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Leslie Feinberg has been a prominent leader in the transgender rights movement since it's early conception. Through sharing his experience of growing up interspersed with examples of different cultures throughout history that have links to transgendered people Feinberg examines the common perceptions of the body, the status of the clothing worn, and the structures of societies that are either welcoming or equally feel threatened by the existence of gender variance. Feinberg examines such cultures as native Indians in America, ancient Greece and even touches upon his belief that Joan of Arc was transgendered, although many including myself are of the opinion that this is not true. In her own statements (as listed in the record of the trial in 1431 and as quoted by several witnesses at the retrial from 1455-1456) she makes it clear that she only wore her boyish costume because she was being subjected to attempted rapes and other abuse while in prison, and was constantly in danger of the same while travelling through enemy territory.
Joan of Arc aside this is a thoroughly good read and gives prime examples of many centuries where cultures have had a degree of gender variance to them, Fernberg also touches on other other relevant parts of history such as the Stonewall riots and the resultant trans movement in the states and around the world.
At the end of the book there is a extensive set of photographs of contemporary transgender people throughout the world, with lots of happy smiling face, a very uplifting end.
A recommended read..
Reviewed by Denise
Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg