We Are Universal mural, Kah Yangni
Introducing Brevity’s latest special issue, which also happens to be its 75th, featuring brilliant new writing by Lee Anderson, Nic Anstett, Kay Ulanday Barrett, KB Brookins, Rivka Clifton, Mac Crane, Atlas Desmond, Melissa Faliveno, Eric LeMay, Katherine Scott Nelson, Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore and Ocean Wei. Each piece is accompanied by gorgeous visual work by artist Kah Yangni of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whose vibrant art showcases the beauty of queer joy and efflorescence, the bright spirit of trans resiliency and resistance.
These 12 brief essays touch on myriad facets of what it means and how it feels to be transgender, gender-nonconforming, and/or gender-expansive. Trans experience is not a monolith, but rather a collective, each story a prism containing shared truths filtered through an individual lens. The essays contain themes like becoming and belonging, coming out and pushing through. The limitations of the gender binary, and the freedoms inherent in embracing liminality. They examine what our hobbies and rituals say about the people we are, whether we’re crushing it on the basketball court, learning to play a synthesizer, preparing a favorite pasta dish with a loved one, or taking a late-night walk through an imperfect city. They ask bold, sometimes unanswerable questions about identity: how to approach transmasculine motherhood, how to build queer communities with limited resources, how to navigate the lurking omnipresence of transphobia in daily life. But there is so much warmth here, too: in reconnecting with ancestors, and in rebuilding bridges with family once thought irreparable. In asking someone to break you before the world can, and in loving your body in all its imperfection as it ages. These 12 powerful essays reckon with who we are and where we’ve been, and we at Brevity are so excited to share them with you.
Our craft section features two essays by our special issue guest editors, Krys Malcolm Belc and Silas Hansen, about the importance of taking up space in a world that so often minimizes trans perspectives, and the ways being “bad” can be beautiful, can make us and our stories whole.
A shoutout to the other members of Brevity’s special issue editorial team, who reviewed the many incredible submissions we received with nuance, warmth, and care: Michelle Tamara Cutler, Taylor Grothe, Jake Jacobs, R. Lee, Susan Lerner, Em Sapp, and Angelique Tung.
Finally, thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy this special issue!
Zoë Bossiere
Brevity Managing Editor 2024
8 comments
Aravind Reddy says:
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you to all involved for curating such a meaningful exploration of identity and belonging.
ronak says:
Feb 7, 2024
This special issue of Brevity celebrates the richness and diversity of transgender, gender-nonconforming, and gender-expansive experiences through a collection of poignant essays and stunning visual art. It’s heartening to see such a variety of voices and perspectives represented, reflecting the complexity of trans identity. These essays delve into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and community-building, tackling both the challenges and the joys of navigating gender in today’s world. The inclusion of craft essays underscores the importance of amplifying trans voices and narratives, while also challenging conventional notions of what constitutes “good” storytelling. Kudos to the editorial team for curating such a thoughtful and impactful issue, and to the contributors for sharing their stories with honesty and vulnerability. This issue is not only a celebration of identity but also a call to embrace the beauty and power of trans existence.
Melanie Cox says:
Feb 14, 2024
Congratulations on your Trans Experience Special Issue! It’s fantastic to see platforms embracing diversity and giving space to unique perspectives. This inclusive approach contributes to a richer understanding of experiences, fostering unity and empathy. Looking forward to exploring the insightful content you’ve curated.
Denis Robinson says:
Feb 16, 2024
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in crafting such a profound exploration of identity and belonging. Your dedication to this meaningful endeavor is truly appreciated. It’s inspiring to see the impact of your work on fostering understanding and connection among us.
David says:
Feb 23, 2024
Quite the moving article, pleased I found it. Transgender is not always something easy to discuss and share.
Collage says:
Mar 11, 2024
Thank you to all involved for curating such a meaningful exploration of identity and belonging.
omaze says:
Mar 26, 2024
What a beautifully curated special issue! It’s wonderful to see platforms like Brevity providing space for diverse voices and experiences, particularly within the transgender and gender-expansive community. Each essay promises to offer a unique perspective, reflecting the richness and complexity of trans identity. The inclusion of visual art by Kah Yangni adds another layer of depth and vibrancy to the collection, capturing the essence of queer joy and resilience. Kudos to the guest editors, Krys Malcolm Belc and Silas Hansen, for their insightful contributions on the importance of amplifying trans narratives. This issue is a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering understanding, empathy, and connection. Congratulations to the entire editorial team for their dedication and discernment in bringing these compelling narratives to light.
abhishek says:
Apr 22, 2024
This special issue of Brevity sounds incredible! It’s amazing to see diverse voices coming together to explore the many facets of transgender experiences. I love how the essays touch on themes of resilience, belonging, and the beauty of embracing liminality. The inclusion of visual art by Kah Yangni adds even more depth. Kudos to the editorial team for curating such a powerful collection. Can’t wait to dive in! Thanks for sharing!