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The Transgender Manifesto
Do you know who you are?
What lies beneath the surface?
Ever get the feeling that something
Deep down wasn't quite right?
I did.
Who are you to tell me otherwise?
The birthers, who think your external
Shell defines your whole identity, while
Pointing to the sky to show us the answers.
We're out and we're here to stay.
Deal with it.
What lies beneath the surface?
Ever get the feeling that something
Deep down wasn't quite right?
I did.
Who are you to tell me otherwise?
The birthers, who think your external
Shell defines your whole identity, while
Pointing to the sky to show us the answers.
We're out and we're here to stay.
Deal with it.
158 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2017
25 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Ian Thomas Malone
13 books401 followersIan Thomas Malone is an author, comedian, and podcast host. She earned her B.A. at Boston College in 2013, where she founded The Rock at Boston College and an M.A. from Claremont Graduate University. Ian's treatise The Transgender Manifesto is a bestseller in LGBTQ non-fiction. She has contributed chapters to academic books on James Cameron and Star Trek: Voyager. Ian's debut comedy album, Confessions From My New Vagina, was released in 2021. Since 2019, Ian has hosted the Estradiol Illusions podcast, covering entertainment and LGBTQ issues. Ian resides in Long Beach, California.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 20, 2020
This book is a group of pieces discussing various issues facing transgender persons. There are no numbered chapters, but the chapters amount to about 80. I will not list them here, but they cover a wide range of topics. Most are a few pages in length, although there is a few significantly longer. One chapter is 12 pages long.
The following are a some comments I made on specific pieces of text. Kindle page numbers are in brackets []
[2] “Many of these people who wish to deny us our very legitimacy, who denounce us as mentally ill deviants, spend an hour each week paying homage to an ever-present, yet non-interventionist man in the sky.” I would say non-existent.
[2] I loved this statement: “The only acceptable reason to go back into the closet is if you need to change your outfit.”
[6] “The rejection of your identity by your pastor or your parents is not a rejection of you, the person. Only you as the image someone else wants you to be.” Yes, I feel this is because they only see you like they want to, instead of accepting you for who you are.
[47] “The decision to undergo hormone replacement therapy has significant medical ramifications and as such, is never taken lightly. I don’t even need to write, ‘should never be taken lightly,’ because no trans person makes that choice on a whim, despite what anyone tells you.” Unless they self-medicate (not a good idea) they are generally not allowed to. Cross hormone treatment calls for a letter from a qualified mental health professional. Even the informed consent model, which is becoming popular with prescribing doctors, requires one, clearing you of contraindicate mental health issues and your capability to give informed consent, which involves knowing the risks and benefits.
[66] “If Jesus loves everyone, He loves transgender people too.” While the sentiment is nice, it is untrue. For one he was assuredly was not god, if he existed at all. But, he will love you as he casts you into hell for not excepting him as the son of god. Even nonbelievers (not sure of her belief here, but I suspect she does not) want to cast Jesus as a super nice guy. He is if you only cherry pick the good stuff. An example of a bad thing is his statement on marriage, which is problematic for same-sex marriages. Matt. 19:5-6 (New Life Version) - ‘”For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will live with his wife. The two will become one.’ So they are no longer two but one. Let no man divide what God has put together.” No other option is given.
[66] “. . . understanding that human beings are different from animals.” She has this wrong, humans are animals. Most are intelligent animals, but still animals all the same. [67] And this too: “Love is definitely not biological.” Everything human beings is biological. What part does she think is non-biological? Don’t get me wrong, she is advancing an argument that transgender individuals are not unnatural, which I agree with. And yes, “love is real.”
[67] “We’re okay not knowing what love is. We love the feeling anyway. That completely illogical emotion feels really good. Logic does not need to play a role.” Not always— “Love stinks” is a valid feeling about love too. Plus, love is more than a feeling; it involves behaviors and thoughts.
[77] Speaking on male anal sex: “Feels great. The prostate loves its stimulation.” This is for encouragement of straight males to give it a try. Many pre-op transgender woman practice this form of pleasure. While you won’t find me arguing against the pleasure, I could care less what guy’s might do with their bums.
[81] Written in the context of straight males issues with a pre-op transgender woman’s male appendage, she says, “I’m not a huge fan of mine either.” Neither am I.
[127] About long hair on men, she states, “Plenty of very attractive men have [it]. So did Jesus.” Even if Jesus was a historical person no one has any idea what he looked like. Most certainly not like the white man with shoulder length hair. Being from the Middle East he was not white, but olive skin and his hair may have been curly too.
