Seibetsu X
X-Gender

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Miyazaki Asuka identifies as X-Gender, the Japanese equivalent of nonbinary, but that label is not nearly enough to encompass the nuances of their gender identity, sexual orientation, and overall being. In a series of autobiographical essays, Miyazaki covers a range of topics from their body dysphoria regarding their reproductive organs, to their OCD and mysophobia stemming from their childhood trauma of seeing their father suffer in the hospital. Meanwhile, they continue to learn more about the LGBTQ community and struggle to find a partner they can perhaps live their life with, or at least some friends they can talk to, realizing some things about themself ... and Japan's LGBTQ scene.

I found this manga to be very interesting and finished it feeling empathetic towards Miyazaki as I felt there were quite a few similarities between us, and wishing the best for them moving forward. I should note that while the style of the art is cute and chibi-like, the actual content of the essays can be mature and pessimistic. Miyazaki is very honest and blunt about what they felt and did throughout their life and some might be put off by their thoughts and actions (tw: biphobia, fatphobia, among other things), but honestly given that this is an autobiography of someone who is still learning about themselves and about the LGBT community, while continuing to struggle with their mental health, I'm more impressed with Miyazaki's willingness to strip themself bare for the readers' critical eyes. This story is not meant to be the be-all and end-all of the X-Gender experience; instead, it's one individual X-Gender person's account of their life. It's not neat, it's not palatable, and it's not perfect. It just is.

This manga is incredibly informative to anyone who has questions about gender and/or sexuality, and if you already know a lot about that kind of stuff and/or are gender queer, then this is one of the most validating manga for you. Not to mention, what's not to like about a manga where the main character loves anime and manga? Overall a great slice of life that along the way teaches you a lot of stuff you might be wondering about when it comes to gender identity. 10/10 would recommend.

In my opinion the story was incredibly unique because other than Ranma 1/2 and Host Club, ... there are very few manga where a significant character in the story is genderqueer rather than just a crossdresser played for laughs(keep in mind I do not hate cross-dressing manga at all). Let alone, one where the main character is not only non-binary, but teaches you everything you need to know about what that is. Not to mention, the manga is surprisingly funny. I laughed out loud a number of times.

X-Gender is an autobiographical manga quite literally split in two. Composed of two equal-length volumes, the two parts delineate two very different manga.

The first volume of X-Gender is a delightful look at the struggles of Asuka Miyazaki, who identifies as X-Gender, a non-binary identity. Asuka's personality and struggles are quite relatable and well delivered. There's a real charm to watching Asuka's struggles through navigating the precarious dating world around them. The manga also provides useful terminology and gives a good look at the LGBT scene in Japan.

The second volume of X-Gender is less of an autobiographical manga and more of a real-time blog of ... what's going on in Asuka's life, meaning the story gets much less focused. While volume 1 gives essentially no focus to Asuka struggling to come up with chapter material, it becomes a running plot-line in volume 2. The first chapter of the volume starts with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively ending the chapters focusing on Asuka dating around, which was previously a highlight of the manga. Asuka's mental state seems to have taken a hit during this time period, as more chapters were focused on them talking about increasingly dark topics. Suicide, antinatalism, and euthanasia are all topics given entire chapters. The increasingly grim nature of the manga is quite jarring and makes it loose the charm and relatable nature it once had.

I can only recommend this manga on the basis of the first volume, but if you like it then I don't want to discourage you from continuing. There are good chapters to be found in volume 2, but they are unfortunately fewer and far between.