Beyond the Gender Binary

By: Alok Vaid-Menon

Narrated by: Alok Vaid-Menon

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A short, compassionate, and deeply personal primer on gender’s expansive, multifaceted nature, from acclaimed author and gender non-conforming performance artist and speaker Alok Vaid-Menon.

“When reading this book, all I feel is kindness.”—Sam Smith, Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer and songwriter

In Beyond the Gender Binary, poet, artist, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Alok Vaid-Menon deconstructs, demystifies, and reimagines the social definition of gender, challenging the world to view it not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, Alok shows readers that gender is a flexible and creative form of expression—the only limit is your imagination.

Presented by Pocket Change Collective, a small book series with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists, Beyond the Gender Binary allows readers to express themselves freely, and encourages love in all its forms.

Critic reviews

"There's no better time for a new conversation about the damaging effects of mainstream society's oppressive, dismissive, and silencing stance on who folks are supposed to be based on . . . what . . . ? Thank God we have Alok. And I'm learning a thing or two myself." —Billy Porter, Emmy award–winning actor, singer, and Broadway theater performer

"This beautiful book is a beacon, just like Alok. Having Alok in my life has saved me in so many ways, and now you can have a little bit of them with you, too. When reading this book, all I feel is kindness. This is a step-by-step education on what it means to respect non-binary people. Alok is a human being who has a deep love and commitment to other human beings. They have come to us from the future to show us what life could be like if we all loved a little harder and dug a little deeper." —Sam Smith, Grammy and Oscar award–winning singer and songwriter

"Beyond the Gender Binary is a literary vessel of light for those who are looking for hopefulness, honesty, and a stimulating education in the exploration of themselves. This book is a twenty-first-century survival guide for queer-identifying people of all walks of life--Alok provides a safe space of shared experiences, commitment, and love to expand the gender binary to create a brighter and more inclusive present and future. This book shares wisdom, knowledge, and the universal spirit of celebrating one's self by shattering the transphobic lens that hinders most gender non-conforming people. Beyond the Gender Binary will give readers everywhere the feeling that anything is possible within themselves, and that self-love through whatever choice of gender expression is truly attainable."—Princess Nokia, musician and co-founder of the Smart Girl Club

"A fierce, penetrating, and empowering call for change."-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An affirming, thoughtful read for all ages." -- School Library Journal, starred review

short , sweet and perfectly poignant

Reading or listening to Alok's words are never a waste of my time. They are for everyone.

Gratitude

Alok creates a space within their book to lean in, learn, and grow as a human. Their voice, both as narrator and writer, is moving and empowering. I am a parent of a child who is curious about their gender and identity. Listening to others' stories and experiences helps our family support and navigate life alongside our child. I am grateful for Alok and their gift of communication to the world.

Should be required reading for all

I think if this was required reading for all, it has the potential to create wide societal shifts and changes. This was a thought provoking, easy read and something anyone/ everyone can enjoy, I think.

Short, simple and clear

This book provides a gender primer for folks who want to learn more about trans non-binary gender and why it is so threatening to people.

Should be required reading

Alok is awesome. Living and loving their authentic self and helping to break us all free from these gender (role) chains.