I like the book very much. There is not much to disagree with as far as substance is concern, and my nitpicking of a few things is not connected to the transgender subject matter of the book. I read a review that said it wasn’t a manifesto. In my opinion it was. Maybe it didn’t have the standard layout of a manifesto with a statement of principles and a plan of action, but the content as a whole adds up better than other supposed manifestos on other issues that I have read. Although, I couldn’t find any confirmation on this, but the chapters appeared like they could have originally been blog posts collected into a book.
It is a definite book to read. It contributes to the transgender cause, and is valuable for that alone.
The following are a some comments I made on specific pieces of text. Kindle page numbers are in brackets []
[2] “Many of these people who wish to deny us our very legitimacy, who denounce us as mentally ill deviants, spend an hour each week paying homage to an ever-present, yet non-interventionist man in the sky.” I would say non-existent.
[2] I loved this statement: “The only acceptable reason to go back into the closet is if you need to change your outfit.”
[6] “The rejection of your identity by your pastor or your parents is not a rejection of you, the person. Only you as the image someone else wants you to be.” Yes, I feel this is because they only see you like they want to, instead of accepting you for who you are.
[47] “The decision to undergo hormone replacement therapy has significant medical ramifications and as such, is never taken lightly. I don’t even need to write, ‘should never be taken lightly,’ because no trans person makes that choice on a whim, despite what anyone tells you.” Unless they self-medicate (not a good idea) they are generally not allowed to. Cross hormone treatment calls for a letter from a qualified mental health professional. Even the informed consent model, which is becoming popular with prescribing doctors, requires one, clearing you of contraindicate mental health issues and your capability to give informed consent, which involves knowing the risks and benefits.
[66] “If Jesus loves everyone, He loves transgender people too.” While the sentiment is nice, it is untrue. For one he was assuredly was not god, if he existed at all. But, he will love you as he casts you into hell for not excepting him as the son of god. Even nonbelievers (not sure of her belief here, but I suspect she does not) want to cast Jesus as a super nice guy. He is if you only cherry pick the good stuff. An example of a bad thing is his statement on marriage, which is problematic for same-sex marriages. Matt. 19:5-6 (New Life Version) - ‘”For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will live with his wife. The two will become one.’ So they are no longer two but one. Let no man divide what God has put together.” No other option is given.
[66] “. . . understanding that human beings are different from animals.” She has this wrong, humans are animals. Most are intelligent animals, but still animals all the same. [67] And this too: “Love is definitely not biological.” Everything human beings is biological. What part does she think is non-biological? Don’t get me wrong, she is advancing an argument that transgender individuals are not unnatural, which I agree with. And yes, “love is real.”
[67] “We’re okay not knowing what love is. We love the feeling anyway. That completely illogical emotion feels really good. Logic does not need to play a role.” Not always— “Love stinks” is a valid feeling about love too. Plus, love is more than a feeling; it involves behaviors and thoughts.
[77] Speaking on male anal sex: “Feels great. The prostate loves its stimulation.” This is for encouragement of straight males to give it a try. Many pre-op transgender woman practice this form of pleasure. While you won’t find me arguing against the pleasure, I could care less what guy’s might do with their bums.
[81] Written in the context of straight males issues with a pre-op transgender woman’s male appendage, she says, “I’m not a huge fan of mine either.” Neither am I.
[127] About long hair on men, she states, “Plenty of very attractive men have [it]. So did Jesus.” Even if Jesus was a historical person no one has any idea what he looked like. Most certainly not like the white man with shoulder length hair. Being from the Middle East he was not white, but olive skin and his hair may have been curly too.
I like the book very much. There is not much to disagree with as far as substance is concern, and my nitpicking of a few things is not connected to the transgender subject matter of the book. I read a review that said it wasn’t a manifesto. In my opinion it was. Maybe it didn’t have the standard layout of a manifesto with a statement of principles and a plan of action, but the content as a whole adds up better than other supposed manifestos on other issues that I have read. Although, I couldn’t find any confirmation on this, but the chapters appeared like they could have originally been blog posts collected into a book.
It is a definite book to read. It contributes to the transgender cause, and is valuable for that alone.
February 26, 2018
This book has been like a rollercoaster for me. There are things that I really enjoyed and there are things that I'm still questioning.
First of all, the way that is structured seems a bit off sometimes because there are topics that I would have put together instead of far apart in the book. For example, it would have made sense to talk about gender being fluid and nonbinary identities.
Second, the way it's written is informal, which I liked because it's easier to get through to people with that kind of language. In this case, the people she seems to be trying to reach are cis people or, at least, that's the feeling that I got. There are a couple of times when she addresses bigots and talks directly to them. She does mention in the book that she's addressing a general public, which does makes sense taking into account the topics that she focuses on.
