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An open conversation about gender identity is crucial to normalizing this topic. Artists like Riri, the creator of the insightful and often emotional series Alienby Comics, showcase an honest portrayal of the transformation process and the range of feelings that come with it—both the joys and challenges.

You might find this series very relatable. Even if this topic doesn’t directly concern you, you might be interested in learning about the struggles some of your friends or family members are going through and how to empathize with or possibly help them. These comics are a great source of knowledge.

More info: Instagram | patreon.com | tumblr.com | reddit.com | ko-fi.com

#1

Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

alienby.comics Report

SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid, you ain't just gonna be pretty, you are gonna be a beautiful individual. You have seen the future and it looks beautiful, even you know it deep within you.

Namea
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person gets it. <3 Getting to espress who they are inside is a beautiful thing for anyone.

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Catpawsarethebest
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww love it! my little son keeps saying he wish he was a girl cuz they have the best clothes. I have always told him we can buy girl clothes for him. As we have done sometimes.

SearchingForGryphons
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this because the 5 year old is not only the most accepting, but also the least surprised. They already know on some level, and haven't reached the point yet where everyone (well the sucky ones) told them they are wrong

Uwu Desu
Community Member
10 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

We reached out to Riri to ask some questions regarding their comic series. Firstly, the artist gave us some insight into themes and motifs recurring in their work: “The underlying themes of my comics are the joys of being transgender despite hardships. There’s always an element of transformation in my work: of bodies, of beliefs, of feelings, of treatment by others. These big life changes can be jarring and uncertain, but I focus on the brighter side and the good and funny things that can happen with these changes. Trans people like me need joy right now!”

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    #2

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Georgia Ireland
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You ARE enough. Be yourself! Good luck and blessed be!😁✌️🖖

    Daria
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, we're all people first.

    Jess Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yay! glad to hear you're doing well!

    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #3

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you! Being comfortable in your own authentic skin is a blessing that some people sadly do not have.

    Georgia Ireland
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good on you, and good luck with the HRT! ☺️😁🖖

    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Emily Ly
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine being so obsessed with being a hateful, ignorant bigot that you have to comment on every picture on a trans positive article. Get a life.

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    The creator of the ‘Alienby Comics’ shared how they come up with ideas for new strips: “A lot of ideas for my comics come from real life experience, albeit with a bit of fantastical [flair] to capture the big feelings of experiences. Other ideas come from re-telling stories of well-known characters through a queer lens, often making existing subtext the literal text.”

    #4

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    BTDubs
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think a character has to explicitly say that they are trans/NB/queer etc, and if trans people find comfort in Gwen being trans, whats wrong with that?

    Rayne OfSalt
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As cool as it would be, Spider-Gwen ain't trans, she's afab. Tbh, I don't know if any mainline marvel heroes are. DC has a few though, like Dreamer and Galaxy.

    Ronald Robin
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    gwen is female. not trans.

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    #5

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Elena Witch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dear, there is no right answer. Nonbinarism isn't socially defined. You can try mix and match traditionally masc and femm traits, but it will ultimately be a journey of SELF discovery. Search for your local community, talk to other people who made the journey before. Find yourself.

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    char
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in my experimentation with my trans gf's hair, we've found some things about hairstyles that look more feminine! (assuming the person has long hair) low ponytails and braids are far less flattering and more masculine-looking than high ponytails are. half-ponytails also work great! regardless of the style, leaving strands in front of your face automatically looks more feminine than having the hair in front tied back or tucked behind your ears. side parts also work great for making the face look thinner as opposed to middle parts. I hope this helps someone <3

    Riri shared that most of their comics are semi-autobiographical, featuring themselves and their real-life loved ones as characters. However: “Other characters are parodies of recognizable pop culture characters, like superheroes or video game characters.”

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    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Rayne OfSalt
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, I used to wear a big thick beard to cover most of my face cos I could never work out why it seemed wrong and not mine.

    Elena Witch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same, sister! I used to continually trim, change styles, looking at the mirror and asking myself when I would see myself, what style was myself. Then it happened and I knew the answer and it was beautiful.

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    #7

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Lastly, the artist shared with us what they believe makes humor an effective medium for storytelling: “I believe positive feelings carry more weight and can be more memorable and persuasive than negative ones. People are more likely to want to engage with things that brighten their day and lighten their load. Funny and heartwarming stories are effective at relieving some of life’s tension.”

    #8

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Andrew Clapperton
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is brilliant. They should have made one of the versions of the game like this.

    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't stop laughing. It's so ridiculous and over the top. Thank you. Thank you so much. I didn't laugh like that in years.

