Book Detective

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.

Serano's well-honed arguments stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. She exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive, and how this "feminine" weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire.

In addition to debunking popular misconceptions about transsexuality, Serano makes the case that today's feminists and transgender activist must work to embrace and empower femininity-in all of its wondrous forms.

Excluded by Julia Serano

Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein

Cunt by Inga Muscio

The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti

The Story of Jane Doe by Jane Doe

Necessary Dreams by Anna Fels

Ecofeminism by Maria Mies

Talking Back by Bell Hooks

Anticlimax by Sheila Jeffreys

Whores and Other Feminists by Jill Nagle

Woman, Native, Other by Trinh T. Minh-Ha

Read My Lips by Debby Herbenick

Sisterhood Is Forever by Robin Morgan

Taking On the Big Boys by Ellen Bravo

He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know by Jessica Valenti

Slut! by Leora Tanenbaum

Jane Sexes It Up by Merri Lisa Johnson

Man Made Language by Dale Spender

I Am Not a Slut by Leora Tanenbaum

Inventing Herself by Elaine Showalter