A singular, beautifully written coming-of-age memoir of a Filipino boy with albinism whose story travels from an immigrant childhood to Harvard to a gender transition and illuminates the illusions of race, disability, and gender.
Fairest is a memoir about an albino boy, a “sun child” from a rural Philippine village, who would grow up to become a woman in America.
As an immigrant to the US, Talusan came to be perceived as white. A Harvard scholarship provided access to elite circles of privilege but required Talusan to navigate through the complex spheres of race, class, sexuality, and her place within the gay community.
She emerged as an artist and an activist questioning the boundaries of gender. She realized she did not want to be confined to a prescribed role as a man, and transitioned to become a woman.
Throughout her journey, Talusan shares poignant and powerful episodes of desirability and lov.
About the Author
Meredith Talusan (she/they) is an artist who works at the intersection of writing, visual art, and performance. Her work has spanned multiple mediums and genres, including digital art, dance, photography, and installation, though they are best-known to the public as a book author and journalist.
Meredith grew up in the Philippines before moving to the United States at fifteen, then received an honors BA in English and American Literature from Harvard College. They belong to the queer, trans, disabled, albino, Asian, and immigrant communities.
Meredith lives in Barryville, New York with her spouse and rescue mutt. She is currently at work on a novel and a series of paintings.
