By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography courtesy Abrams Books

Amid an era of political controversy and legislative debate, award-winning journalist Nico Lang offers a compelling new lens on the lives of transgender and nonbinary teenagers across America in their latest book, American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era. Released on October 8, 2024, this groundbreaking book documents the real-life experiences of young people who, despite facing immense political scrutiny, are navigating adolescence with resilience, dreams, and the universal desire to belong.

A Year on the Road to Document Lives of Courage

Lang, a longtime LGBTQ+ rights advocate and nonbinary journalist, spent over a year traveling the United States, collecting stories and immersing themselves in the lives of trans and nonbinary youth. Their journey led them from conservative communities in Florida to inclusive spaces in California, capturing stories from churches in Texas to mosques in Illinois. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with teens, their families, and communities, Lang paints an intimate portrait of teenagers who are too often politicized but rarely given the chance to speak for themselves.

The book introduces readers to Wyatt, Rhydian, Mykah, Clint, Ruby, Augie, Jack, and Kylie—eight teens who, as Lang writes, “are just kids, figuring out life and grappling with all the complexities that come with being a teenager.” These young people are portrayed not only in moments of struggle but also in moments of triumph and ordinary teenage life, adding a much-needed humanizing perspective to an often polarized national discussion.

Critical Acclaim from Advocates, Authors, and Activists

Lang’s work has already garnered praise from high-profile advocates, authors, and activists for its balanced approach to the joys and hardships that transgender youth face today. Garrard Conley, author of Boy Erased, reflects, “American Teenager is an incredibly important, humane account of the joys and struggles of so many youth currently under attack in our country.” Echoing this sentiment, Gabe Dunn, coauthor of I Hate Everyone But You, commends Lang for their “warm insights” and “clear immediacy of message,” describing the work as “expansive and compassionate.”

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, underscores the book’s authenticity, noting how Lang deftly navigates between narratives of trauma and joy, presenting trans teens with all the depth and complexity they deserve.

A Challenge to Sensationalized Media Narratives

In a time when media coverage of transgender issues often resorts to sensationalism, Lang’s book shifts focus to the young people most affected by these debates. “Too few people have bothered to ask these kids for their opinions,” Lang explains. By centering the voices of trans youth, American Teenager aims to disrupt a cycle that positions trans issues as battlegrounds for ideological arguments, ignoring the everyday lives of those impacted most.

Lang emphasizes that these teens “aren’t boogeymen or political talking points.” Instead, they are “just kids, trying to figure out who they’re taking to prom this year and finish their homework in time to hang out with their friends.” Lang hopes this humanizing perspective will encourage readers to see trans youth as part of the rich fabric of American society.

A Book Poised to Spark Change and Empathy

Through Lang’s nuanced storytelling and dedication to truth-telling, American Teenager not only amplifies the voices of trans and nonbinary teens but also challenges readers to rethink assumptions and biases. Activist Raquel Willis applauds Lang’s commitment to presenting “the dreams, fears, and resistance of transgender teens in the United States,” reminding us that understanding begins by listening to those at the center of the conversation.

More than a book, American Teenager is a call to action. By sharing the stories of trans youth candidly and compassionately, Lang provides an opportunity for readers, especially those who may not know any trans people personally, to connect with the real lives behind the headlines.

Final Thoughts

American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era is more than an exploration of gender identity; it is an intimate celebration of youth, resilience, and the courage it takes to be oneself. For readers seeking insight and a shift from the polarized discourse on trans issues, Lang’s work is a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all.

American Teenager is a hardcover book that is also available in ebook format and may be purchased at: abramsbooks.com and Amazon.com.

About the Author

Nico Lang (they/them) is an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on LGBTQ+ issues. They have contributed to prominent publications such as Rolling Stone, Esquire, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, among others. Their work has received numerous accolades, including a GLAAD Media Award and multiple honors from the National Association of LGBTQ Journalists (NLGJA). As the first-ever recipient of the Visibility Award from the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), Lang continues to be a vital voice in queer media, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

This article was originally published in the 2024 Winter Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.