7am Read This: Torrey Peters’ Never-Ending Transition
Jun 7, 2025
Torrey Peters, celebrated author of 'Detransition, Baby' and 'Stag Dance,' discusses her unique narrative style and the evolution of her writing. She shares insights on the challenges faced by trans artists in today's political landscape and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation dives into the symbolism behind stag dances as expressions of identity, and the complex relationships among trans women that intertwine rivalry and solidarity. Peters also crafts the tale of Babe Bunyan, merging folklore with her personal journey of identity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Writing Beyond Identity Lines
- Torrey Peters writes with multiple voices and resists explaining herself too much.
- She writes for affinity, not to represent all trans people, accepting community fractures and differences.
Trusting Readers' Intelligence
- Torrey Peters trusts readers to keep up without over-explaining her stories.
- She believes it condescending to slow down narratives just because some readers might not understand immediately.
The Joy of Struggle in Reading
- Encountering unknown words in reading can create a rich, textured experience like a child learning.
- Struggling to understand can make the environment more vivid and imaginative for readers.
