Whipping Girl

A transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of femininity

by Julia Serano

392 pages

English language

Published Oct. 7, 2016

ISBN:: 978-1-58005-622-9
OCLC Number:: 920728057

(8 reviews)

A provocative manifesto, Whipping girl tells the powerful story of Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her diverse background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist. Serano shares her 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.

1 edition

Unglue2968 reviewed Whipping Girl by Julia Serano

SO GOOD for dispelling myths about trans people and understanding the trans experience

4 stars

I thought this book was phenomenal for the author’s clear explanations of the realities of her experience as a trans woman and her deft dismissal of the many misconceptions popular culture promulgates about trans people. I think everyone should read this book, especially if they are questioning their gender, or trying to better understand the trans people in their life.

Some of the terminology is outdated (as the author notes in the foreword), and some of the examples are a bit outdated as well, but it’s not a significant issue, and many of the same broad points are still unfortunately all too accurate.

I did find some of the discussion about the nuances of feminist theory and the internal politics of the queer movement a bit inaccessible, but I’d chalk that up to my own lack of familiarity going in, than any shortcoming on the author’s part.

Denise Mochid reviewed Whipping Girl by Julia Serano

Life-changing for making sense of my social experience as a trans woman

5 stars

This very specific trans woman perspective highlights the issues we face in wider society, feminist circles, and queer communities. It has helped me tremendously to understand both myself as well as the different and often malicious lenses I am viewed by different perspectives throughout society.