I was at an amazing conference called Van Caf recently where I attended a panel called: We’re Here! Non-Binary Publishers and Creators Talk Shop
Panelists include Joamette Gil (Power & Magic Press), Hye Mardikian (Fortuna Media), Odera Igbokwe, Sfé R. Monster (Beyond Press), and Sunmi (Dandelion Wine Collective)
It was eye-opening to say the least. I have so much admiration for our people who live on the fringes of society and as a cis gay male, I simply can’t fathom the level of oppression they must face. However, I have to say that also considering myself queer is helpful because I feel like I can be a part of the conversation given that I seriously question labels myself.
One thing that really struck me is how important imagination is in our life. It hit home that non-binary publishers have the power to create entire universe of trans characters by simply adding a dash of fantasy (or Sci Fi) to the premise of the said universe. Where TV and film rely on big money to move projects forward, these comic book, graphic novel and illustration authors are in the power seat when creating their content. In that sense they are truly pioneers and I can only hope that the live action industry follows in their footsteps.
With positive narratives about non-binary characters, children have a chance to get acquainted with these new realities in a way that is much less traumatic than those of say my generation. One of the panelist mentioned that they were first introduced to the concept of transness with the movie Boys don’t Cry and, unhappy to have been acquainted with it in such a shocking way, was eager to create narratives where a child or a teenager would feel comfortable with the concept. It is important to create these healthy fictional non-binary characters because as a community we have to fight in order to reduce the stigma associated with our identities. I am happy to see that these artists are gaining momentum and supporting each other to make this year the most diverse Van Caf to my knowledge.
I particularly liked something Odera said which was about how it’s hard enough being an artist in a world that doesn’t really appreciate the visual. On top of that, people should factor in that he is black and of a different sexual orientation so when it comes to explaining the non-binary identity part results may vary.
These are the layers of intersectionality people have to go through just to get jobs. To be accepted by one’s family is something that can never be taken for granted but then in this community the rejections climb off the charts.
What moved me the most was how inclusive they all were. You would think that there is something very specific about non-binary identity but I have found that it is everything but. I was listening to them and not once did they make me feel like being cis wasn’t good enough. I felt like listening to their origin stories, their challenges and their incredible artistic drive was all they expected of me. I bet they were also aiming to inspire other non-binary folks to just be who they are and to be thought leaders like themselves. Between you and I, I think they succeeded with that.
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