“Trans people exist because our ancestors existed.”

- @TheBlackTransPrayerBook

The Library is Open!

This living library is an archive of transgender mythology, history, and contemporary accounts as a resource for the community, both transgender and not. What I am offering through this project is:

  • Records of transgender presences in the mythologies and religions of different cultures, including gods/goddesses, spirits, and archetypes.

  • Accounts of trans folk over the course of human history, such as significant historical figures as well as cultural climates in different time periods.

  • Features on living trans folk today and what they are bringing to the world.

  • Reviews of portrayals of trans folk in the media including film, literature, etc, with special spotlights on content from transgender creators.

  • As an artist, designer, and writer, I will also be offering original works inspired by the library and insights into my personal process.

First up: Quanyin!

My debut focus for the Library is the goddess and bodhisattva of compassion: Quanyin. Why her? In brief, Quanyin, also known as Guanshiyin or Kwannon among many names, first appeared as a goddess in Chinese mythology but before that, was/is also Avalokiteshvara, a male bodhisattva from Indian Buddhism. I was introduced to this transfemme goddess over 10 years ago and she has been a patron saint of sorts for my own process. So, I want to honor her first in this project! As a goddess of compassion and mercy, her name literally meaning “one who hears the cries of the world”, it also feels desperately important to invite her forward in these times of global strife.

It is a great pleasure to be working on this project and I am looking forward to many years of sharing trans-centric beauty and power. If you want to support me in this work and get access to exclusive updates as I conduct my research, go check out the library’s Patreon. Thank you so much and enjoy your visit to the library!

Support The Transgender Living Library on Patreon

In order for this project to happen, I will need the support of a community who believes in its importance and beauty. If you want to support me in this work and get access to exclusive updates as I conduct my research, go check out the membership tiers on Patreon! There are several options to accommodate varying financial means.

What are the benefits of each tier?

Patreon members will receive:

  • Work-in-progress and behind-the-scenes content

  • Digital downloads

  • Early access to public content

  • Patreon-exclusive content

  • Complete post archive, so no worries if you join later

All tiers receive the same benefits regardless of how much you’re paying.

Wait…what?

Mhm. It is critically important to me that these materials are accessible to everyone who needs them. The model I am offering here is not about what I will do for you if you pay more money, but what you are helping to make possible by being generous with your financial altitude. If those who have more give more, then those who have less don't have to receive less. The culture needs to heal and I believe this work can help with that, but it will only be possible if I in turn can receive help. Let’s make these resources available to people who cannot afford to offer much, as well as invite those with greater financial access to support me in doing so.

Visit my Patreon page to read more about these tiers and which one would be a good fit for you!

About the Librarian

Hi, my name is Maro! I am a queer, nonbinary (they/them), Japanese, Celtic, artist, designer, storyteller, drummer, maker, and student of shamanism. Born and raised in Lenape territory, currently living in Anishinaabe territory, I’m continually learning how to be a better citizen of the earth. The past 10 years of shamanic study has supported me in integrating my own ancestral healing, transness, and artistry. and I am very excited to be bringing all of this to The Transgender Living Library. You can also find me at True Earth, a national earth-honoring community of healers and activists. I wear many hats on the core team there and owe many thanks to the community for my maturation, education, and empowerment. With their support, I am stepping more fully into my work of restoring and dreaming forward trans culture as part of our human legacy.