Sexed Up

How Society Sexualizes Us, and How We Can Fight Back

By: Julia Serano

Narrated by: Julia Serano

The author of landmark manifesto Whipping Girl exposes the violent ways we are all sexualized–then offers a bold path for resistance

Feminists have long challenged the ways in which men tend to sexualize women. But pioneering activist, biologist, and trans woman Julia Serano argues that sexualization is a far more pervasive problem, as it’s something that we all do to other people, often without being aware of it.

Why do we perceive men as sexual predators and women as sexual objects? Why are LGBTQ+ people stereotyped as being sexually indiscriminate and deceptive? Why are people of color still being hypersexualized? These stereotypes push minorities farther into the margins, and even the privileged are policed from transgressing, lest they also become targets. Many view sexualization as a mere component of sexism, racism, or queerphobia, but Serano argues that liberation from sexual violence comes through collectively confronting sexualization itself.

Critic reviews

“Julia Serano continues to be one of the most remarkable feminists writing today. Sexed Up is a must-read for anyone who cares about feminism, misogyny, and how we talk about sex.”—Jessica Valenti, New York Times-bestselling author of Sex Object

“A brilliant tour de force on an under-theorized topic—sexualization—and the havoc it wreaks on so many lives, especially the most marginalized. I can't wait to discuss this book: it's essential reading.”—Kate Manne, author of Down Girl

"Julia Serano brings us the incisive, clear-eyed analysis of today's culture wars that we so desperately need. Thoughtful and deeply researched, Sexed Up provides a more compassionate way of dealing with our cultural programming around sexuality."—Annalee Newitz, Lambda Award winning author of Four Lost Cities

"How lucky we are to have Julia Serano — a writer who brings razor-sharp analysis to the most challenging issues we face today. Sexed Up is another worthy addition to the canon, brimming with the unique patience, care, and clarity Serano brings to untangling our sexual preconceptions."—Jude Ellison S. Doyle, author of Trainwreck

"Julia Serano acutely speaks to many nuances in gender and sexuality that unjustly dictate the safety, value, and autonomy of marginalized genders. Immersive and precise, she traces enduring stigmas to their illogical roots." —Koa Beck, author of White Feminism

“Fascinating, comprehensive, and clearly explained, Sexed Up leads the reader through a radically sensible analysis of what sexualization is and how it happens. (Hint: You're soaking in it!) As we work to create a sex-positive culture, we'll reference this vitally important book again and again.”

—Carol Queen, PhD, Author of Exhibitionism for the Shy and co-founder of the Center for Sex & Culture

EVERYONE needs to read this!!!

This book is wonderful! Serano explains everything in a way that is easy to understand. I learned so much about myself and the way that people interact with me. This is a must for anyone interested in feminism and sexuality!!!

A trustworthy voice for liberation

Smart analysis across so many fields and intersectionalities!! thank you! Can’t wait for your next book! Your wisdom is building.

Insightful

This is a very insightful book, learning the intricacies of the systems that surround you is very powerful. Serano has a nice reading voice, though she often lingers on the last letter of a word for quite a bit. I would have liked some practical examples of challenging sexualisation, but otherwise I really enjoyed it.

Simply Powerful

Once again, Julia Serano delivers a thought-provoking work which never feels too heavy-handed or overwrought with academic jargon. It’s a surprisingly breezy read, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Thank you Dr. Serano

Wonderful book, so well written, so much incredible observation, analysis, informative, educational, humbling. Despite the challenges the author has faced, written with so much kindness and truly unbiased. Every one should read it, or even better - listen to it, as it’s narrated by Dr. Serano herself. I am genuinely grateful to the author for all the hard work that has gone into writing it, for sharing her experiences with us, her vulnerability, her resilience and her optimism and faith in humanity.