There is a moral behind every story. Little Red Riding Hood taught us never to trust strangers. Goldilocks taught us about boundaries. Cinderella taught us kindness will only be rewarded with kindness. And the story of Belle in Beauty and the Beast taught us that inner beauty will always outshine physical appearance.

Fiction has always been an effective way to pass down wisdom from generation to generation. It also helps us navigate emotions, from sorrow to happiness, with an exciting twist.

When you need an escape, fictional heroes offer the perfect comfort—taking us to a world where everything is possible. But not everyone prefers a stereotyped cis character to save them. Some may want heroes that transcend the bounds of gender. Remember, representation matters.

Trans and queer literature is a developing subgenre of fiction. It describes a world beyond conventional definitions and categories. Queer Fiction is making waves for its groundbreaking portrayal of gender and sexuality. It is a worthwhile opportunity for trans and non-binary readers to see their reflections on paper and for everyone to understand their narrative.

With more mainstream books featuring authentic LGBTQ characters, trans characters also get their long-deserved recognition. It helps readers observe these characters' empathetic and sensual side and their struggles in the face of society.

Fiction authors have contributed to LGBTQ rights without being applauded or mentioned anywhere. Although activism tools have changed throughout the decades, fiction remains a powerful weapon to educate readers about gender identity and diversity. If you stumble upon books about lesbian romance or non-binary fiction but are still contemplating reading them, this blog is for you. Many queer fiction books narrate the story of strong trans-female protagonists that help you learn valuable lessons, such as

Resilience and Courage to Stay Different in a Stereotyped Society

Throughout the long struggles of the LGBTQ community, trans activists and communities have been remarkably resilient. Although it is a constant battle, many trans females have to fight injustice at work, at home, and in society.

Queer Fiction is filled with trans female characters who successfully adapted to these odds and made themselves an irreplaceable part of society. An example of such a character is Jam, a black trans female from the book "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi. Set in a utopian city, Jam is assured that the town has no evil. But her trust is soon shattered when mystical creatures appear in her mother's paintings. It is a perfect example of a resilient trans female character as she digs her way to the truth and saves her best friend's life while sticking true to her identity.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Empathy is the fundamental identifier of humanity. It is the pillar of any human society and the core element to thrive in communities. Empathy allows different people, races, and communities to coexist in harmony.

Being trans does not make an individual different from cis and binary people; they have the same goals and dreams and live in the same society. Thus, it is crucial to interact with them and listen to understand their feelings and emotions better, rather than making assumptions or agreeing with the masses.

Queer Fiction also has some beautiful trans female characters brimming with empathy, like Mei from Wilson-Yang's novel Small Beauty. Struggling with loss and grief, Mei moves to a small town. She connects with her past and the truth behind her aunt's secret relationship. This book explains how hard it is for a transgender person to live as a minority in a world full of binaries.

Self-Awareness

In a world where chaos and distractions are a dime a dozen, it's easy to lose yourself. However, deep down, everyone can remind themselves of who they are. That is the gift of self-awareness.

Self-awareness involves identifying your feelings, thoughts, and limits and living authentically.

Trans female characters have a strong and realistic perception of life. Even when faced with backlash and unacceptance from their peers and family, they still stick to their identity. You'd find many self-aware characters, but perhaps the most memorable is Orlando from Virginia Woolf's book, Orlando.

A Strong Sense of Sisterhood

It refers to a strong bond between sisters or friends because of shared experiences and struggles. Sisterhood among trans females with their community forges a strong sense of belonging. Although it may have a different concept in different groups, its core purpose is to create an alliance between like-minded people.

Living in a cis-dominated society, trans people must stick together to build their community. Bringing queer people together who once felt alone and isolated and getting acceptance from people who have faced the same struggles elevates their confidence and gives them the strength to face the world.

A great example of sisterhood among trans women can be seen through this non-fiction collection of letters, "To my Trans Sisters" by Charlie Cragg. These letters are from successful trans women to their younger community members. It is a guidebook for trans people to navigate through different stages of life, from dating and fashion to tackling body dysmorphia and transphobia.

It Takes Courage to Be a Nonconformist Individual

In a world where conformity is regarded as the key to success, a person choosing a different path is often shunned from society. Despite their achievements and sacrifices for the community, they are judged for their personal choices. Despite all this, they stay true to themselves and do whatever it takes to be heard. Inspiring, right?

Queer fantasy also aims to represent such characters through their books and give closeted people the courage to be themselves. By writing about what matters, authors are doing what it takes to educate people about the trans community. If you want to read a realistic take on the struggles of a trans female, pick up Cakewalk by Douglas Bell. It is a captivating narrative of an ordinary man and his love for a trans woman. books about lesbian romance