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krussek's review against another edition
4.0
(Note: I read the updated version, released in 2017)
Susan Stryker gives us an excellent primer for those first exploring trans studies and history, and a great review for those of us more well-versed in the subject matter. I found the discussion of interactions between trans issues and second-wave feminism especially valuable. The centering of nonwhite, working class historical narrative alongside the more textbook white, middle class, SRS and secret “transvestite clubs” narrative is also *chefs kiss.*
If there’s any weakness here, it’s that the book is short and tries to cover a lot of ground. Stryker rushes through content in the updated and revised sections. I would have appreciated more analysis of what the partnering (? Sorry, words are failing me rn) of trans issues and mainstream, assimilationist LGB rights in the Obama years means in the big picture.
Susan Stryker gives us an excellent primer for those first exploring trans studies and history, and a great review for those of us more well-versed in the subject matter. I found the discussion of interactions between trans issues and second-wave feminism especially valuable. The centering of nonwhite, working class historical narrative alongside the more textbook white, middle class, SRS and secret “transvestite clubs” narrative is also *chefs kiss.*
If there’s any weakness here, it’s that the book is short and tries to cover a lot of ground. Stryker rushes through content in the updated and revised sections. I would have appreciated more analysis of what the partnering (? Sorry, words are failing me rn) of trans issues and mainstream, assimilationist LGB rights in the Obama years means in the big picture.
deathbybooks4482's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
emeraldgarnet's review against another edition
3.0
The writing is lucid. While I did not agree with all of the points raised, the book does succeed as a historical analysis.
yarbroughac's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.5
This book would be great for new people who don’t know any trans people and who are just now learning about the community. I wish I would’ve found it earlier if I had I probably would’ve rated it higher.
heleng_reads's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.75
A helpful comprehensive history of trans rights in America. The only thing keeping it from five stars is that a) I would be interested in a more global perspective and g) this edition is now seven years old - I would be interested to see an updated edition at the next ten year mark, given how much has happened since.
seineph's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
This book is a great resource to add to/or start your journey into trans* history. The relatively wide time scope helps to get a sense of how transsexual, transgender, and cross-dressing people have suffered and fought their own battles alone for a while. I did not know the details of the bad blood between the trans and lesbian communities. I guess being ignorant lets you see LGBTQA+ people as a whole and as one front, or at least you hope that's the case. The book ends on a hopeful note, and I see that fighting for your spot in society, politics, and public spheres is worth your time at least for the sake of future generations. So I'm grateful for the fearless pioneers mentioned in this book and many references I would like to follow up on. (The book has a further reading list with an index, so you don't need to do anything while reading)
phantomwise's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting and engagingly written. Am starting to think I've neglected this particular bit of my personal education, and this was a great way to start, I think. It's a comprehensive look of transgender history at least from the 50's onward, and as much as it made me furious in part (really, white feminists? really? are we going to have to have a discussion about what rape is? AGAIN?) it also made me understand transgenderism in a way I never have before.
A+, would read again. And I lament that it's not in Swedish, because I would actually recommend it to my mother.
A+, would read again. And I lament that it's not in Swedish, because I would actually recommend it to my mother.
foxtayle's review against another edition
5.0
The best publication on trans history available. Insightfully researched and incredibly well-written.