Alcott and Identity

Author Peyton Thomas joins Let Genius Burn to speak about queerness and transness in Little Women and other Alcott writings. Peyton Thomas made a significant impact on the Alcott community when he wrote a Twitter thread, and a New York Times op-ed, about understanding Louisa May Alcott as a trans man. His comments sparked a discussion that has opened readers' minds to how Alcott constructed gender both in fiction and in life. We discuss gender dynamics in Little Women, Alcott's fascination with cross-dressing, and a summary and analysis of the short story Enigmas, one of Alcott's thrillers, where gender and identity play a significant role. There is also some childhood nostalgia for American Girl doll books! Peyton Thomas is an author and the creator of the Jo's Boys podcast. His debut novel Both Sides Now won the 2022 International Literacy Association Award for Young Adult Fiction. He's currently at work on a contemporary interpretation of Little Women for adults. His non-fiction has appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Billboard, Pitchfork, and many other publications.