Gender

Joss’ gender identity is at the center of the novel’s narrative, and the novel specifically seeks to educate the reader about transgender identity as something that must be accepted rather than stigmatized. The novel presents Joss with an accurate portrayal of what it means to be transgender. Specifically, Joss is a man who has been born with a female body. Joss cannot control his gender identity, just as cisgender people cannot control theirs. Joss’ secrecy about his gender identity is necessitated by unjust societal intolerance, but through Joss and Millie’s relationship, the novel helps to normalize transgender dynamics and show the value of accepting them. Millie, a cisgender, heterosexual woman, accepts Joss’ gender identity, and they have a long, loving, fulfilling marriage. This happiness is apparent in all of Millie’s recollection of Joss, such as, “I always liked Sundays with Joss. Sundays with...