(Reviewed by JD Jung)
#CommissionsEarned
I must admit that I am ignorant of many of the gender classifications, so I hoped that Rainbow, Rainbow would educate me. That said, I found these ten stories that center around queer, pansexuality and trans life quite thought-provoking
Many of the characters feel uncomfortable in their bodies, but question if they should surgically and/or hormonally transition. The answer isn’t always clear. Some aren’t sure of their gender identity. Does it even remain static? In this book, these issues are often dealt with in a somewhat dark, but also humorous way.
My favorite story is “Sunny Talks”. Sunny, a teenager, and his aunt attend a convention of trans YouTube contributors in Philadelphia. Sunny also speaks out for nonbinaries, but his aunt never discussed her sexual identity with him. She wasn’t even sure about it for so many years. She finds herself revisiting her own painful past and wishes these discussions on gender identity were available when she was younger. This story shows the difference on how these topics are viewed and felt between the two generations.
“Cheerful Until Next Time” will give you something to think about as members of The Queer Feminist Book Club discuss the possible contradictions between feminism and lesbianism.
Most of these stories feature the highly educated in the U.S., but the final story takes place in Poland where trans danger is more “manageable” than in neighboring Belarus, where queer people are found murdered and pride parades are outlawed.
Will Rainbow, Rainbow appeal to those who identify as gay or nonbinary? That, I don’t’ know. What I can say is that I appreciate the inner struggles that these characters go through.
In fact, these stories may be of interest to all readers who are interested in the human condition.
