Book review: Between the Pipes

Between the Pipes by Albert McLeod with Elaine Mordoch and Sonya Ballantyne, is a coming-of-age graphic novel that spotlights toxic masculinity and homophobia in sport. It explores gender and sexuality through a Cree lens, depicting diverse identities and experiences.

It is appropriate for sensitive discussions around mental health and suicide prevention aimed at Indigenous youth ages 12-18. The story is influenced by the experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ through interviews and focus groups conducted by Mordoch, an Associate Professor and Research Affiliate at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba.

Her research focuses on topics such as Indigenous students’ perceptions of intergenerational trauma on education, suicide prevention, and most recently, with the book’s author, Elder Albert McLeod on the lived experiences of Two-Spirit people.

This book does not shy away from homophobia and bullying. It also shows the resilience, friendships, importance of culture, role models, community, and ceremony.

Although Between the Pipes doesn’t shy away from the homophobia and bullying that affect 2SLGBTQI+ youth today, it shows that hope also abounds. Featuring Two-Spirit role models, supportive friends and family, and the power of culture and ceremonies, this story illuminates a path towards self-acceptance, confidence, and inclusive community.

13-year-old Chase’s life and identity should be simple. He’s the goalie for his hockey team, the Eagles. He’s a friend to Kevin and Jade. He’s Kookum’s youngest grandchild. He’s a boy who, by societal norms, should like girls. But it’s not that simple. Chase doesn’t like girls in the way that the other boys do. It’s scary being so different from his peers. Scarier still is the feeling that his teammates can tell who he is. They hate him for it, but if he pretends hard enough, maybe he can hide the truth.

Real strength and change can’t come from a place of shame. Chase’s dreams are troubled by visions of a Bear Spirit, and the more he tries to hide, the more everything falls apart. With the help of an Elder and a Two-Spirit mentor, can Chase find the strength to be proud of who he is?

Between the Pipes explores toxic masculinity in hockey through the experience of a First Nation teen.

The illustrations by professional illustrator Alice RL are engaging and the graphic novel style would appeal to readers age 12-18.

Author Albert McLeod is from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over 30 years’ experience as a human right activist and was one of the founders of 2-Spirited People of Manitoba. Albert is a member of the team who designed “Thunderhead”, the winning concept for the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa.

Albert McLeod, Elaine Mordoch, and Sonya Ballantyne, Between the Pipes. Highwater Press: Winnipeg, 2024.

ISBN 978-1774921043