. North East)

Movies

The Odyssey Film: A Trans Historian's Perspective - a thoughtful video on the new Odyssey movie by an historian, discussing its theme and comparing the film to the epic poem. (We Have Always Existed: Transgender History YouTube channel)

Matrix director Lilly Wachowski says she can’t get Hollywood to fund her new all-trans movie - The Hunted, a dystopian political thriller, is in late-stage production and features an extensive trans cast.

Trans film premieres at film festival - The short film Aman by Kolkata writer & director Rahul Roye selected for the Short Cuts programme at the 2026 Toronto International Film festival. It is about a trans man who discovers he is pregnant and stars trans actors Kabir Maan and Sirat Taneja. (The Telegraph - India)

A safe house in Walkley: writing Rose's House back into Sheffield's queer history - s short history of "one of the first dedicated safe spaces for trans people anywhere in the UK" from the director of the documentary Rose's House.

Book Bans

Flex Your Literary Advocacy Muscles Right Now - A quick overview of the four federal book ban bills currently in play in the United States. Contact your congress people & senators! (Book Riot)

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