In 2017, Dawson published The Gender Games, her first book aimed at adults, discussing themes of gender as well as her own life experiences. 374, 'Sensitive Materials In Schools.' Ultimately, it tied for the tenth-most banned and challenged books in the United States that year, according to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom. Dawson responded by saying the event highlighted how 'there is still such small-mindedness and hatred left to contend with.' In 2022, it was listed among 52 books banned by the Alpine School District following the implementation of Utah law H.B. In November of 2014, residents of Wasilla, Alaska petitioned to remove the book from a public library, with a number of residents objecting to profanity and sexually explicit content. This Book is Gay has faced controversy since its publication. The book is a 'manual to all areas of life as an LGBT person' and 'is meant to serve as a guidebook for young people discovering their sexual identity and how to navigate those uncomfortable waters.'

This Book Is Gay, illustrated by Spike Gerrell, was first published in the UK in September 2014 with subsequent publication in the US in June 2015. She also has small acting roles in I May Destroy You and Holby City. Dawson was supposed to write an episode for the second series of Class, but the show was cancelled. She has also contributed audio plays for the Big Finish Torchwood range. In 2018, Dawson wrote the BBC Sounds spin-off podcast Doctor Who: Redacted, which launched in April 2022. Dawson sat on the judging panel for the 2016 BBC Young Writers' Award. She represents the LGBT charity Stonewall as a School Role Model. She was signed to write a column in Glamour magazine documenting her experience of transitioning. She began hormonal transition in early 2016. In 2015, Dawson came out as a transgender woman, having begun her journey of transitioning 18 months prior. In 2014, Dawson received the Queen of Teen award. Her books often feature LGBT people, and Dawson has advocated for other books to feature more prominent LGBT characters. She wrote a number of young adult fiction books including Hollow Pike and Say Her Name. While working as a teacher, she began writing books aimed at young adults and became successful enough to leave her job. After graduating from Bangor University, she worked as a primary school teacher and later became a PSHE co-ordinator. Dawson lived in Bingley and was educated at Bingley Grammar School. Dawson's notable works include This Book Is Gay, Mind Your Head, Margot & Me, The Gender Games, Clean and Meat Market.ĭawson was born at Bradford Royal Infirmary in West Yorkshire. Juno Dawson (formerly James Dawson born 10 June 1981) is a British author of young adult fiction and non-fiction.

Doctor Who by Juno Dawson