Can a tiny book talk about how gender is not a black-and-white binary and instead is a spectrum? I believe so. Gender is Really Strange wishes to tackle that challenge. Dr. Teddy Goetz tries to use beautiful art to describe the nuances and biases that plague cis, trans and enby people alike. He also discusses the symptoms that come with PTSD when the world decides to mess with us all. Those descriptions hit close to home.

Contrary to what public perception believes, gender doesn't always fit into little boxes. Sometimes the biology goes against that. And if it doesn't, people don't always feel like one gender all the time. The spectrum is wide, and labels liberate rather than limit.

I have read several review copies and graphic novels about what the gender spectrum means. Gender Is Really Strange has a much shorter approach to a complex subject. It works for the most part, along with including infuriating events from the Olympics that I cannot comprehend regarding testosterone levels.

The art is amazing, and it is worth reading the book for the linework and coloring. The lack of inking creates relaxed shapes as they run, stand and stretch through life. Soephee Standing nails the style, and I can't wait to see more of her work.

"Gender is Really Strange" by Teddy G. Goetz, part of the Really Strange series, boldly tackles the intricacies of gender identity. This science-based graphic medicine comic explores questions about being trans, non-binary, and gender expansive, unraveling the complex interplay between biology, society, and personal identity. From neuroscience to global gender cultures, Goetz encourages readers to critically engage with their own gender identity, challenging binary norms and celebrating the diverse and messy glory of gender. This engaging and accessible book is a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of gender.

"Gender is Really Strange" by Teddy G. Goetz is a thought-provoking exploration of gender in a concise graphic novel format. What sets this book apart is its ability to distill complex concepts into accessible visuals and straightforward language. The strength lies in its positive approach to dismantling traditional notions of gender, promoting inclusivity, and fostering understanding.

Goetz succeeds in making the subject matter approachable for readers at various levels of familiarity with gender studies. The illustrations complement the text effectively, offering a visual narrative that enhances comprehension. The upfront positivity in challenging societal norms is refreshing, encouraging readers to question preconceptions and embrace diversity.

However, the book has its shortcomings. At times, the brevity of the content leaves readers wanting a more in-depth exploration of certain topics. While the simplicity aids accessibility, it may fall short for those seeking a deeper dive into the complexities of gender.

In conclusion, "Gender is Really Strange" excels in its ability to introduce and demystify gender concepts, making it an excellent starting point for readers new to the subject. Its unique approach sets it apart from traditional texts, but some may find it lacking in depth. If you're looking for a quick, positive primer on gender, this book is a worthwhile read.

I don't have much to say apart from this was really heartwarming and adorable. Thank you for the oppertunity to proof read this :)

I'm always learning something new when I pick up an informational text on the queer community. This wonderfully curated book is jam packed with answers to all the common (and uncommon) questions surrounding the queer community. Great for people exploring their own identity, or just looking to learn.

Gender is Really Strange by Teddy G Goetz is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex and nuanced concept of gender. Through engaging illustrations and concise explanations, Goetz navigates the intricacies of gender identity, expression, and societal expectations. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the diverse spectrum of gender experiences. Goetz's approach is accessible and compassionate, making this an essential read for anyone interested in fostering inclusivity and empathy.

Well I have never before read a science-based graphic medicine comic and I'm not sure I came in with quite the right mindset for that, nor am I probably qualified to rate a science-based graphic medicine comic.

Overall I found this very informative, with some new terminology and ways to think about gender. And the visuals are beautiful and engaging. But the language is a bit clinical and not particularly plain language. I'm guessing that the target audience is looking for that more academic voice though.

I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

As a quick read, this title piles on a lot of information in a rapid fire fashion. Although, I walked away more informed about sexuality & gender after reading this title, I still have so many more questions. & to be honest, I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. The book read more like an infographic rather that the intended graphic novel format.

The cover and title really caught my eye! It contains a lot of helpful visuals and information within a small amount of pages. This will be helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves or others without putting a whole lot of time into it.