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    #9

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Gina Festa
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you can be whatever gender that show your greatness

    Inkling (he/they/she)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i read a book which had this exact thing in it (that probably didn’t make sense but whatever)

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    #10

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    QueenKittyCat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor Vixen, she's so sad. Until she's finally free. Free to be herself.

    #11

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    IDIC - "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations". The Vulcans have it right. And reading Science Fiction from a very early age, and making friends with plethoras of unfamiliar aliens, does wonders for developing tolerance.

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    #13

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Ronald Robin
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    mistaking my reflection for a hot stranger... sounds a little vain

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you've never been happy with how you look, then it's probably a good sign.

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    #14

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    GhostlySnail (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the sweetest thing I hav ever seen and I absolutely love it.

    #15

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Gary Geracci
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Circumstances never allowed me to do that ,At 81 it's too late now!

    Guess Undheit
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. Too late is when you're dead. Even if it's just a few years, transitioning is worth it. Patricia Davies was NINETY when she transitioned. [ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/econd-world-war-veteran-patricia-davies-leicestershire-transition-woman-aged-90-years-old-a7658736.html ]

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    prorities, choices, embrace your decision <3

    #16

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Sky Render
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's pretty obvious on rewatching the 1980s Little Mermaid that Ariel never really cared about Eric. She just wanted to be human!

    Kristal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I disagree. Yes, she always wanted to be human but her obsession with Eric pushed her to finally go for the dream.

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    robecca leyden
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this interpretation and it seems so obvious now!

    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obvious that the author has issues.

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    #17

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a shame that churches preach things like that. I personally believe that every person is a beloved child of God. He made us unique and we are his creation. Being queer is not a joice. It is a part of a person's self and God meant them to be like that.

    char
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @Marianne thank you so much for sharing your views. I believe the same things, and it affects me so much to see that there are others who feel the same way

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    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The priest in these panels makes the most sense out of the entire comic.

    ImATotalTina
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never believed in god, because of the rules against trusting yourself (like being trans). Even though I’m not trans

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    #18

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That dress is so pretty even in the drawing!! I can’t draw clothes but especially skirts/ruffles, I’m so jealous.

    #20

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Jess Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ok actually always eating the same thing can be a sign of something called ARFID, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It's separate from autism. (incidentally, I originally spelled 'separate' as 'seperate' - I forget exactly what just that it was misspelled - which was 'corrected' to 'desperate'.)

    Heather Talma
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    DUDE I ALWAYS SPELL SEPARATE THAT WAY TOO that word is my mortal enemy.

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    Pandamonium
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... Why can't we always eat the same thing? Personally I'm a very picky eater so I alternate between two lunches. And I walk on !y toes too, cuz it's FASTER.

    Samsquatch & Monko
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would any sane person not enjoy walking on their toes???

    JustAnotherCommenter(she/they)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents know I’m neurodivergent but refuse to get me actually diagnosed because “it’s easy to fix without d***s”

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    #21

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    TheElderNom
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can definitely see why it would be a hard step to take for some, I feel that one might feel pushed into surgery and hormones despite it not being needed by the individual, though at the same time it is great that it is an option for those who do want it.

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    #22

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Rayne OfSalt
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much more. So, so much more. It's worth it though.

    #23

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Georgia Ireland
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I relate to this on soooo many levels.

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    #25

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Crazy Cookie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As fun as these are, I find it odd to change the backstories of pre-existing characters.

    SearchingForGryphons
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering what pink kryptonite did, I'm quite ok with this one. Also AU are a thing and this is nothing new, just a different format than most fanfiction

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    Andrew Clapperton
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Ha ha ha Clever! I love it.

    MagicAxolotl (she/eve)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t see why you’re getting downvoted. Have my upvote :)

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    Child of the King
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #26

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Georgia Ireland
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine flares up from time to time, and I know that if I stay calm, eventually it'll go down. Good luck with your EoE!

    #27

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Yesn't (they/them) ️‍
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People suck. In particular, transphobes. Transphobes suck.

    Xiao Mao
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Perpetual victimhood is the sign of a Narcissist.

    Skater Chick (he/him)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go to university and get a degree in diagnostic psychiatry before you start diagnosing people. You'll soon realise you can't smack labels on people judging by their *art.*

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    #29

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

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    Uwu Desu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HAHAHAHA. So both Peter and Gwen are trans in the opposite directions. Perfect.

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    #30

    Celebrating Identity And Humor: Riri's Journey Through Alienby Comics

    alienby.comics Report

    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If someone struggles with that, I recommend permanent laser hair removal