Third, everything felt set in the binary. Honestly, as a nonbinary person, I felt as if I wasn't actually being included in the narrative. Everything was very much set in the distinction between men and women and, if nonbinary identities were mentioned, they were usually referred to as "everything in between", which didn't sit right with me. However, I understand the author's decision to focus on what she knows as a trans woman instead of venturing into something that she hasn't personally experienced and getting it wrong. That makes sense to me. I also agree with the fact that starting with the binary is easier to get to the general public.
There are a few positive comments regarding nonbinary people. However, the actual issues that we face are not mentioned at all and, to be honest, that makes me feel as if we were just trans light instead of being treated as trans people. There's also a comment about neo pronouns that didn't sit right with me because the author seems to be sort of dismissing their existance by using "blablablabla" after them.
The book does touch on very important issues, like bathroom laws and the fearmongering that comes with them. It also deals with the concept of passing, which is treated in a pretty interesting way, even though it does solely focus on binary people. We can also find definitions to words that tend to be used in activist circles and the general public might not know about, which is definitely useful.
This is a book that is needed because it deals with the current situation of trans people in the US and addresses the topics that reach most people because they are talked about on the news and by politicians.
I also want to point out a quote from the book that it's really important in my opinion because people tend to forget that transitioning is different for everyone and genitalia are not at the core of it.
"There is a distinction between not wanting a penis, and actively hating it. Not all transwomen undergo bottom surgery for many reasons, one of which stems from lack of desire. Despite the mind's natural affection for topics relating to penises, it is not even a requirement to transition."
*I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
First of all, the way that is structured seems a bit off sometimes because there are topics that I would have put together instead of far apart in the book. For example, it would have made sense to talk about gender being fluid and nonbinary identities.
Second, the way it's written is informal, which I liked because it's easier to get through to people with that kind of language. In this case, the people she seems to be trying to reach are cis people or, at least, that's the feeling that I got. There are a couple of times when she addresses bigots and talks directly to them. She does mention in the book that she's addressing a general public, which does makes sense taking into account the topics that she focuses on.
Third, everything felt set in the binary. Honestly, as a nonbinary person, I felt as if I wasn't actually being included in the narrative. Everything was very much set in the distinction between men and women and, if nonbinary identities were mentioned, they were usually referred to as "everything in between", which didn't sit right with me. However, I understand the author's decision to focus on what she knows as a trans woman instead of venturing into something that she hasn't personally experienced and getting it wrong. That makes sense to me. I also agree with the fact that starting with the binary is easier to get to the general public.
There are a few positive comments regarding nonbinary people. However, the actual issues that we face are not mentioned at all and, to be honest, that makes me feel as if we were just trans light instead of being treated as trans people. There's also a comment about neo pronouns that didn't sit right with me because the author seems to be sort of dismissing their existance by using "blablablabla" after them.
The book does touch on very important issues, like bathroom laws and the fearmongering that comes with them. It also deals with the concept of passing, which is treated in a pretty interesting way, even though it does solely focus on binary people. We can also find definitions to words that tend to be used in activist circles and the general public might not know about, which is definitely useful.
This is a book that is needed because it deals with the current situation of trans people in the US and addresses the topics that reach most people because they are talked about on the news and by politicians.
I also want to point out a quote from the book that it's really important in my opinion because people tend to forget that transitioning is different for everyone and genitalia are not at the core of it.
"There is a distinction between not wanting a penis, and actively hating it. Not all transwomen undergo bottom surgery for many reasons, one of which stems from lack of desire. Despite the mind's natural affection for topics relating to penises, it is not even a requirement to transition."
*I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 2, 2018
DNF at 14 %
This was not a book for me. I don't understand what the point of this books was. Hopefully someone else understand it.
This was not a book for me. I don't understand what the point of this books was. Hopefully someone else understand it.
January 24, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC copy of this book.
I am a sucker for manifestos. I read them like people eat candy. I crave them and I seek them out. This seemed perfect for me. I had to get a copy.
The book ranges in topics from fashion to bathroom rights to terminology. There are a ton of topics covered, but none of them felt overwhelming. This book was far from deep or thought provoking for a trans person. If you are newer to the trans movement or are trying to dip your toe into gender theory or activism, then this is a great book to start with. That being said, this does not feel like a manifesto. There was no call to arms. There was no real drive behind the book or topics.
