Trans/Intersex Manga: A brief Introduction of the subgenre

Since another contributor introduced trans webcomics, I thought it’d only do justice if the classic dead-tree format received some attention as well! Knowing that no such original publications exist in English, the discussion then falls toward the Mecca of 2-dimensional media, Japan.

Despite the ‘long’ history of modern anime and manga, the idea of messing around with gender has not been discussed much in works except as comic relief. As early as in the 80’s works such as Doraemon have explored the idea through magical machinery and technological remaking of the physical body. Even to this day, there are works that give the writers’ interpretation of body, spirit, and gender via tales of ’switching brains’ with outlandish events, machinery, and magical interference. Examples of such translated into English include Pretty Face and Gacha Gacha (available in English via Del Ray Comics, not to be confused with the comic of similar name by Tokyopop). It is important to note that these early works mostly portray the instances of trans*ness with much slapstick humour, mostly on the quirks of not adapting to (Japanese) gender conformities. It does not give much serious discussion on the social stigma of LGBT issues.

The most obvious of which is a series named Kasimasi ~Girl meets Girl~ (Serialized 2004-07) where the (originally biologically) male protagonist (with obvious female tendencies and behaviour) is transformed by extraterrestrial technology into a girl (the story notes that the UFO crashed, killing him by mistake, and a new genetically female body was created), and the story discusses on the love-triangle between her childhood friend and a crush with a terrible case of misandry. The key point is in the lack/avoidance of discussing the protagonist in reintegrating into society as a female, by skimming over it with a plot device of “remade into a genetically female”. As for the lesbian romantic relationship/conflicts that consists of the body of this work is not in the scope of this article.

There are, however, less well known works that deal with gender displacements, oddities and obvious trans issues. In fact, there are dedicated mangaka who have given deep thought and research into the subject and portray the issue in a serious yet readable light. Below are four recommendations of must-reads for the curious manga reader (although it is suggested that you know Japanese or another Asian language – most of the time not even fan scanlations are available):

Shoujo Shounen (Vol.1-7, with 1 extra), by Yabuuchi Yuu (Vol.1 Available via http://akatsuki.chupatz.com/)
This series revolves around a common theme of boys in talent agencies, publicized as female idols, and a coworking talent befriends/becomes entangled in a relationship by exposing him. However, as we explore further, we find that each of these boys have a feminine side yearning to come out, but also conflicting with a male reality and role…
Yabuuchi Yuu is an author who established her name in writing works for younger (usually female) readers on the topic of puberty and sexuality. Other works include “Tsubomi’s Secret (Naisho no Tsubomi, also available by same scanlator)”.

IS ~Otoko demo Onna demo nai sei~(Vol.1-13, ongoing), by Rokuhana Chiyo (Scanlations available by JanimeS to Vol.8, cover art not hotlinked)
This series is a serious exploration via a separate anecdote per volume (roughly) about intersexed people living in a Japanese society, and face challenges in every aspect of life you can think of – work, love, life…and their troubles on the inability to reproduce.

Ritchan (1 volume), by Mari Yoshino (No scanlations known, available in JP/ZH-TW)
A romantic comedy by classical definition! We are introduced to the main protagonists in the world of nightclubs, when much to the surprise of the (female) lead, her coworker (as nicknamed as book title, actual name is Ririka) is a (pre-op) trans-woman! She was immediately fired after the hostess club finds out, but continues to date and try to get a boyfriend (although to futile ends). By circumstance relationships between the two grew close, and had one instance of sexual intercourse…which led to an unexpected turn and leads to Ritchan giving up the idea of receiving an SRS and marrying the lead. However, she continues to present herself as female even after marriage, and the ‘epilogue’ depicts their daughter writing about how happy she is to ‘be with two mothers’. A bit on the idealistic side? Perhaps, but a truthful depiction of pre-op transpeople in a modern East Asian context.

Hourou Musuko (JP Vol.1-8 ongoing, TW Vol.1-4), by Shimura Takako. Scanlations in English available by Kotonoha Fansubs
Translated into English as “The Transient Son”, this manga is a MUST-recommend for the subject of exploring the uncertainties of trans-ness in the mundane aspects of life and growing up. The story begins with two protagonists, both in Gr.5: Nitori Syuuichi (Cute boy who wishes to become female), and Takatsuki Yosino (Cool girl who wishes to become male). While each event unfolding may seem casual or even slow, the degree of portrayal to the perceptions of a-day-in-life of a MtF/FtM transperson is very real – they are shown as people, with concerns with school, friends, life, and love, just like anyone else. Just that they have one more trouble compared to most others, and occasionally this trouble breaks out of repression, demanding the world around the two to perceive them in a different way…a must read. If you don’t have time to read anything else, try this, FIRST.

 

Further Reading:  http://pitcher.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/trans-charas-in-acg/