Graphic Novel Review: In Transition
Author: Lee Onysko
Format: Paperback
Pages: 76
Publish Date: September 2023
Publisher: Strange Deer Press
Catalog ID: ISBN: 978-1732250338
Where to buy: https://bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-on-graphicmedicine-org
Author website: https://imscribblemouse.itch.io/intransition2023
Review
by Soph Myers-Kelley
Lee Onysko’s In Transition is a powerful work for anyone in the trans and nonbinary communities—and provides insight for everyone else, too. The color work is immaculate and powerfully simple; besides black, Onysko only uses pink, blue, and white, the colors of the trans flag, to color their work. It’s no coincidence that blue and pink are their favorite colors . There are little trans eggs (ha) everywhere in the piece, as is evident by the egg image beginning the book with the phrase “Pre-operation” and the cracked egg during “Post-operation.” Those in the trans community and those questioning their gender identity know that to be called an egg is to be called someone yet to hatch as a transgender/gender-nonconforming/nonbinary person. As someone who is transmasculine and has had top surgery, I found myself especially seen in this piece, and in the cracking and unfolding, as well.
Onysko shares their intimate journey of awaiting top surgery and having to speed run come out as transgender to all their family members once they get moved forward in the wait list- from an appointment in august to an APPOINTMENT IN MAY!!!
Onysko’s story is not just an opportunity for cisgendered people (people who identify with their gender assigned at birth) to learn about a gender affirming surgery experience—this is also a how-to guide with handy shopping advice and pain management tactics for those who choose to go through with chest reconstruction surgery. Onysko includes pricing breakdowns for the surgery, anesthesia, and operating room in a way that would be very helpful for someone interested in the potential cost themselves. Onysko also talks about the time off, the therapy, insurance, the help you might need from family or friends, and more.
The author masterfully depicts the experience of wanting top surgery and realizing it’s necessary for one’s personal growth; but also experiencing little moments leading up to the surgery where one is surprised by how much they need it. For example, Onysko thinks—due to possibly making a payment late—that they might not be able to get top surgery. Visibly upset, they call the nurse and see if they can do anything about their predicament. The surgery will continue as planned and the nurse assures Onysko there are no problems. Now relieved, Onysko realizes how much they cared about losing this, and how important a step it is to them. I’ve also had experiences where I get proof by my emotional responses, dysphoria, or gender euphoria, that something is right (or not right) for me. Not necessarily having models of transness and gender affirming care and experiencing (potentially) so much backlash from family, society, school, work, or friends about our gender identities, it can be easy to feel uncertain or conflicted about care. Especially with a surgery, something that feels final and major- it’s not a step that people tend to haphazardly rush into. These moments in the journey are essential green flags showing that, yes! This is the right move!
Onysko goes through the experience of immediate post-surgery. This includes waiting for one’s first bowel movement, waddling while one has draining tubes in their sides, the euphoria of seeing one’s flat chest for the first time, the first shower, and compression garments.
What feels like an added bonus has Lee Onysko go through the process of legal name change. This process (in the United States) varies from state to state, so it might be easier or harder depending on where you are, but this at least gives a good snapshot of the conversations one might have with themselves while picking a name, the talks you might have with friends, and the actual logistical process itself. As someone who has also legally changed their name, I can attest that updating all the things (i.e., bank, birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, ad nauseum) is extremely expensive and can take months or years. But it’s been worth it for me!
Onysko somehow (in only a 76-page piece) addresses what working with a transphobic medical professional was like versus an actively supportive, respectful one. In the case of Onysko, the transphobic doctor does not address their problem, does not perform an adequate exam, and changes the pronouns and gender in their chart to incorrect ones (without asking or alerting the patient!). The affirming one changes the chart back to the correct pronouns and gender marker, addresses the issues Onysko came in for, and provides a feeling of safety and respect.
A powerful, honest, important addition to graphic medicine concerning gender identity and gender affirming care! Hugely recommend.
______________________________________________
Soph Myers-Kelley (they/him) is a medical librarian, herbalist, and activist living in North Carolina. They can be contacted at https://www.smyerskelley.com/ and followed at https://www.instagram.com/thesofakingofficial/
Originally posted on graphicmedicine.org here: https://www.graphicmedicine.org/comic-reviews/in-transition-2/