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GenderQueer: A Story from a Different Closet
Derek is a girl. He wasn't one of the boys as a kid; he admired, befriended, and socialized with the girls and always knew he was one of them, despite being male. That wasn't always accepted or understood, but he didn't care: he knew who he was.
Now he's a teenager and boys and girls are flirting and dating and his identity has become a lot more complicated: he's attracted to the girls. The other girls. The female ones.
This is Derek's story, the story of a different kind of male hero — a genderqueer person's tale.
The century's first decade saw many LGBT centers and services rebranding themselves as LGBTQ.
The "Q" in LGBTQ is a new addition. It represents other forms of "queer" in an inclusive wave-of-the hand towards folks claiming to vary from conventional gender and orientation, such as genderqueer people. People who are affirmatively tolerant on gay, lesbian and transgender issues still ask "Why do we need to add another letter to the acronym? Isn't anyone who isn't mainstream already covered by 'gay' or 'lesbian' or 'bisexual' or 'trans'? I'm all in favor of people having the right to call themselves whatever they want, but seriously, do we need this term?"
Derek's tale testifies to the real-life relevance of that "Q" - this is a genderqueer coming-of-age and coming-out story from an era long before genderqueer was trending.
This story follows Derek from his debut as an 8th grader in Los Alamos NM until his unorthodox coming out at the age of 21 on University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.
The author lived in New Mexico from 1973-1984 before emigrating to New York to become a gender activist. He received a degree in Women's Studies and graduate degrees in Sociology and Social Work and worked with psychiatric patients' rights groups and gender identity support groups before reaching an impasse with the graduate programs at SUNY / Stony Brook over their hostility towards radical feminist theory. He later worked as elder abuse case worker in the Bronx. His truncated academic career included publication of a short but groundbreaking theory piece, "Same Door Different Closet: A Heterosexual Sissy's Coming-Out Party" in a peer-reviewed journal, Feminism & Psychology.
Now he's a teenager and boys and girls are flirting and dating and his identity has become a lot more complicated: he's attracted to the girls. The other girls. The female ones.
This is Derek's story, the story of a different kind of male hero — a genderqueer person's tale.
The century's first decade saw many LGBT centers and services rebranding themselves as LGBTQ.
The "Q" in LGBTQ is a new addition. It represents other forms of "queer" in an inclusive wave-of-the hand towards folks claiming to vary from conventional gender and orientation, such as genderqueer people. People who are affirmatively tolerant on gay, lesbian and transgender issues still ask "Why do we need to add another letter to the acronym? Isn't anyone who isn't mainstream already covered by 'gay' or 'lesbian' or 'bisexual' or 'trans'? I'm all in favor of people having the right to call themselves whatever they want, but seriously, do we need this term?"
Derek's tale testifies to the real-life relevance of that "Q" - this is a genderqueer coming-of-age and coming-out story from an era long before genderqueer was trending.
This story follows Derek from his debut as an 8th grader in Los Alamos NM until his unorthodox coming out at the age of 21 on University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.
The author lived in New Mexico from 1973-1984 before emigrating to New York to become a gender activist. He received a degree in Women's Studies and graduate degrees in Sociology and Social Work and worked with psychiatric patients' rights groups and gender identity support groups before reaching an impasse with the graduate programs at SUNY / Stony Brook over their hostility towards radical feminist theory. He later worked as elder abuse case worker in the Bronx. His truncated academic career included publication of a short but groundbreaking theory piece, "Same Door Different Closet: A Heterosexual Sissy's Coming-Out Party" in a peer-reviewed journal, Feminism & Psychology.
214 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2020
Originally posted on https://amanjareads.com/2020/11/27/ge...
Thank you so much to author Allan D. Hunter for providing me with a copy of their memoir in exchange for this honest review.
Gender has gotten to be a pretty complicated subject. Personally, I was born female and I identify as female. I know or have met many other people for whom their gender does not match their biological sex. This may result in them deciding to alter their physical form to match their gender identity, as is the case with those who are trans.
However, some may not feel out of place in their given body even though it doesn't match their gender identity. That is the case for Allan D. Hunter, or as they go by in the book, Derek.
This is what is now referred to as "gender queer." It's the Q in LGBTQIA. Although I have personal relationships with some trans individuals I have never been close with anyone who openly identifies as gender queer. I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to read an account from this perspective.
Derek grew up well before the term gender queer was available as a label. They didn't understand how they were unlike the other men. Other men seemed to enjoy fighting and have no problem casually hooking up with women.
Derek longed for a relationship with a woman, one of value and not just a throwaway one night stand. But women didn't seem to go for that "type."
Throughout their journey of self discovery Derek tried on many roles looking for something that felt comfortable. It took years before understanding that they are female man. A man with female emotions, traits, characteristics, mannerisms, etc.
I appreciated reading Derek's accounts of being persecuted for standing out in any way. Sometimes people really will beat you up for something as stupid as wearing the wrong shirt. And their account of being institutionalized for attempting to discuss the idea of a different gender identity was harrowing to read.
GenderQueer is very well written. It is not just any memoir that somebody threw together. This one took years of passion and it shows.