I really enjoyed this one. Many questions I had around gender were cleared up in a very creative and visually pleasing way. Would recommend this for younger readers who are just discovering themselves!

Gender Is Really Strange is a fantastic primer on the science, history, and socio-cultural background of gender identity. The bold art in gentle pastel colours is really pleasing to the eye, and the graphic novel layout helps make some complex concepts a lot more accessible. The science behind sex and gender take up the bulk of this short work, but it also manages to address history, culture, and society in eye-opening ways that push back against colonialist, racist, ableist ideas about gender. It covers a multitude of Indigenous communities precolonial ideas about gender that often break the boundaries of the idea of binary men and women.

It's a really informative book that covers a lot of ground in a short amount of space. Much of the information here will be new for a lot of people (not everything here was new for me, but a surprising amount of it was), and although the text feels a bit academic at times, it still manages to be accessible and quick to read. Highly recommended!

Much needed and very compact book on gender experiences and expressions, including practical tips on how to figure out one's own gender. The graphic format of "Gender is Really Strange" truly adds to the reading experience, allowing for representation. I found the section on gender in non-western cultures very interesting and a great summary for anyone who's interested in kickstarting their exploration of the topic.

gender is really strange caught my eye because of its incredibly accurate title. gender is the weirdest.

it's an educational primer on gender, biological sex, hormones and neuroscience, biology vs socialization, and diverse gender identities. i really appreciate seeing such scientific text in a graphic novel format; it brightens up the academic tone and makes it more readable.

i learned:

‣ TNG, a new and helpful acronym which i'd previously just considered to be the trans umbrella. it stands for trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive.

‣ more about various intersex situations, which i've never known much about. it's helpful to be able to conceptualize the actual ways that being intersex can manifest.

‣ a lot about different indigenous gender identities. this was my favorite section of the book (perhaps because it's more anthropological rather than scientific). it's mind blowing that there are so many different expressions of gender, free to flourish if uncolonized. i also appreciate the emphasis on letting these identities stand on their own, rather than warping them to fit our restrictive western categories.

my only concern is about the target audience for this short graphic novel. it covers the basics, yet is very academic, so i hope it will still be accessible for the average reader.

the final pages include discussion of how to figure out your own gender, and has helpful questions to ask yourself. i love how goetz reiterates that there are many unknowns, and that we are all on gender journeys, regardless of whether we are trans. gender is messy and complicated, so it's normal to have some stuff to figure out.

the end note citations are extensive and appreciated as well. apparently goetz is a biochemist and psychiatrist, which is a great background for the job, and they seriously did their research.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

An interesting little read! I can't lie some of the hormones and acronyms were somewhat confusing but overall quite informative. Plus the illustrations were very cute!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for this eARC in exchange for the honest review.

Gender is Really Strange provides a great intro to gender/gender identity and all of the ways it can show up in our daily lives in a beautifully illustrated, accessible way. This book gives a broad look at gender through both scientific and cultural lenses and left me impressed by the amount of information that such a short, heavily illustrated book can provide. Top notch.

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed the art style and infographic format of this short graphic novel about the biological, societal, and cultural factors that impact gender, though I do think that it could’ve been longer. It was informative yet parts were written in a conversational tone that made it accessible. It’s a quick introduction to trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming identities and I liked the questions asked toward the end and the idea of everyone on a gender journey.

This book is an informative and visually appealing reference book for those wanting to learn more about gender. It looks at many aspects of gender (appearance, hormones, sex traits etc) and shows that gender is not the simple binary.

a scientific, cultural and historical approach to gender.

would i reread it?
╰┈┈➤yes
would i recommend it?
╰┈┈➤yes
𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼
my warmest thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers & NetGalley for the copy!!

This very informative and educational and I loved it so much. If you want something that's educational and informative on Gender than this book is for you. As a parent of a Transgender child I highly recommend this book to everyone. Trust me when I say it is a good one that you don't want to pass up.

I tried downloading this a few times but the formatting just went wrong.
Unfortunately I'm unable to review it. Thank you for the opportunity.