Whipping Girl

A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

By: Julia Serano

Narrated by: Julia Serano

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Named as one of 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of All Time by Ms. magazine.

Julia Serano shares her experiences and insights - 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 and pioneering advocacy stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. In this provocative manifesto, she exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive.

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

©2016 Julia Serano (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“A foundational text for anyone hoping to understand transgender politics and culture in the US today.” (NPR)

What an author!

With all the things that could be said about Julia Serano I would like to thank her personally for my early transition mindset & the preparation this book gave me as a trans woman. I knew how to manage & navigate my new experiences with a modern voice & confidence in myself. Also, just a side note I finished this audio book 30 min before actually interviewing her myself! What a great talk to have with someone so renowned. Check out episode 101 of Beyond Gender Podcast for more on that!

Must read for feminists and transwomen!

Incredible insight into feminism and transwomen. She sheds insight on so many theories about being trans that never added up to me and never resonated with me.

Thank you.

I began listening to your book Julia in hopes of finding and learning more about myself. I cannot count how many times while listening to the book I find myself nodding my head in agreement or identifying with your examples. Thank you for being the voice you are in our community.

Very Informative

I admit I thought I knew a lot on this subject. But only a few pages in I found out I knew nothing!

lives up to it's credibility

This is a well balanced, and nuanced analysis of the world from the author's lived experience and I love it. Her attention to the complex cultural dilemmas is extensive. I took so many notes! She leaves nobody out from scrutiny when establishing her argument for a more inclusive world.

I can see why its so esteemed

Was able to relate well to most of the book, found it highly relevant, and at the same time challenged me to think and rethink some things I'd taken for granted. Very good book.

Beautiful

I've been in transition for a year and a half, and I've struggled with the daily grind of fighting to be a woman in a world that hates women. Julia Serano's book helped me understand the world and my fight to be a part of it. This is a clear and concise picture, and everyone should read it.

Utterly Fantastic

An eye-opening critique of the way misogyny seems to be at the heart of all gender and sex related bigotry. I'm a non-binsry trans man and it really taught me to look at my femininity and interactions with other queer peoples in new light.

I needed to listen to this

Hearing a trans woman like myself describe her journey and dissect concepts like misogyny, transmisogyny, and oppositional and traditional sexism was at once illuminating, validating, and cathartic. Definitely a must-read for trans women, transfeminine folks, and anyone seeking to become a better ally to us.

Essential Feminist Reading

I had the pleasure of reading Whipping Girl in print for my Gender Studies minor several years ago, and was thrilled to see it available as an audiobook. Revisiting the text in Serano’s own voice felt just as fresh and engaging as my first read.

Whipping Girl is a detailed, nuanced, and well-researched look into the various gender relations present today. Serano addresses topics specific to the trans experience, describing biology vs. socialization, oppositional sexism, gender entitlement, cross-dressing, and so much more. Serano’s text is grounded in the material realities of the trans experience, pulling from traditional and post-structural feminist theory while critiquing them both. This is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary gender studies, feminism, and the fight for gender and sexual equality.