The closest thing I could find to a cohesive message is “leave trans people alone”, which I did’t feel like was covered in every chapter or even in most chapters. There were some great parts to this book, but it wasn’t cohesive enough for me to find it to be a manifesto. Simple reading, feel good pep talk, and a lighthearted look at trans rights, yes. Manifesto, no.
There were some chapters that were just too far off topic for me or just bad. The main bad chapter was equated being intersex with being trans. Those are drastically different movements and there is quite a bit of animosity between the groups for reasons beyond me. Labeling an intersex person as transgender can be a very messy situation. I am not intersex and can’t speak for the group, but wouldn’t you expect a book that promotes letting people be who they are without forcing labels on them understand that maybe an intersex person would identify as intersex? The author admits to not being an expert on the subject, but I wish she had just not included that chapter at all. It really wasn’t relevant and it showed a gap in knowledge that could have diminished her points. One issue was saying the genitalia was both male and female, which is not correct. A better way is saying “ambiguous genitalia” which is usually the case with births where doctors label the baby as intersex. Though there are many conditions where someone does not know they do not have XX or XY chromosomes until later in life or ever. Most people don’t even know their chromosomes, which would have been a better point for Malone to make. “Birthers” use chromosomes to fight off trans people, yet don’t even know what their own chromosomes are. BAM. Better point and fits within the scope of the book without making Malone look like she doesn’t know her subject.
The other chapter that was just a bit off putting was the fashion chapter. It made sense, loosely. There was really no need to rag on boxers though. They are comfy. They are loose and breezy. See how ridiculous that sounds? This whole section promotes men wearing women’s clothing in the middle of a somewhat serious book about transgender people having basic human rights. It doesn’t fit. Malone even says that cross dressing and being transgender are not the same, so why does she spend one of the longest chapters in the book discussing the pros to women’s clothing? There was no relevancy to the rest of the book if the theme was transgender people deserve respect or transgender people aren’t going away.
I feel like I must note that I have never heard anyone over the age of thirteen say trouser snake outside of making fun of thirteen year old boys until now. It wasn’t just once, it was a repeat reference. It felt like the choices of words were bringing down some of the points and bringing things down to a level that wasn’t needed to understand the point. It could have been used to invalidate society’s obsession with penises, but it doesn’t feel like that was the goal and it wasn’t explored enough to reasonably be the reason. So here I am annoyed with juvenile language in a very serious topic, again. Usually it is the trolls that do that, but this time it was someone I was agreeing with on 99% of her points.
I got an ARC copy of this book.
I am a sucker for manifestos. I read them like people eat candy. I crave them and I seek them out. This seemed perfect for me. I had to get a copy.
The book ranges in topics from fashion to bathroom rights to terminology. There are a ton of topics covered, but none of them felt overwhelming. This book was far from deep or thought provoking for a trans person. If you are newer to the trans movement or are trying to dip your toe into gender theory or activism, then this is a great book to start with. That being said, this does not feel like a manifesto. There was no call to arms. There was no real drive behind the book or topics.
The closest thing I could find to a cohesive message is “leave trans people alone”, which I did’t feel like was covered in every chapter or even in most chapters. There were some great parts to this book, but it wasn’t cohesive enough for me to find it to be a manifesto. Simple reading, feel good pep talk, and a lighthearted look at trans rights, yes. Manifesto, no.
There were some chapters that were just too far off topic for me or just bad. The main bad chapter was equated being intersex with being trans. Those are drastically different movements and there is quite a bit of animosity between the groups for reasons beyond me. Labeling an intersex person as transgender can be a very messy situation. I am not intersex and can’t speak for the group, but wouldn’t you expect a book that promotes letting people be who they are without forcing labels on them understand that maybe an intersex person would identify as intersex? The author admits to not being an expert on the subject, but I wish she had just not included that chapter at all. It really wasn’t relevant and it showed a gap in knowledge that could have diminished her points. One issue was saying the genitalia was both male and female, which is not correct. A better way is saying “ambiguous genitalia” which is usually the case with births where doctors label the baby as intersex. Though there are many conditions where someone does not know they do not have XX or XY chromosomes until later in life or ever. Most people don’t even know their chromosomes, which would have been a better point for Malone to make. “Birthers” use chromosomes to fight off trans people, yet don’t even know what their own chromosomes are. BAM. Better point and fits within the scope of the book without making Malone look like she doesn’t know her subject.
The other chapter that was just a bit off putting was the fashion chapter. It made sense, loosely. There was really no need to rag on boxers though. They are comfy. They are loose and breezy. See how ridiculous that sounds? This whole section promotes men wearing women’s clothing in the middle of a somewhat serious book about transgender people having basic human rights. It doesn’t fit. Malone even says that cross dressing and being transgender are not the same, so why does she spend one of the longest chapters in the book discussing the pros to women’s clothing? There was no relevancy to the rest of the book if the theme was transgender people deserve respect or transgender people aren’t going away.
