Teddy G. Goetz

*reviewed by uncorrected eARC via netgalley* (40+pp ~ 1hr+)

graphic nonfiction by trans/nonbinary author - a very comprehensive guide to the multitude of different ways people might self-identify in terms of gender, the history of the ways gender has been understood in diverse cultures and how the false idea of a binary has been used to oppress women and BIPOC individuals, and a bit of the science surrounding gender expression and relevant hormones.

Short but dense--fortunately the text is easily skimmable, so readers can find the sections they are most interested in, and build from there. Can be helpful for people trying to put words to their feelings of gender identity, or to provide their allies and potential allies (with specific sections bookmarked) with some helpful information. Includes citations and scholarly footnotes of less-necessary background reading. I liked the section that describes how gender diversity and non-binary genders have been present in various cultures for ages (Classical Judaism, Traditional Buddhism, and Indigenous cultures from different continents), even if the anti-patriarchy/anti-white-supremacy sentiment (which for the most part I agree with) felt a bit heavy-handed and perhaps more divisive than I would have written it.

I hope that some conflicting statements get edited before publication, notably the supposition that the increased prevalence of anxiety/depression among cis-women vs. cis-men is entirely due to societal pressures and 'NOT' biology--I think estradiol and physical health conditions (perimenopause, for sure, is no small thing) can definitely be an influence here as well as societal expectations. A few pages later, the text clarifies that it isn't known how much is biology vs. socialization, and goes into more detail about what data might be available, but I'm still a bit put off by the initial over-generalization, so I really hope this gets tweaked before publication.… (más)