A short reading list for trans people and allies looking to understand the state of contemporary discourse about a range of trans issues without heavily academic language.
Wow. You really laid out a lot here and it's greatly appreciated. Just want to let people know that some of these books are available on audio. Amazon audio books (Audible).
[Yes I realize some people don't want to patronize the Amazon website or companies. But if you do, these books are available].
Also, I prefer to curl up with a book on my tablet and read on a quiet Sunday afternoon. But that's not always practical. So audiobooks may be the answer for some people. You can listen while you're preparing dinner or doing housework.
I just finished the Shon Faye book a couple of months ago. And right after that, I started the Stryker book. They are both long books and maybe good candidates for listening rather than reading. I need to get on the Serano material as a priority also.
Thank you kindly - two of the best allies at my previous workplace said they listened to Faye & Stryker on Audible so as to be more informed. I take your point about Amazon but someone high up at the former was very important to my transition so I don't begrudge the free advertising : )
Also I will add one more thing. Shone Faye goes into great detail about her experience in the UK. And United States readers may think it's not worth bothering with and they can skip her writing. I would say don't do this. Because I found it to be interesting and valuable even though it is largely focused on the U.K. in its details and specific examples.
omg I’ve been wanting to read some more academic books on trans-ness ; this is awesome !! I was wondering if u have any more recs of memoirs of maybe trans men ? if not no worries !!!
Gender Euphoria has plenty of trans masc contributors writing about firsthand experience. Faye, Stryker, and Butler all talk about the experience of trans men fairly evenhandedly, and their bibliographies mention a few. Leslie Feinberg ( https://www.lesliefeinberg.net/ ) is essential reading and quite autobiographical.
There are trans masc contributors to Gleeson & O’Rourke, and to The Conversation: on Gender Diversity (ed. Jules Gill-Peterson).
Wow. You really laid out a lot here and it's greatly appreciated. Just want to let people know that some of these books are available on audio. Amazon audio books (Audible).
[Yes I realize some people don't want to patronize the Amazon website or companies. But if you do, these books are available].
Also, I prefer to curl up with a book on my tablet and read on a quiet Sunday afternoon. But that's not always practical. So audiobooks may be the answer for some people. You can listen while you're preparing dinner or doing housework.
I just finished the Shon Faye book a couple of months ago. And right after that, I started the Stryker book. They are both long books and maybe good candidates for listening rather than reading. I need to get on the Serano material as a priority also.
Thank you kindly - two of the best allies at my previous workplace said they listened to Faye & Stryker on Audible so as to be more informed. I take your point about Amazon but someone high up at the former was very important to my transition so I don't begrudge the free advertising : )
Also I will add one more thing. Shone Faye goes into great detail about her experience in the UK. And United States readers may think it's not worth bothering with and they can skip her writing. I would say don't do this. Because I found it to be interesting and valuable even though it is largely focused on the U.K. in its details and specific examples.
omg I’ve been wanting to read some more academic books on trans-ness ; this is awesome !! I was wondering if u have any more recs of memoirs of maybe trans men ? if not no worries !!!
Hi Sebastian,
Wow! Thanks for the rapid response!
Gender Euphoria has plenty of trans masc contributors writing about firsthand experience. Faye, Stryker, and Butler all talk about the experience of trans men fairly evenhandedly, and their bibliographies mention a few. Leslie Feinberg ( https://www.lesliefeinberg.net/ ) is essential reading and quite autobiographical.
There are trans masc contributors to Gleeson & O’Rourke, and to The Conversation: on Gender Diversity (ed. Jules Gill-Peterson).
I really enjoyed ND Stevenson’s memoir: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45169737-the-fire-never-goes-out
…and their SubStack frequently breaks my heart.
Best wishes,
Kay
thank you so much!!