Tuesday's Trans Writer: Ryka Aoki

Ryka Aoki is a fiction writer and when I see her website is a little out of date I don’t judge. Any writer’s out-of-date website indicates they are busier WRITING than promoting themselves. That’s the sign of a real writer. I’ve yet to read her novel Light From Uncommon Stars, but a friend tells me it’s mind blowing. Also, it’s science fiction. I am not personally a consumer, but I have grown to appreciate those who are, as sci-fi folks, it turns out, are pretty damn intense.

She’s got a cool insta presence as well.

I taught her short story titled “The Gift,” which is not online. Briefly, it chronicles a day in the life of a high school aged AMAB individual who comes out as a trans girl. As soon as the words are uttered, the reader tenses and prepares for the parents’ rejection or, at least, questions.

Instead, they respond only with support. And then we, as readers, begin to understand how we EXPECT obstacles to occur to anyone coming out. Scene after scene, the main character experiences inner conflict, but not once is she subject to external conflicts. It’s a puzzling reading experience, and an educational one.

P.S: If you DM me, I’ll send you the pdf of the “The Gift.” And, by the way, always feel free to recommend any trans author you think I should feature here.