Hello everybody!

I was hoping somebody could recommend some transfeminist non-fiction literature for me, preferably in an eBook format but a book would be fine. I'm a cis male who's been reading quite a bit of feminist material recently, parts of which have alluded to transgender issues. I'm now looking for something that tackles the issues head on and is more focussed.

I'd appreciate suggestions.

Thank you.

I really, really like Whipping Girl by Julia Serano. I dunno if it's what you're looking for, but it's written by a feminist trans woman (who is a biologist). In the book she tackles our society's rampant anti-femininity (not quite the same as misogynistic), including recognizing that some feminists demonize femininity/feminine people and especially trans women (as "brainwashed" or artificial, in contrast to what our society considers "natural" masculinity) in a counterproductive way.

I found it a really accessible read. It personally helped me feel okay with being a feminine guy. I also got to meet Dr. Serano in person and she's really cool.

Great, thanks for that! Will have to wait for pay day but I'll be getting that.

Quote from: brainiac on March 26, 2013, 07:07:07 PM
I really, really like Whipping Girl by Julia Serano. I dunno if it's what you're looking for, but it's written by a feminist trans woman (who is a biologist). In the book she tackles our society's rampant anti-femininity (not quite the same as misogynistic), including recognizing that some feminists demonize femininity/feminine people and especially trans women (as "brainwashed" or artificial, in contrast to what our society considers "natural" masculinity) in a counterproductive way.

I found it a really accessible read. It personally helped me feel okay with being a feminine guy. I also got to meet Dr. Serano in person and she's really cool.

Have to second this one. So far, really the only trans oriented book I've enjoyed. And the points made in it are universal and relevant to everyone, not just trans people. This kind of 'antifemininity' she talks about affects everyone. I'd even venture to say it's one of the biggest influences on gender roles and reason for many of the 'masculinity rules' men are subject to.

Though, I don't recall how much the book outlines the 'basics' of trans issues. I'm wracking my brain for one that does, but really haven't read many.

Anyway, I think it's awesome you're exploring these issues as a non trans person, Braddock. A little understanding goes a long way.

Quote from: Not-so Fat Admin on March 26, 2013, 07:27:53 PM
Have to second this one. So far, really the only trans oriented book I've enjoyed. And the points made in it are universal and relevant to everyone, not just trans people. This kind of 'antifemininity' she talks about affects everyone. I'd even venture to say it's one of the biggest influences on gender roles and reason for many of the 'masculinity rules' men are subject to.

Though, I don't recall how much the book outlines the 'basics' of trans issues. I'm wracking my brain for one that does, but really haven't read many.

Anyway, I think it's awesome you're exploring these issues as a non trans person, Braddock. A little understanding goes a long way.

I see it as a necessity. I've been meaning to get around to it for a month or so. Found out yesterday that 3 hours had been set aside in parliament to discuss how the media treats trans people. Ideally I'd like to get a letter to my MP (never written a letter to him before) so any reading would be welcome. I'm likely going to miss out on reading all of this before the 3 hours takes place but I'm really hoping trans issues stay as close to mainstream as possible thanks to the campaigning of others then maybe I can contribute towards it, even if it's just at a level of helping educate those I personally come into contact with.

Goodreads.com has been recommending J. Jack Halberstam to me. She has books called 'Female Masculinity' and 'In A Queer Time and Place: Transgender Bodies, Subcultural Lives'. Any ideas if this stuff is any good?