Fairest

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Finalist for the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Nonfiction, this memoir transcends conventional trans and immigrant narratives. Described as "a ball of light hurled into the dark undertow of migration and survival," it tells the story of a boy with albinism from a rural Philippine village who grows up to become a woman in America. Facing parental neglect and the elusive promise of U.S. citizenship, the author finds solace in her devoted grandmother amidst public curiosity and special treatment. Upon immigrating to the U.S., she is perceived as white, gaining access to elite circles while navigating complex issues of race, class, sexuality, and queerness. Questioning gender boundaries, she realizes she does not want to be confined to a male identity and transitions to womanhood, risking the love of a man she cherishes. Through her journey, she shares poignant episodes of desirability and love, evoking the emotional depth found in works like Call Me By Your Name and Giovanni's Room. This reflective journey challenges perceptions of romance, identity, and the fairness of life, offering readers a profound exploration of self-discovery.