In 2019, Travis Alabanza was named as one of the 25 Most Influential People Under 25 by the Evening Standard. Alabanza’s many accolades include the successful stage show Burgerz, inspired by transphobic abuse, and being the Tate’s youngest ever resident artist.

But despite Alabanza’s impressive achievements, many questionable or outright offensive phrases are fired in their direction – so they have written a book about their experience of this: None Of The Above: Reflections On Life Beyond The Binary.

One factor Alabanza discusses in None Of The Above is the impact of the gender binary within society. Within its chapters, Alabanza tears apart loaded or discriminatory phrases. “This ain’t a thing we do round here, son,” a shopkeeper once shouted at the author, in their teens, for wearing lipstick. “So, when did you know?” is also another question they are constantly hit with.

For all this, None Of The Above is far from sanctimonious and functions dually as Alabanza’s memoir while remaining educational, illuminating and hilarious. Not only an empowering and enriching read for those that are treated like outsiders on this confusing and cluttered planet but a book that leaves readers with a far better understanding of issues that are faced.