Show Notes
Trans high school student Ryo is learning the importance of having people to open up to, and that first perceptions of a person are not always as they seem in the manga Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku. Ryo is a boy, but nobody knows that and the only way he gets any relief is by wearing masculine-presenting clothing. Then, one day, he runs into a classmate he didn't expect at a pop-up clothing shop and makes an unlikely friend. Hosts Em and Cas discuss the struggles of being a trans high school student, clothing as armor, and the intricacies of gender exploration in this week's episode.
More from Reading the Rainbow
Recorded at the Dauphin County Library System's Rainbow Makers' Fair on 6/20/26, Amber interviews makers and attendees to find out their favorite queer books and tropes!
Reflecting on how far books have come in LGBTQ+ representation since they were kids, Ben and Jamie discuss some of the books that made an impact on them in their journeys.
The truly riveting Meg Day joins cohosts Ben and Samantha in this episode as they discuss Day's book, Last Psalm at Sea Level. Meg describes their inspiration for this breathtaking collection of poetry , from Donne and deafness, to simply wanting to be seen for who you are. An hour has never gone by so quickly! If you're interested in reading Last Psalm at Sea Level after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!
If you've ever wished for an early 20th century book that combines capitalism with a lavender marriage and a winking narration style, Olivia Wolfgang-Smith's Mutual Interest should be on the top of your TBR pile!