The scratchy, dense textures of her illustrations give her characters a raw, exposed quality. When two characters touch or share a frame, the visual weight of the art reflects the emotional weight of their connection.
: The book steps entirely away from traditional romance to examine the lifelong, intense bond of twinhood.
[Traditional Expectations] ──> Rigid, Obligatory, Scripted vs. [Chosen Relationships] ──> Fluid, Intentional, Empathetic transexpov leah hayes the chosen one trans top
explores chosen relationships and romantic storylines by challenging traditional partnership dynamics and emphasizing emotional autonomy, platonic support networks, and unconventional human bonds. Across her celebrated graphic novels published by Fantagraphics Books and her Emmy-winning animation work, Hayes rejects traditional Hollywood romance in favor of nuanced, realistic, and often ambiguous relationships. Rather than framing romantic satisfaction as life's ultimate goal, her stories prioritize "chosen relationships"—including chosen families, fierce sibling bonds, and crucial support networks that step up when standard romantic partnerships fall short. Unconventional Love and Ambiguity in Early Works
By placing equal—or sometimes greater—narrative weight on platonic bonds, Hayes challenges the societal narrative that romantic partnerships are the highest form of human connection. The scratchy, dense textures of her illustrations give
In her debut graphic novel, Funeral of the Heart , Hayes set a distinct thematic tone by weaving short stories centered on obsessive characters and "unconventional but genuine love."
Leah Hayes’s nuanced take on chosen relationships and romantic storylines offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream romantic media. By focusing on the deliberate choices, inherent vulnerabilities, and beautiful imperfections of human bonding, she elevates the graphic novel medium. Rather than framing romantic satisfaction as life's ultimate
Leah Hayes is an American author, illustrator, and musician known for exploring complex human experiences through a lens that emphasizes . Her work often moves away from traditional, dramatic romantic "storylines" in favor of illustrating the subtle, foundational roles that chosen relationships play during pivotal life moments. Relationship Themes in Major Works L E A H H A Y E S
: In her New York Times-bestselling graphic novel, Not Funny Ha-Ha
Leah Hayes is not the first trans top, nor will she be the last. But she has become the avatar for a very specific digital yearning—to be seen, claimed, and yes, chosen. The format grants that wish. The trans top dynamic fulfills it. And the "chosen one" narrative gives it meaning.
At the core of Chosen is the journey of self-discovery, a process that Hayes establishes as inseparable from how the characters interact with others. The relationships in the narrative are built on a foundation of vulnerability. Hayes understands that before a character can successfully navigate a romantic partnership or a deep platonic bond, they must first confront their own history, insecurities, and sense of belonging.