Autoheterosexual: Attracted to Being the Other Sex

by Phil Illy

THE MOST COMMON KIND OF TRANS
There are two known types of transgenderism. One is associated with homosexuality and the other with a sexual attraction to being the other sex. Some trans people see these transgender categories as existential threats, or even suppress knowledge of them. But this cover-up actually harms trans people—it damages their ability to properly interpret their experiences and give truly informed consent for hormones or surgeries. In Attracted to Being the Other Sex , Phil Illy curates evidence from more than a century of sexual research to present a superior model of transgenderism. This intensely researched book will help autoheterosexuals understand themselves and bring greater self-awareness and agency to the decision-making process around gender transition. Gain a better understanding of not only this most common form of trans identity, but also other forms of trans identity based on attraction to being something other than what you’re born as.

Genres: Nonfiction

700 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2023

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may have had some good points, but the author's over reliance on Ray Blanchard clouds the validity of Illy's arguments. Most trans people would not like their identity boiled down into a sexual fetish.

[Jason Wismer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and fantastic read. I have a friend who had displayed symptoms mentioned in this book over the years, and one day said they wanted to transition. I was surprised when he said it was for gender ideology and not the clear sexual draw he had to this over the years. I read many papers and books both for and against gender ideology in hopes of coming to a scientific understanding.

Autoheterosexual combines what I consider the strongest scientific research on the subject, and comes to conclusions that are quite obvious when one personally knows a person with this aspect. I greatly appreciate Phil's lack of demonization and a path forward to acceptance. I value my friend greatly and feel they should celebrate their sexuality to the fullest without medicalizing themselves. I've given him the book. Hopefully it will give him the knowledge he needs to make an informed choice.

[Sam Herald · Rating 1 out of 5]

This verbose and moronic tome is the nonsensical ravings of a fool. Parts are clearly plagiarized, and it is abundantly clear that the author doesn't understand what the term "research means." Poorly written, lacking any literary skill, and filled with paranoid nonsense from a man with a tenuous grasp on reality. This book is worthless filth from a transphobic white man who feels the need to take up space blubbering on about a topic of which he has no grasp. Utterly pathetic and a waste of time.

[AA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an impressive work on the subject of "autoheterosexuality", in particular the concept of autogynephilia, the term popularised in the 1980s by Prof. Blanchard to describe one cause behind why a male might want to become female.

I don't support trans activists, nor believe in a "gender identity". However, I also disagree with those on the anti-"gender identity" side who seem to believe that "trans" is caused by moral deficiency and/or the result of a male conspiracy to oppress women.

It seems to me, that around the subject of "autoheterosexuality" and autogynephilia, there exists an "is" - "ought" problem: it is arguable that many presume that an accurate description of autogynephilia as akin to a sexual orientation, means that it ought to accrue the same rights and societal acceptance of homosexuality or heterosexuality.

I don't see that this necessarily follows.

I think is is possible to describe "autoheterosexuality" accurately, as is done in the book, whilst not entirely knowing what we ought to do with it. Although I am guessing, that one thing that we might not want to do with it, is to launch "autoheterosexuals" into the world with the belief that they have the "gender identity" of the opposite sex, and force the rest of society to comply with this belief.

It is also arguable that in a world where most believe in "gender identity", an accurate and believable description of autogynephilia is more necessary than ever, rather than what currently exists, which is largely caricatures that are not credible to the public.

[Barnabas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Christian man who experiences autoheterosexuality, specifically autogynephilia. Despite very strong disagreement with the author in terms of the morality or harm caused by crossdressing and autogynephilia, I still rated this book highly because I found it a very helpful read. To understand why I appreciated the book, see my full review here - https://healingfromcrossdressing.org/...

[Celeste]

Very good introduction to the concept of autogynephilia (and autoandrophilia). As an autogynephilic trans woman, this helped me greatly. It is also refreshingly non judgemental and non moralizing.

Its a very good read aswell, real pageturner.

[Courtney Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I finally understand myself, not sure I like what I see, but at least I can finally see it for what it is.