First Year Out: A Transition Story was an impulse borrow from the library. I haven't read or heard of Sabrina Symington before, and after reading, I'm interested in investigating her other work. Her patient, empathetic style and feeling illustrations made for an engrossing read.

A blend of Symington's personal experience and other trans women's, First Year Out tells Lily's transition story, yes, but it is clearly designed to educate cis people and trans folk looking for more information on transition. Newly out, Lily wants a body that has been traditionally seen as female. This process demands a complete overhaul of her physical self and her social relationships. Like any other coming out, it's a long, ongoing process. Her relationship to her parents, her friendships, and her dating life change drastically. Her father refuses to speak with Lily and refers to her by her deadname. Her mom starts with outrage, confusion, and a brief foray into TERF ideology, before finally accepting her daughter. Her cis friends slip up a few times, but overall remain staunch allies. The local trans community and support group have their own stories and offer history and perspective. First Year Out is ultimately a tale of triumph. Though the journey is ongoing, Lily's growing happiness is wonderful to witness.

While I've read other transition stories, I think the greatest thing First Year Out impressed upon me is how many aspects are involved in transitioning. From laser hair removal appointments, wig shopping, and voice lessons to avoiding chasers, fighting job discrimination, and coming out to even casual partners, it is a lot. I knew in my head all these things happened individually, but to see them all at once was...wow. And Lily's neurotypical, middle-class, and white!

Some of the interactions felt pre-determined or canned, but I chalked that up to the educational part of the comic. Symington clearly wanted to provide a guide on how to respond to transphobes, or dismantle the reader's prejudice. It's effective.

Overall, I recommend First Year Out to anyone looking to learn more about transition. That is the author's intent, and she fulfills her goal well. The comic is educational, first and foremost.