Carry On

Unpacking Your Internalized Transphobic and Queerphobic Baggage
by Mx. Nillin Lore. Foreword by Andrew Gurza.
Publication Date: March 20, 2026
An exploration of the messy but liberating process of defining and decentring inner narratives of shame, fear and regret for one’s own queer identity.
ISBN N/A Category

Review

Buy from Indigenous Booksellers

Buy from Local Booksellers

Buy from Big Corporations (but support us through our affiliate links)

Queerphobic and transphobic messaging can arrive from nearly any direction, and once queer and trans people are exposed to the fear, disgust and judgement people have for otherness, it can easily fester into internalized oppression. 

In a society that promotes the narrative of self-loathing queers, loving and accepting ourselves can be hard to imagine, let alone achieve. Author and activist Mx. Nillin Lore has first-hand insight into the complex inner journey of decluttering the guilt, shame and anxiety that can feed our inner discriminator and in Carry On, they provide a guided expedition through the source material of our own erasure. 

A self-reflective journey and a toolset for dismantling inflammatory inner frameworks, this is a practical and encouraging guide for those ready and willing to unpack their internalized queerphobic and transphobic baggage.

Reviews

  • Carry On invites each of us—regardless of identity—to embrace who we are and widen our circle of empathy beyond the limits of ourselves. For us cishet readers, Nillin Lore offers an intimate window into the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of people we might unknowingly overlook or exclude.”—Ryan Cho, author of Brotherhood is a Constant Possibility: Asian Masculinity in a World Made for Whiteness

  • “An affirming, nurturing, generous-spirited handbook that will help many queer people navigate brutal political times.”—Dr. Kit Heyam, author of Before We Were Trans

  • “Whether you are trans, nonbinary, queer, or figuring it all out, Carry On is the supportive friend you need for journeying through life (while ensuring your baggage fits in the overhead compartment!). Nillin Lore offers vulnerable experiences and a gentle sense of humor throughout, alongside practical advice and useful resources. It is not only a guiding hand for those who personally resonate with the identities discussed, but also for those who (like me) want to better inform their solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ loved ones.”—Kitty Stryker, author of Ask Yourself, Say More, and Love Rebels

  • “This book is like sitting down with a friend at 2 a.m. and having one of those real chats—you know, the ones that have you laughing, crying and reflecting all at the same time. Nillin takes you on a journey through all the challenges and barriers and beauty of being queer and trans, and they are your cheerleader every step of the way.”—Andrew Gurza, author of Notes From a Queer Cripple

More from Thornapple Press

Contact Thornapple