The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism, and Transgender Rights

Dense with information and completely fascinating. I loved reading about the different scientific approaches towards variances in gender & sexuality over the years, and how these influenced and were influenced by contemporary social movements. I appreciated Rudacille's tact when it came to subjects like social constructivism and biological determinism. She very clearly understands the need for a nuanced approach to LGBT (particularly trans) issues, especially given the ease with which research can be exaggerated or reduced by political groups in order to create an inaccurate--and therefore harmful-- social narrative.

This was a fascinating book. Some of the interview chapters were a bit stilted and harder to get through, but the science and political research included here is amazing. I was horrified to read about the effects of DES on the children of those who took it, and intrigued at the possible connection to gender dysphoria.

It seems that the research into transgender issues seems to focus primarily around MTF people, which was a bit disappointing. There are all of these interesting theories as to what may effect an individual's gender identity, but they seem to revolve around people assigned male at birth, or with XY chromosomes.

Until reading this book, I had not fully understood the catch-22 of including/excluding GID (gender identity show more disorder) in the DSM. Do we keep it in, as this is the main route that trans people have for accessing SRS through our medical system? Or do we eliminate it and de-pathologize trans-ness?

Good book, lots to think about. If you like science, history, politics and personal stories all mixed together, I highly recommend it. show less