We spoke with founders Fox Fisher and Lewis Hancox about all things trans+ lit and what attendees have to look forward to this time around
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE PROVIDED
Last year, trans authors and creatives Fox Fisher (he/they, co-author of The Trans Teen Survival Guide) and Lewis Hancox (he/him, author of Welcome To St Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure) launched Trans Book Fest. The sold out event was held at Waterstones. Attendees got to listen to insightful panels and discover new trans+ books. And now, Fox and Lewis are gearing up for an even bigger festival for 2026. This time around, the one-day festival will take place at the LGBTQIA+ bookshop Common Press on 6 December. You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here: outsavvy.com/event/31434/trans-book-fest-2025.
This year’s festival feels perfectly timed. It’s a time where trans joy, connection and community is much-needed. Its panels feature DIVA faves such as Ben Pechey, Sabah Choudrey and many more. I was eager to find out more from Fox and Lewis ahead of Trans Book Fest. Here’s what the founders had to say…
DIVA: What inspired you both to launch Trans Book Fest?
Fox: We’ve both written books and navigated the publishing world as trans authors, and we know how isolating that can sometimes feel. We wanted to create a space that celebrates trans voices, stories and creativity in all their forms – from fiction to memoir to poetry.
Lewis: For me, growing up in the early noughties in a small town, I didn’t even know what the word “trans” meant. I felt so alone. Drawing comics and telling stories was my way of coping with those feelings. Fox and I know firsthand how important it is to give trans creatives this kind of platform and representation now, to give others hope, and to spread understanding through storytelling.
How would you pitch the event to potential DIVA attendees?
Fox: If you’re looking for a day filled with heart, humour and community – with stories that centre trans joy, resilience and imagination, then this is for you. You’ll get to meet established and emerging trans authors, hear readings and panel discussions, and take part in signings and conversations in a warm, inclusive space. While we want to provide support within our community, we don’t want to just exist in an echo chamber, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the lived trans experience.
Lewis: Whether you’re trans, queer, or an ally who loves good books and wants to support authentic voices, Trans Book Fest will inspire and uplift you, and connect you with the community.
If you had to choose three favourite books by trans authors, what would they be?
- Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters – for its humour, honesty and complexity.
- None Of The Above by Travis Alabanza – beautifully written, thoughtful and tender.
- Kickflip by L.D. Lapinski (Author), Logan Hanning (Illustrator) – because it’s funny real, and beautifully illustrated.
What has the response been like from attendees at the previous Trans Book Fest?
Fox: It’s been overwhelmingly positive. People felt so empowered being in a space where trans stories aren’t niche, but celebrated. There was so much laughter, a few tears, and a lot of love. Many attendees have said it inspired them to start writing or gave them confidence to share their own work. That’s exactly what we hoped for.
What do you think about the way the publishing industry has changed for trans authors and writers in the last 10 years?
Fox: There’s definitely been progress – more trans authors are being published, and our stories are reaching wider audiences than ever before. There are still barriers to getting published and we’re still not where we need to be. Trans writers are sometimes treated as a “trend” rather than part of the literary landscape.
Lewis: The goal now is diversity within trans storytelling. Not just one kind of trans story, but the full spectrum of experiences. The more we champion other trans authors and big up their books, the harder it is for anyone to erase us.
Is there anything else you’d like to address?
Fox: We want to thank the community and our partners, like The Common Press and Facialteam Foundation, for helping to make this festival happen. Every person who attends, shares a post, or buys a book keeps the momentum going. Trans Book Fest is a reminder that our stories are powerful, needed, and here to stay.
I’ll be giving away 100+ copies of my tender trans comic Never Too Late, which was generously supported by the Facialteam Foundation, who have a great initiative set up to support trans creatives all over the world.
Lewis: This is the second Trans Book Fest now and we hope it continues to be an annual event that grows and expands, travelling to different locations to make it accessible for everyone. Earlier this year Fox and I put on a Trans Comic Fest at the Barbican Library and that too was such a special event filled with community and love. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day – having fun, connecting with people and being creatively inspired, trans or not!
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