I really enjoyed the last section of the book which started to get more into gender theory and its relation to BDSM and the definitions of virginity. Really my only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of the theory and a little less of certain personal stories. Just for my taste, Derek spent too much time discussing the time spent as an aspiring auto mechanic.
I don't think I'll ever be able to say I fully understand what it means to be gender queer. It's simply not my experience. But I will continue to seek out memoirs and literature that can help me understand this different perspective more. I encourage you to start with GenderQueer for your own understanding as well.
Thank you so much to author Allan D. Hunter for providing me with a copy of their memoir in exchange for this honest review.
Gender has gotten to be a pretty complicated subject. Personally, I was born female and I identify as female. I know or have met many other people for whom their gender does not match their biological sex. This may result in them deciding to alter their physical form to match their gender identity, as is the case with those who are trans.
However, some may not feel out of place in their given body even though it doesn't match their gender identity. That is the case for Allan D. Hunter, or as they go by in the book, Derek.
This is what is now referred to as "gender queer." It's the Q in LGBTQIA. Although I have personal relationships with some trans individuals I have never been close with anyone who openly identifies as gender queer. I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to read an account from this perspective.
Derek grew up well before the term gender queer was available as a label. They didn't understand how they were unlike the other men. Other men seemed to enjoy fighting and have no problem casually hooking up with women.
Derek longed for a relationship with a woman, one of value and not just a throwaway one night stand. But women didn't seem to go for that "type."
Throughout their journey of self discovery Derek tried on many roles looking for something that felt comfortable. It took years before understanding that they are female man. A man with female emotions, traits, characteristics, mannerisms, etc.
I appreciated reading Derek's accounts of being persecuted for standing out in any way. Sometimes people really will beat you up for something as stupid as wearing the wrong shirt. And their account of being institutionalized for attempting to discuss the idea of a different gender identity was harrowing to read.
GenderQueer is very well written. It is not just any memoir that somebody threw together. This one took years of passion and it shows.
I really enjoyed the last section of the book which started to get more into gender theory and its relation to BDSM and the definitions of virginity. Really my only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of the theory and a little less of certain personal stories. Just for my taste, Derek spent too much time discussing the time spent as an aspiring auto mechanic.
I don't think I'll ever be able to say I fully understand what it means to be gender queer. It's simply not my experience. But I will continue to seek out memoirs and literature that can help me understand this different perspective more. I encourage you to start with GenderQueer for your own understanding as well.
May 1, 2020
This is such an amazing, memoir. Written so intimately that I instantly related to the narrator, even though our lives have been very different.
I really appreciated the sensitiveness the author used in explaining his experiences.
Highly recommend for anyone struggling with their identity or struggling to understand a loved one’s identity, this book makes genderqueerness completely understandable and relateable.
I really appreciated the sensitiveness the author used in explaining his experiences.
Highly recommend for anyone struggling with their identity or struggling to understand a loved one’s identity, this book makes genderqueerness completely understandable and relateable.
March 14, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Allan D. Hunter in exchange for an honest review.
Hunter's Genderqueer is more than simply a 'coming-out' story. It is also a 'coming-of-age' tale in the age of sex, drugs, rock n' roll, and a whole lot of 'free love. It is more than just an autobiographical account of someone struggling with an identity – it is the beginning of a whole new identity.
Derek's family moved from Georgia to New Mexico in 1972 when he was in the eighth grade. Being the new kid in school was not the first (and certainly not the last ) time he would feel like an outsider; a misfit. Ever since Derek could remember, he was a boy, but he wanted to be a girl. He liked being around the girls. Later on he would spend years desperately hoping to lose his virginity to a girl. Derek was not sure quite what that meant, but he did know that he was not what everyone thought he was: gay.
In the beginning, before sex was all he could think about, Derek first needed to figure out what he loved. He knew he loved music, and was not in the least bit sporty. He knew he was drawn to the hippie lifestyle, and dreamed of living out his days in a commune surrounded by like-minded people. After high school, with years of questioning why the only relationships he seemed to have with girls was of the platonic kind, he spent some time at college and experimented with hallucinogenic drugs – which was something everyone else seemed to be doing too. During one particular incident with a Pink Floyd album, Derek has a sort of epiphany. Soon enough he drops out of college and pursues a life as an auto-mechanic allowing him the freedom he'd always craved. Years later he will return to college to study music, and despite the course's lack of fluidity, Derek finally begins to feel a sense of belonging, which in turn leads him to his final act of rebellion – declaring himself 'queer'.
Throughout Derek's journey of discovery his parents are surprisingly supportive in a seemingly unattached sort of way. His relationships with women over the years creates a sort of map leading to his eventual realization that his crisis was not something that could be necessarily defined. For one thing Derek had never met anyone like he was. No one else seemed to feel the same way he did. When he asked for help no one seemed to have any to give because no one was questioning anything remotely like this – out loud.
