Since its debut in 2017, Sabrina Symington's First Year Out continues to stand tall as the essential graphic novel about Trans identity. Numerous comics and graphic novels have centered Trans characters over the years, especially as the LGBTQ+ community has gained more acceptance in the public eye. Despite the onslaught of anti-Trans bills across the United States, this has not silenced Trans authors and artists as they continue to craft compelling stories about what it means to be a Trans person. Some notable examples include Xanthippe Hutcheon's revolutionary webcomic Pandora's Tale and The Kao's subversive take on Sailor Moon with a Trans twist, Magical Boy.

However, out of them all, First Year Out is ultimately the defining Trans graphic narrative, as it provides a heartwarming and educational glimpse into a Trans person's first year in transition. Symington, best known by her online persona Bria Comics, introduces a woman named Lily, who has recently come out and begun her Trans journey. The narrative follows her ups and downs as she navigates life in transition, which includes interactions with her mother, dating, and Lily's path to self-acceptance. The story is simple in concept, but the story within these breezy 127 pages fleshes out both Lily and the world around her. It's a compelling read not just because of the pleasant writing but also because of how it speaks the truth about being Trans in today's society.

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First Year Out Shows the Trans Journey Is Worth Pursuing in the Face of Bigotry

Commendably, First Year Out doesn't sugarcoat the Trans experience. The community continues to face plenty of harsh realities, including numerous government representatives who push forward bills that discriminate against Trans people. However, the graphic novel shines a light for its Trans readers by showing how worth it transitioning is in the long run. Despite facing bigotry and challenges to her identity, Lily always comes out on top with a smile on her face as she realizes just how happy she's become since coming out.

First Year Out Embraces Trans Solidarity

The novel's most defining moment features Lily talking about her frustrations with being Trans with another Trans woman, Kara. Kara simply responds to Lily pointing out the negative aspects of being Trans by showing her a flower growing out of pavement. She tells Lily that "just to bloom they have to force their way through concrete. But despite all that, here it is. Blooming. Just as beautiful as any other flower." It's an important scene that shows transition can be tough, but the end result is worth it, making it an important message for Symington's Trans audience.

First Year Out Doubles as an Educational Source

First Year Out is not only accesible to Trans folks beginning their journeys, but also cisgender allies wishing to know more about the Trans experience. Throughout the graphic novel, Symington features Lily — and sometimes a third-person narrator — explaining terminology that most Trans folks will find familiar. It makes this story a perfect gateway to understanding these terms and broadening one's vocabulary to be more Trans-inclusive — all while having basic questions about what it means to be Trans answered.

As the years go by, First Year Out will likely continue to be a critical piece of reading for not just Trans people, but their allies as well. It's an affirming and educational graphic novel that not only validates the Trans experience but embraces it as well. It's important to show the positives of transitioning for questioning Trans folks in the face of bigotry. How First Year Out handles this — especially with Symington's superb writing and artwork — allows it to endure as the essential graphic novel about the Trans experience, and it's available for purchase now.