I feel like I must note that I have never heard anyone over the age of thirteen say trouser snake outside of making fun of thirteen year old boys until now. It wasn’t just once, it was a repeat reference. It felt like the choices of words were bringing down some of the points and bringing things down to a level that wasn’t needed to understand the point. It could have been used to invalidate society’s obsession with penises, but it doesn’t feel like that was the goal and it wasn’t explored enough to reasonably be the reason. So here I am annoyed with juvenile language in a very serious topic, again. Usually it is the trolls that do that, but this time it was someone I was agreeing with on 99% of her points.
June 12, 2018
It is becoming less difficult to have conversations that should be common place, but still go rejected, time and time again by the heteronormative, cisgender population who remain uncomfortable with anything that is not "traditional". This book is a gift for all minority groups. It carries a conversation on a grand scale, and with intimate moments, that bring to light a number of the hypocrisies that the transgender community must confront daily. Having been in a class with Ian, I knew I had to read this. Objectively speaking, anything short of wonderful, would be an understatement. Truly. She dominates this one.
December 29, 2017
The Transgender Manifesto is very honest and practical about what is means to be transgender. Malone has a compelling argument for those who are not supportive of trans people. She points out the fact that even if these “birthers” are not agreeing with our views, they are not denying the face that we exist. We are here and we are proud. This short book has many inspiring points for its lgbtq+ audience and a practical perspective for all the skeptics out there.
I received a copy from Green Muffin Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from Green Muffin Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2017
Ian manages to take a modern look on a lot of the current political baggage surrounding the transgender experience and flip these arguments on their heads. She does a great job of incorporating wit and humor while still seriously debating many of the common issues that the transgender community faces. A thought provoking read that allowed me to gain insight and grow as a person.
November 20, 2020
This book covered a wide variety of topics - which I appreciated. I just wish things had been a little more in-depth. There wasn't the passion or depth I'd expect from a manifesto. I do appreciate that important issues were touched on, and it's a great way to introduce people to some of the issues facing the community. A manifesto lite I guess you could call it. Otherwise well written.
November 5, 2017
The Transgender Manifesto is everything you would expect based on the title and more. Malone is unabashedly a transgender woman, and this book is her rebuttal against the naysayers. To everyone struggling to understand what it means to be transgender, who may be skeptical due to religious or other convictions, this book provides insight into the practical reality of what being transgender is like, including the many unique obstacles that transgender people encounter in daily life. Malone understands the counterarguments and gets to the heart of the matter, deftly turning the arguments on their heads. A prime example of this is the mental health chapter, turning what is intended as an insult into a defense of therapy as a valuable means for transgender individuals to understand themselves. This book invites a conversation, even an argument.
At the same time that this book is intended for the skeptic audience, this book is also meant to be uplifting to the LGBTQ+ audience. The Transgender Manifesto provides inspiration for anyone struggling to accept their identity by providing what they are denied by the other side — validity. That is the message of the Transgender Manifesto: you are valid, you are accepted, and you are loved. I hope that young LGBTQ+ kids, and especially transgender kids, can read this and know that fact, and may it give them courage and strength to face the world themselves.
All in all, The Transgender Manifesto is combative, yet abundantly heart-felt, and Malone’s words are what America needs to read today. No matter where you are right now in life’s journey, you will find something in this book to ponder and to share.
At the same time that this book is intended for the skeptic audience, this book is also meant to be uplifting to the LGBTQ+ audience. The Transgender Manifesto provides inspiration for anyone struggling to accept their identity by providing what they are denied by the other side — validity. That is the message of the Transgender Manifesto: you are valid, you are accepted, and you are loved. I hope that young LGBTQ+ kids, and especially transgender kids, can read this and know that fact, and may it give them courage and strength to face the world themselves.
All in all, The Transgender Manifesto is combative, yet abundantly heart-felt, and Malone’s words are what America needs to read today. No matter where you are right now in life’s journey, you will find something in this book to ponder and to share.
March 5, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review, y'all know the drill
For a manifesto it read more like a trans 101 blog post. I just couldn't get into it. That doesn't mean that it won't change someone's life if they find it at the right time, it's just not for me at this time. Make sense?
For a manifesto it read more like a trans 101 blog post. I just couldn't get into it. That doesn't mean that it won't change someone's life if they find it at the right time, it's just not for me at this time. Make sense?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews