Maia Kobabe provides insight into eir path to identifying as non-binary and asexual.
Maia begins eir tale when e is a young child growing up with eir parents and sister in northern California. While many see eir as female, Maia does not identify that way from a young age. From peeing outside to being forced to put on a shirt when swimming with friends, Maia is consistently forced to confront the gender prescribed role society has hoisted upon eir young shoulders. As time passes, e continues to struggle not only with eir gender, but with eir sexual orientation. Over this long, arduous societal landscape, Maia continues to find the path that makes eir most comfortable.
This book is a true testament to what comics can be. Not only is this work a gripping tale of the struggle to feel comfortable in one’s own skin, but it also serves to invite people to look through a unique pair of eyes. Maia’s simple art style further helps to invite readers to empathize with the creator.