Abstract

Symptoms of Being Human is an ardent and inspirational work that sensitively explores the complexities of gender identity. As the protagonist, Riley Cavanaugh’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the courage required to live authentically, the impact of supportive relationships, and the importance of understanding diverse gender identities. Garvin’s nuanced storytelling contributes to a more inclusive landscape in young adult fiction. The novel fills a gap that is woefully apparent in the young adult fiction’s canon: the nuanced portrayal of a nonbinary character. This article claims that Garvin’s portrayal of Riley subverts conventional gender binaries and provides a narrative that many LGBTQ+ youth can relate to. Despite the worrying themes, the article showcases how examining Riley’s relationships with equals, family, and online community helps frame how essential support networks and safe spaces are for LGBTQ+ communities. The concept of stigma has been present in the field of gender studies for many decades and to decode the difference between stigma and reality, Erving Goffman’s social stigma theory has been referred to understand the nuanced experiences of being a gender-fluid adolescent in a rigid society. Goffman’s theory of social stigma points to the knowledge gap between virtual and social identities as Riley’s narrative acts as a juxtaposition to the authentic gender variants. Thus, the proposed article aims to highlight the stigmatized experiences and reality of nonbinary individuals, as well as promotes the need to normalize gender fluidity in the field of gender studies.