Character: Ben De Backer
From: I Wish You All the Best
Representation: LGBTQIA+ (Nonbinary -- NBLM), Anxiety
Their Importance: There isn’t a lot of representation of AMAB nonbinary people. Ben has already had their big realisation and there isn’t as much identity-related exposition as previous stories with onbinary characters. Ben experiences rejection from their parents and discrimination and also has a very supportive sister and a group of affirming friends who help to lift their confidence. They also suffer from an anxiety disorder as a result of the discrimination they endure which results in several realistically depicted panic attacks. In the end they enter a very sweet and supportive romantic relationship with Nathan which is a welcome development after all that angst. There are several scenes where they visit a therapist who gives useful advice about living with the condition.
Issues: The whole plot revolves around the heavy transphobia/anti-nonbinary bigotry that Ben’s parents subject them to and there are several vivid panic attack scenes.
Thanks to anon for the write up!