Questions About Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston (Sir Callie #1)

by Esme Symes-Smith (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (1)

Why does this book conflate gender with gender roles? Isn't it sad for the book to portray as ideal Callie denying her physical gender (i.e. girl) just to 'satisfy' the illogical gender rules (i.e. that girls cannot be knights)? Doesn't that only reinforce gender-based discrimination? Shouldn't Callie be instead proud of being a girl knight, so that other girls can take her as a potential role model?

Esme Symes-Smith This is a really good question, even if the execution is rife with microaggressions which I strongly suggest you take another look at in the future.

L…moreThis is a really good question, even if the execution is rife with microaggressions which I strongly suggest you take another look at in the future.

Let's break it down!

'Why does this book conflate gender with gender roles?'

The book doesn't, but many within the book do. The setting of Helston is very conservative in its views of gender, therefore many of the characters -- especially the children -- are learning that gender and gender roles are two separate things. It's a conversation that takes place throughout the series as a whole, and what it means to find your gender identity in a world where you're expected to perform.

'Isn't it sad for the book to portray as ideal Callie denying her physical gender (i.e. girl) just to 'satisfy' the illogical gender rules (i.e. that girls cannot be knights)?'

Callie's pronouns are they/them and they are nonbinary ie. neither a girl nor a boy. They aren't nonbinary because they want to satisfy gender roles -- talk to any enby and they'll tell you that existing outside the binary satisfies no one within in it -- they are nonbinary because that's who they are. Girls can be knights. Nonbinary folks can be knights. The point is, not just boys can be knights.
So no, it's not sad at all. Callie is going for their dream as their truest self.

'Doesn't that only reinforce gender-based discrimination?'

If Callie transitioned to male for the sole reason of becoming a knight, and if they were the only genderqueer person within the story, yes it would. But that's not this book. Each of my characters has their own gender identity, choices to make, and things to work out.

The crux of the story is about gender-based discrimination--that's the villain. But Callie's gender identity does not support those bigoted views. I'm sure they would have an easier time in Helston if it did!

'Shouldn't Callie be instead proud of being a girl knight, so that other girls can take her as a potential role model?'

If Callie was a girl, they would be a proud girl knight.

Also, girls don't need me to write them a role model. There are millions who do it much better than I could! Callie is a role model for nonbinary kids. If girls need a role model in this world, Elowen would be more than happy to take the job!

There are also PLENTY of books about girl knights, and they're all awesome! My particular favourites are Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce, Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce, and The Life And (Medieval) Times Of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton.

I hope this answered your questions!(less)

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