Transgender Warriors

Always interesting to read something that educates one on the untold history of a group or individual.  For me, Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg did just that.  The book was available from the LGBT library too, right around the corner from my office.  Not only did the author write the book based on their individual struggles with dealing with how our society “labels” and places people in categories, but a nice history of the trans movement from Dionysius, Joan of Arc, Oscar Wilde, the AIDS era, RuPaul, and finally to Dennis Rodman (the book was written in 1996 so it doesn’t have latest updates).    Helpful terminology and understanding between the differences of gender expression, gender identity, transvestites, male/female change, oppression, discrimination, and more.  Feinberg’s inclusion of Fredrick Douglass as the quintessential  supporter of the oppressed (by his speech at the first women's rights convention, in the Seneca Falls Convention, as the only African American) illustrates the need for the oppressed to stand up and support each other, no matter the line of demarcation.    As Feinberg notes, “as to the question of what connects lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, I think that answer can only be found by examining the relationship between body, desire, and gender expression.”  Feinberg then adds, “Since these are tightly braided aspects of my identity.  I fight for my right to be whole.”   One aspect of the book that was difficult to agree, though I can understand the perspective, was Feinberg’s connection and belief that capitalism is in many ways reinforcing and holding down those challenged by our society for free gender expression and that communism or some sort of philosophy to operate under may serve people who are the plight of the community under such a societal construct.  While I have never had to walk in Feinberg’s shoes, I can only imagine what each day may be like.  Feinberg continues to advocate and speak on these topics today.  Amazing ability for Feinberg to receive an education based on the road illustrated in the book to be able to research and write a book that is known as the “foundational work” in this area.  Worth a read to educate yourself on the trans movement and anyone who will ever work with trans people you will be helped by understanding the concepts and history.