Julia Serano

In this manifesto, biologist and transsexual woman Julia Serano reveals the ways that fear, contempt, and dismissiveness toward femininity shape societal attitudes about trans women, gender, and sexuality as a whole.

A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

Whipping Girl

In this updated second edition, biologist and trans woman Julia Serano reveals a unique perspective on femininity, masculinity, and gender identity. In the updated second edition of Whipping Girl, Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist, shares her powerful experiences and observations-both pre- and post-transition-to reveal the ways in which fear, suspicion, and dismissiveness toward femininity shape our societal attitudes toward trans women, as well as gender and sexuality as a whole. Serano's well-honed arguments and reputation as a thought-leader stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. In this provocative manifesto, she exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive, and how this "feminine" weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire. In addition to debunking popular misconceptions about transsexuality, Serano makes the case that today's feminists and transgender activists must work to embrace and empower femininity-in all of its wondrous forms.

Sophie Shrimpton

A brilliant insight into transexuality and how it is portrayed and interacts with the feminist movement in the modern world. Nuanced and insightful.

This has enlightened me on a number of issues, and one I have learnt more from this book than being a member of the queer community for several years.

Key learnings: f*ck binaries, yay for spectrums. Fight gender entitlement and respect others gender experiences. Don't assume! Be aware of how identity in the media is influenced by and portrayed in line with hegemonic ideas. F*ck effemimania, misogyny targets females and femininity.

"In the updated second edition of Whipping Girl, Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her diverse background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist, shares her powerful experiences and observations -- both pre- and post-transition -- to reveal the ways in which fear, suspicion, and dismissiveness toward femininity shape our societal attitudes toward trans women, as well as gender and sexuality as a whole. Serano's well-honed arguments stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. In this provocative manifesto, she exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive, and how this "feminine" weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire. In addition to debunking popular misconceptions about transsexuality, Serano makes the case that today's feminists and transgender activists must work to embrace and empower femininity -- in all of its wondrous forms."--provided by Amazon.com

Whipping Girl A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

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