Trans/Forming Feminisms: Trans/Feminist Voices Speak Out

by Krista Scott-Dixon (Editor)

Though gender analysis is the very foundation of feminism, the more complex intersections of transsexuality are often overlooked, and feminism has not always welcomed the participation of trans activists and thinkers. In this groundbreaking anthology, feminist scholar and trans ally Krista Scott-Dixon takes on the challenge of moving us towards a more inclusive transfeminist politics. The 30 essays reflect academic, personal and political perspectives of contributors from Canada, the U.S. and Europe. These include well-known activists and scholars in the field as well as new and fresh voices. The book is divided into five sections to highlight the intersections between trans and feminist ideas. "Narratives and Voices" builds on the feminist idea of consciousness-raising, speaking from individual experiences and questions of how to represent oneself in language. "Identities and Alliances" takes up questions of how identities are produced, maintained and reproduced, and how diverse identities can work collectively. "Inclusion and Exclusion" examines the notion of "safe spaces" and "women-only spaces" in the context of trans challenges such as the Kimberly Nixon v. Vancouver Rape Relief Society case and the entrance policies of the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. "Shelter and Violence" explores the service-provision policies of shelters, as well as the sex-gender system that supports transphobic abuse. The final section, "Teaching and Transgressing, " looks at pedagogy and classroom practice, critiquing tools of the trade and identifying ways that instructors can bring critical gender studies into the classrooms. The section introductions contextualize the discussion and identify key issues. The collection concludes with suggestions for future research and activism Trans/forming Feminisms is an invaluable collection for social justice activists, progressive academics and students, and readers interested in tackling these compelling and challenging issues. Notes and glossary About the Krista Scott-Dixon supervises the development of a research database on gender and work at York University. She also teaches undergraduate courses on work, women and technology, and is the author of Doing Women Working in Information Technology (Sumach Press, 2004)

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Gender

255 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2006

Reviews

[Zoe Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could be more accurately taglined as "Transfemnist and Trans-misogynist voices speak out'. There are a couple of good essays in this book, but they are peppered in between Krista Scott- Dixon's introductory justification of why she as a cis-woman is the best person to compile and edit this collection, to some trans* guy writing a whole article about why trans* men NEVER experience male privilege, to a couple of articles specifically talking about all the reasons why trans* women should not be allowed into women's shelters (and agreeing with them). There was a whole essay of vomit dedicated to why trans* women who have not have bottom surgery can be triggering for cis- women in refuge situations. For a book on transfeminism, I was disgusted at how few trans* women were actually included.

I was pretty appalled by this book really.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw this title, I thought FINALLY! A book for me. WRONG. This book's collection of essays are pretty drab and run of the mill. I wish Krista Scott-Dixon had written the entire thing! I would give this book two stars, but I'm giving it one extra for existing.