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Seahorses is a groundbreaking anthology that shares the experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people who have navigated pregnancy.
What can trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people expect from pregnancy? What roles do supportive friends, family members, and care providers play? What are some of the fabulous family structures folks are creating?
This collection brings together a wide spectrum of voices to share unique stories about navigating family building, pregnancy, fertility treatments, conception, loss, healthcare, abortion, childbirth, the early days of parenting, and the intersections of legal, political, and cultural contexts. Alongside individual stories, this book features collaborative round-table discussions where contributors address shared questions about personal journeys, community, advice and information, and pregnancy care.
Seahorses is both a vital resource for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive communities and an invitation for readers of all genders to get a glimpse of trans joy and resilience that will stick with you and inspire you to love a little deeper. This book is an essential addition to conversations about gender, pregnancy, and family.
Contributors include Amari Ayomide, Amber Hickey, Felix Aster, g k somers, Halo Dawn, Jacoby Ballard, J. Workman, Jamie Cayley, Jess F Gutfreund, Kara Johnson Martone, Kathy Slaughter, LÍfthrasir Green, Aakash Kishore, Simon Knaphus, Simone Kolysh, Tom, and Zillah Rose.
"Knaphus, a trans dad and attorney, presents a frank and moving collection of personal histories about pregnancy and family building from trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people."
—Publishers Weekly
“By looking with love through a gender expansive lens, Seahorses shifts the narrative of reproductive health and justice for all of us. The stories uplift and dive into the honest and nuanced spectrum of human emotion: tenderly understanding grief, joy, rage, growth, intimacy. As we are situated in a violent and precarious political landscape with regard to body autonomy and gender, this book is needed now more than ever.”
—Syan Rose, creator of Our Work Is Everywhere: An Illustrated Oral History of Queer and Trans Resistance
“Seahorses illustrates how choosing to be pregnant (or not) as a transgender person can be a bold and revolutionary act. With far-right forces chipping away at our reproductive and gender-affirming rights, this book is a must-read. It powerfully demonstrates that body autonomy, including the right to pregnancy and reproductive justice, is at the heart of true gender-affirming justice.”
—Zane McNeill, editor of Y'all Means All: The Emerging Voices Queering Appalachia
"Seahorses is a groundbreaking treasure! The first of its kind to compile the invaluable breadth of knowledge and wisdom held beyond the narrow confines of mainstream pregnancy and gender, making it not only an essential, diverse resource but also a thought provoking, heart expanding chronicle, voicing overlooked and underrepresented experiences. Everyone should read this book, regardless of gender or sexual orientation."
—Miles Borrero, Beautiful Monster: A Becoming
“This book is a gift to the world.”
—Freddy McConnell, author Little Seahorse and the Big Question
“Open this book, take the invitation to discover the power of community and family, because finally we have a parenting book for all families; in fact, everyone should read this book.”
—Tomas Moniz, Rad Dad, Rad Families, and All Friends Are Necessary
“In a world often defined by rigid boundaries and societal expectations, this book emerges as a vibrant celebration of our diverse identities and the multifaceted experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals. More than a collection of stories, it is a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of love. Through heartfelt narratives and poignant reflections, readers are invited into the intimate journeys of those who navigate pregnancy and parenthood against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The voices on each page affirm our existence and the profound beauty of our unique paths. This book is a beacon of hope, a declaration that there is space for everyone. It captures the struggles, triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of joy amidst adversity. May it inspire you to embrace your story, find solace in shared experiences, and kindle the spark of belonging in every heart.”
—Trystan Reese, How We Do Family
“Seahorses is a valuable contribution to the literature about trans health and bodily autonomy and is a thoughtfully curated collection of writings by trans people who have experienced pregnancy.“
—Adrian Shanker, editor of Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health
Foreword, Jacoby Ballard
Introduction, Simon Knaphus
S. Aakash Kishore The Morning After
J. Workman Try Again Time
Conversation: Personal Journeys
Jess F. Gutfreund: Body Count
LÍfthrasir Green: What it was like to have an abortion
Zillah Rose: The Home I Made for You
Jacoby Ballard: Trans Body Magic
Conversation: Community
g k somers: Stardust and Magic
Interview with Amari Ayomide
Felix Aster
Simone Kolysh
Conversation: Advice and Information
Simon Knaphus
Kathy Slaughter
Jamie Cayley: The Terrible Beginnings of a Beautiful Dream
Conversation: Pregnancy Care
Amber Hickey: Support Amidst the Hot Mess
Kara Johnson Martone: Belonging and Transformation
Halo Dawn: Birthing the World Dragon
About the Contributors
Acknowledgements