Transgender History (Seal Studies) [Paperback]

Susan Stryker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 2008 | ISBN-10: 158005224X | ISBN-13: 978-1580052245

Covering American transgender history from the mid-twentieth century to today, Transgender History takes a chronological approach to the subject of transgender history, with each chapter covering major movements, writings, and events. Chapters cover the transsexual and transvestite communities in the years following World War II; trans radicalism and social change, which spanned from 1966 with the publication of The Transsexual Phenomenon, and lasted through the early 1970s; the mid-’70s to 1990—the era of identity politics and the changes witnessed in trans circles through these years; and the gender issues witnessed through the ’90s and ’00s.

Transgender History includes informative sidebars highlighting quotes from major texts and speeches in transgender history and brief biographies of key players, plus excerpts from transgender memoirs and discussion of treatments of transgenderism in popular culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158005224X
• ISBN-13: 978-1580052245
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Transgender
  • #39 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > History
  • #87 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Gay & Lesbian

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yay for Seal Press and Susan Stryker! October 15, 2009

By JVS

Format:Paperback

Just when it seems like more and more publishers are publishing fewer and fewer books, and even less and less queer titles, Seal Press persists---thank goodness!!

Having had the chance on a few occasions to hear Stryker speak at various events, and being familiar with other work of hers, I wasn't surprised by her ability to engage me as a reader, or by the overall readability of Transgender History.

True, when you cram "history" (trans or not) into 153 pages, there are several things that you can focus on, and many other things you cannot. But, as primer/introductory text, Transgender History has a lot to offer.

People will certainly be drawn to the first chapter, "An Introduction to Transgender Terms and Concepts." While I am much more hesitant to provide my students with readings that present a list of terms and definitions (preferring instead that they encounter them in context, often in contradictory contexts that reveal their nuances), a general reading public will certainly appreciate the way in which Stryker is able to succinctly give them a working understanding of so many terms.

The second chapter, "A Hundred Years of Transgender History" is an amazing condensation of a lot of information. I have previously encountered much of the information that Stryker presents, but to have it all gathered here and in less than thirty pages is a feat! I particularly appreciated Stryker's attention to the ways in which medical science (and legislation over it) has increasingly played a central role in our everyday lives.

Chapter 4, "The Difficult Decades" highlights Transgender History's usefulness for contemporary Women's Studies and Gender Studies courses....

Most importantly, throughout the book there is a strong focus on critically analyzing the role of state policies and institutions in controlling those who go against social norms. At times, these moments may be too subtle for novice readers, but the book definitely has a lot to offer. Read more ›

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Support transgender liberation! October 29, 2009

By wildflowerboy

Format:Paperback

For readers interested in contemporary transgender history in the United States, this short and sweet book is an excellent introduction to the topic, covering all of the major political struggles, victories, backlash, and debates from the years just following World War II to the present day. In this book, you'll learn about important but little known transgender protests such as the riots outside Cooper's Donuts in LA in 1959, Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia in 1965, and the Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco in 1966, as well as the famous Stonewall Riots of 1968. Along the way, we meet transgender activists like Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, Leslie Feinberg, Dean Spade, Imani Henry, Riki Wilchins, Lou Sullivan, Kate Bornstein, Beth Elliott, and many others, and political organizations like S.T.A.R., Transexual Menace, and the Queens' Liberation Front. In addition, Susan Stryker explores the transgender movement's relationship to feminism and gay and lesbian activism, discussing subjects like feminist transphobia amongst second-wave feminists, third-wave feminist inclusion, the impact of queer theory on the transgender movement, and the genderqueer phenomenon. Thank you Susan Stryker for this wonderful celebration of transgender history. It was both a joy to read and very educational!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done! January 8, 2009

By Sandra Allen

Format:Paperback

Written well for general information as well as utilizing it in the classroom. It is a very good resource for basic understanding. Wish that they had printed the material in a larger print format for the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Transgender Activism May 24, 2013

By h. keith mephodie sterzing

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A short but great summary of the growth of transgender activism in America from its beginnings to the early 21st century.

5.0 out of 5 stars great read May 18, 2013

By Lou

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wonderful book. Easy to follow. Really shows where our community has come from. I highly recommend it. I am glad I bought it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Transgender History November 30, 2012

By Lisa Anderson Mares

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book has been around for a few years, but it is worthy your time, if you haven't already read it. This book has an excellent discussion of second and third wave feminism. If you are unsure of why the "T" was added to LGB, this book will make this much clearer. This book covers history from the 1800s through 2007, although its focus is on the twentieth century. This book is an excellent general history, and it is a good place to start any readings on transgender history.

4.0 out of 5 stars Trangender History October 9, 2012

By mark

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There are very few books around about the history of transgender legacy. This book written by Susan Stryker covers a good amount of information. It is nicely written and fulfills the need to have one in your private collection, it is a instant reference for Gender Studies classes.

4.0 out of 5 stars A History of Trangenderism for Transgenders May 22, 2012

By RitaMarie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found this book quite informative. This books covers the the subject very well. My only complaint is the Font size is to small. I would prefer to pay a little bit more for easier reading. I am glad to add this book to my collecton.