Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

A provocative manifesto, Whipping Girl tells the powerful story of Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her diverse background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist. Serano shares her experiences and observations — 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 stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. She exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive, and how this “feminine” weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire.

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

Coming to terms with transgenderism and transsexuality — Skirt chasers : why the media depicts the trans revolution in lipstick and heels — Before and after : class and body transformations — Boygasms and girgasms : a frank discussion about hormones and gender difference — Blind spots : on subconscious sex and gender entitlement — Intrinsic inclinations : explaining gender and sexual diversity — Pathological science : debunking sexological and sociological models of transgenderism — Dismantling cissexual privilege — Ungendering in art and academia — Experiential gender — Deconstructive surgery — Bending over backwards : traditional sexism and trans woman-exclusion policies — Self-deception — Trans-sexualization — Submissive streak — Love rant — Crossdressing : demystifying femininity and rethinking "male privilege" — Barrette manifesto — Putting the feminine back into feminism — The future of queer/trans activism.