The Trans Swimmer: A Guide and Personal History was illustrated, digitally printed, and bound at Papaya Press in Los Angeles in the summer of 2024. The cover was illustrated digitally by Gabriel Morales (carboncanines.carrd.co).
Based on the personal experiences of trans swimmers, this book combines practical information (on swimwear, safety, sewing, and more), with personal recollections, energetic illustrations, humor, and poetry. Inspired by classical Greek poetry, Schuyler Bailar, and old swimming magazines, the book is intended for trans masculine swimmers of all ability levels: former team swimmers looking to reenter the sport, current swimmers seeking camaraderie and new insights, or people who may have some experience swimming (either athletically or recreationally) but are hesitant to pursue it more seriously. The book is also a testament to the determination and resilience of trans athletes in the face of discrimination and a celebration of the role of trans people in sports.
Six lettered deluxe copies (each with an original collage leaf) and eight numbered regular copies were produced. Both editions are bound in recycled flexible board.
Each copy is illustrated with six collages assembled in part from old issues of Splash magazine (2008-2009). The collages were made traditionally, then scanned and digitally edited before being printed on glossy photo paper on a Canon Pixma G200. The diagrams in the third chapter of the book are embellished by hand in ink.
The photos below show the original collage leaves bound into the deluxe copies, plus a few additional photos. Note that each copy of the deluxe edition contains one original collage leaf and five prints. The prints can be viewed here.
The deluxe copies are $22 (plus shipping). The regular copies, available here, are $14 (plus shipping).
Please contact papayapress@duck.com to order.