The Left Hand of Darkness

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin  304 pp.

First published in 1987 and a winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, this novel was way ahead of its time on the subject of gender. Gently Ai is sent to the planet Winter as an ambassador of a "Star Trek Federation of Planets" type intergalactic organization. What he finds is a world where the inhabitants have no gender until the time for mating occurs when they temporarily become either male or female. To the people of Winter, the full time maleness of Ai is a perversion. As on our world, there are regional divisions and hostilities between them. This isn't a book of flashy action, but rather one requiring contemplation of the subject matter. I read this book years ago and decided to reread it after hearing of the death of the author.

Raising My Rainbow

Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son by Lori Duron  278 pp.

Lori Duron is the mother of two sons, Chase, who likes sports and Legos, and C.J. who adores everything pink, sparkly, Disney Princess. After much frustration and attempts to steer C.J.'s interests in other directions. After consulting medical and psychological professionals, Duron learned that her son is gender non-conforming or gender variant. She began her popular blog as an attempt to reach other parents dealing with children who are identified as gender fluid. C.J.'s interests float from masculine to feminine and all points in between. Duron and her husband have handled his life with love and understanding but also with limits. They are firm about giving their children the same advantages as other children and will assert themselves when they encounter discrimination and bullying. Their older son has become a wonderful big brother to his younger sibling even when faced with bullying over his brother's differences. The family's challenges are faced with love and understanding. And the author's blog is worth a look.