Avast! Pirate stories from transgender authors by Michael Earp and Alison Evans eds.

Avast is an anthology of pirate tales written in various long-form styles, including a graphic novella and verse novella. Written by transgender and non-binary authors, several pieces are speculative space fiction, while others are more magical, dystopian or mythological. Even the more traditional high-seas pirate stories are given a new perspective with the range of relationships and sexualities that the characters embody. The final piece, Changelings, fits the pirate theme as the twentieth century Melbourne housemates share bootlegged CDs they have ‘borrowed’ from their workplace.

Each tale is a very different reading experience, due to the wide range of distinct worlds and characters, but the transgender theme binds them all together satisfyingly. Some of the characters appear comfortable with their gender and/or sexual orientation, while others are searching and experimenting. They are all endearing and variously deal with philosophical androids, the crew of a romance film, abducted plant sprites, entitled celestial overlords and UFOs. Despite their bizarre circumstances, the friendships, found family and tender relationships between the characters shine, and the authors tackle issues such as climate change, inequality, morality and the treatment of indigenous peoples and their lands in an engaging way that is never moralising or overbearing.

The editors draw a parallel between pirates who live outside the law and the transgender experience, and this collection makes trans authors and characters seen and heard, in all their diversity. Some pieces are easier to read than others, given the range of styles and concepts, but for an older teen looking for a challenge, this collection is both thought-provoking and fun.

Teaching notes are available.

Themes: LGBTQI+, Found family, Pirates, Space, Speculative fiction, Anthology.

Margaret Crohn