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Transgender Warriors

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Leslie Feinberg

Transgender Warriors

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg is a 1996 nonfiction text that explores the history of individuals who cross boundaries of sex and gender. It is part autobiographical, detailing Feinberg’s relationship with gender, sexuality, and politics, and advocates for political solidarity within and beyond the transgender rights movement. The book also provides an accessible transgender history, highlighting diverse gender identities in Indigenous and pre-industrial societies, and addresses the social and political challenges faced by trans individuals. Topics include anti-trans and anti-gay violence, death by suicide, rape, and racism.

Informative

Inspirational

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.5

2,351 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg is applauded for its groundbreaking analysis of transgender history and activism, celebrated for raising visibility and fostering inclusivity. Critics note its passionate narrative but mention it can be overly personal and lacks scholarly rigor. Overall, it’s deemed a potent, inspiring read that educates and empowers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Transgender Warriors?

Readers who appreciate Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg are typically interested in LGBTQ+ history, social justice, and personal narratives of transformation. Comparable to Stone Butch Blues by the same author and Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein, this book attracts those who seek to understand gender diversity and activism.

4.5

2,351 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Leslie Feinberg

An author and activist known for their works on transgender and lesbian identity, particularly their novel Stone Butch Blues and nonfiction work, Transgender Warriors. Feinberg discusses their experiences growing up with a masculine gender expression and their role in LGBT activism.

A French peasant and military leader known for her gender-nonconforming behavior, particularly her choice to wear men's clothing, which played a significant role in her historical legacy and her portrayal in Feinberg's work. She was eventually tried for heresy and executed.

A Black American LGBT rights activist and drag queen involved in the Stonewall Uprising, noted for her gender nonconformity and activism within New York City's LGBT community. Her death, initially ruled a suicide, is surrounded by controversy and is believed to have been murder.

An American transgender man whose life and murder are widely recognized as significant events in trans history. His story is depicted in the film Boys Don’t Cry, although it has been criticized for inaccurately portraying him.

A German sexologist and early advocate for the rights of gay and transgender people, known for his progressive views during a time when such identities were often pathologized. He is noted for his influence on early LGBTQ rights movements and his work continued in exile after the rise of the Nazi party.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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