Whipping Girl: a Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

By:

Synopsis
Rather than the typical autobiographical process of transsexuality, Julia Serano, who holds a PhD in biology, writes from a sociological and political viewpoint of transsexuality. As an out transsexual, she sometimes uses her own experiences to illustrate a point, but the value in the book is the larger political perspective she brings forth. Although by the title one would think the book only relevant to women, it is equally valuable to men, trans men, any men. The issues she raises are relevant to all people. This one is a real thinker, a non-sensational look at viewpoints, language, changing times. I highly recommend this book to anyone starting to learn about transgender issues or wanting to widen their knowledge. There are extensive notes on each chapter at the end of the book. "Footnote" numbers have been placed in brackets. All footnotes and biblio data was carefully checked for accuracy, esp the web addresses. This would be a wonderful book to use in gender studies, sociology, human sexuality, women's studies, and current culture and politics courses.
Copyright:
2007

Book Details

Book Quality:
Excellent
Book Size:
392 Pages
ISBN-13:
9781580051545
Publisher:
N/A
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Julia Serano
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
Nonfiction, Health, Mind and Body, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Submitted By:
Liz Halperin
Proofread By:
Lena
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

Reviews

5 out of 5

By on

Serano flouts the HBIGDA expectations that Male-to-Female transsexuals must present as the sterotypical "department store" view of femininitity: full make-up, dresses, hosiery, high heels, etc. in order to be accepted by a Gender Identity Clinic. She speaks of the sexism and its history within the Gender Identity Clinics and HBIGDA Standards of Care. (See Gerald Ramsey's "Transsexuals: Candid Answers to Private Questions", on Bookshare.) Serano herself, still wears gender neutral clothes, such as jeans and tshirts, as many women do. An excellent read for *anyone* learning about this topic and full of resources and added information. She raises the all-important question of "male privilege" and the questions that come asking why a "man" would give up such perceived privilege and choose to become a woman. Well-documented.