A thoughtful challenge to gender ideology that continually asks
difficult questions about identity, orientation, and desire.
Bornstein cleverly incorporates cultural criticism, dramatic
writing, and autobiography to make her point that gender (which she
distinguishes from sex) is a cultural rather than a natural
phenomenon. The chapters range from "fashion tips" on her writing
style to dialogue between herself and another about the "nuts and
bolts" of the surgical process of a gender change (which she has
undergone). Confronting transgenderism and transgendered people is
not easy for many individuals, but Bornstein does it in a way that
sparks debate without putting her audience on the defensive. She
suggests that "the culture may not simply be creating roles for
naturally-gendered people, the culture may in fact be creating the
gendered people." Her discussion of the "parts" of gender is based
on respected sources and includes analyses of gender assignment,
identity, and roles. Things get mixed up, according to Bornstein,
because "sexual orientation/preference is based in this culture
solely on the gender of one's partner of choice," in effect
confusing orientation and preference. Seeing queer theater as a
place in which gender ambiguity and fluidity can and should be
explored, she includes in the book her play, Hidden: A Gender.
Bornstein uses the term "gender defenders" to describe those who
work hard to maintain the current rigid system of gender, and she
claims that her "people" (i.e., the transgendered) are just
beginning to challenge the system and to demand acceptance and
understanding. Bornstein's witty style, personal approach, and
frankness open doors to questioning gender assumptions and
boundaries. (Kirkus Reviews)
"Gender Outlaw" is the work of a woman who has been through some
changes - a former heterosexual male and one-time Scientologist and
IBM salesperson, Kate Bornstein is now a lesbian woman writer and
actress who makes regular rounds on the TV talk shows. This book
covers: the "mechanics" of her surgery; everything you've always
wanted to know about gender (but were too confused to ask); the
place and politics of the transgendered; and the questions of those
who give the subject little thought. It takes on various
communities: gay, lesbian, straight, S/M and transgender, along
with society at large. This work also includes Bornstein's play,
"Hidden: A Gender".
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