Beyond Gender Binaries: The History of Trans, Intersex, and Third-Gender Individuals

by Rita Santos

While transgender people have been called many different things by different cultures, they have always existed. This book traces the history of how transgender, third gender, and other varieties of gender-nonconforming individuals have functioned in various societies. It documents how different societies' understanding of sex and gender has changed over time. Readers will explore how different cultures viewed these individuals as well as how their legal rights have evolved (or devolved). They will meet some of the historical figures that paved the way for so many others to live their truth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Transgender, LGBT, Social Justice, Queer, Banned Books, Intersex

112 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2018

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, common sense explanation of how nonbinary people were defined and accepted (and sometimes discriminated against) in different cultures from Brazil though Polynesia, India, and America. Lots of pictures show people comfortable with their definitions of themselves, and the tone is very accepting of the right of people to define themselves.

[Jamie Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked that this book approaches non-binary gender and sexuality from a historical standpoint across many different cultures and continents. I think it adds something different to what I've seen already published. However, there were a few glaring typoes (e.g. "pf" instead of "of") and I wasn't sure about the bibliography including articles from popular periodicals. Despite that, though, I recommend this book as an effort to promote acceptance and inclusivity and tolerance as it shows that non-binary gender and sexuality has long been part of our world and some cultures even celebrated it.

[Hailey Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very clear and concise picture of the very basic history of gender-binaries and expectations, and how colonization changed the way the world saw sex and gender. However, this book shouldve touched upon more cultural gender identities, and dove deeper into the three-spirited or native american third gender. Within different tribes gender was viewed different, and I wish we couldve gotten a better view on that. Otherwise, a simple book with good points and ideas, just more detail needed.

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, esp about history and attitudes of non-Western cultures. I have not before seen the subject of nonbinaries treated in books for preteens/teens to this degree.