The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes begins in Scotland in 1912 and ends in London in the 1960s. This sterling work of nonfiction tells the story of a trans child named Ewan Forbes and follows his parents’ ongoing struggles to find doctors and lawyers to help support their child. Author Zoe Playdon offers research into views on gender and gender expression, as well as the complexities of holding on to land titles, marriage and professions. Photographs and written documents assist in telling Ewan’s story, which is a rare glimpse into a historical case that is still quite relevant for today’s trans youth and their families.
The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes: And the Unwritten History of the Trans Experience by Zoe Playdon. Published by Scribner. The editor is Kathryn Belden and the agent is Eleanor Jackson. The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes is a finalist for the Publishing Triangle Award for Trans and Gender-Variant Literature. The winner will be announced on May 11.