Hunter's memoir of sorts is at first a delicately written account of growing up in the seventies, and discovering the brutal world of sex and sexual acceptance. It also becomes a story of learning to accept yourself rather than being concerned by the acceptance from others. It is a mighty step on the path of sexual discovery, sexual etiquette and sexual inclusion. What the book lacks in sufficient LGBTQ history, it makes up for with its constant reminder that not everything can be neatly defined and boxed up in a category. Derek's journey was not about the popping light-bulbs in his head or the fireworks display after he 'came out' but rather all the moments in between.
As I read Genderqueer I kept trying to relate, and of course I was unable to because I have not had to define my sexual orientation or my sexual identity, as it were. What I did do was imagine myself screaming out into a deep void and not hearing a single echo back. Perhaps this is a way to describe the intense feelings of loneliness Derek felt as he failed to see 'himself' in anyone else around him. This is not to say that those people were not there, but in the 1970s if you favored patterned shirts and couldn't get a girlfriend you were probably gay, and there were pills for that.
This is a very brave and very important story. Hunter tackles a sensitive topic with grace and honesty, and in the end he is telling his own story and that is the bravest part of all. Hunter brings the reader into the politics of sex calmly and gently, and eases one into the story of one human, and a million humans. It is the story of the letter 'Q', the story of the all-encompassing Queer and a piece of the story of how the LGBTQ acronym added that last letter. It may be a story about Derek and his desire to find someone to love, but its also very much a story about everyone's need to be accepted and categorized...and loved. Just as we are.
Hunter's Genderqueer is more than simply a 'coming-out' story. It is also a 'coming-of-age' tale in the age of sex, drugs, rock n' roll, and a whole lot of 'free love. It is more than just an autobiographical account of someone struggling with an identity – it is the beginning of a whole new identity.
Derek's family moved from Georgia to New Mexico in 1972 when he was in the eighth grade. Being the new kid in school was not the first (and certainly not the last ) time he would feel like an outsider; a misfit. Ever since Derek could remember, he was a boy, but he wanted to be a girl. He liked being around the girls. Later on he would spend years desperately hoping to lose his virginity to a girl. Derek was not sure quite what that meant, but he did know that he was not what everyone thought he was: gay.
In the beginning, before sex was all he could think about, Derek first needed to figure out what he loved. He knew he loved music, and was not in the least bit sporty. He knew he was drawn to the hippie lifestyle, and dreamed of living out his days in a commune surrounded by like-minded people. After high school, with years of questioning why the only relationships he seemed to have with girls was of the platonic kind, he spent some time at college and experimented with hallucinogenic drugs – which was something everyone else seemed to be doing too. During one particular incident with a Pink Floyd album, Derek has a sort of epiphany. Soon enough he drops out of college and pursues a life as an auto-mechanic allowing him the freedom he'd always craved. Years later he will return to college to study music, and despite the course's lack of fluidity, Derek finally begins to feel a sense of belonging, which in turn leads him to his final act of rebellion – declaring himself 'queer'.
Throughout Derek's journey of discovery his parents are surprisingly supportive in a seemingly unattached sort of way. His relationships with women over the years creates a sort of map leading to his eventual realization that his crisis was not something that could be necessarily defined. For one thing Derek had never met anyone like he was. No one else seemed to feel the same way he did. When he asked for help no one seemed to have any to give because no one was questioning anything remotely like this – out loud.
Hunter's memoir of sorts is at first a delicately written account of growing up in the seventies, and discovering the brutal world of sex and sexual acceptance. It also becomes a story of learning to accept yourself rather than being concerned by the acceptance from others. It is a mighty step on the path of sexual discovery, sexual etiquette and sexual inclusion. What the book lacks in sufficient LGBTQ history, it makes up for with its constant reminder that not everything can be neatly defined and boxed up in a category. Derek's journey was not about the popping light-bulbs in his head or the fireworks display after he 'came out' but rather all the moments in between.
As I read Genderqueer I kept trying to relate, and of course I was unable to because I have not had to define my sexual orientation or my sexual identity, as it were. What I did do was imagine myself screaming out into a deep void and not hearing a single echo back. Perhaps this is a way to describe the intense feelings of loneliness Derek felt as he failed to see 'himself' in anyone else around him. This is not to say that those people were not there, but in the 1970s if you favored patterned shirts and couldn't get a girlfriend you were probably gay, and there were pills for that.
This is a very brave and very important story. Hunter tackles a sensitive topic with grace and honesty, and in the end he is telling his own story and that is the bravest part of all. Hunter brings the reader into the politics of sex calmly and gently, and eases one into the story of one human, and a million humans. It is the story of the letter 'Q', the story of the all-encompassing Queer and a piece of the story of how the LGBTQ acronym added that last letter. It may be a story about Derek and his desire to find someone to love, but its also very much a story about everyone's need to be accepted and categorized...and loved. Just as we are.
November 21, 2020
Old straight cisgender guys like me grew up viewing the world, or at least the people in it and some of the ways we defined those people as a few binary choices. You were a boy or a girl. If you wanted sex it was either with the opposite gender or your own, with one of those generating a lot of paranoia (aka homophobia) among my high school classmates. Sex and gender were the same and viewed as entirely dependent on your physical characteristics. Allan Hunter, the author of this book, grew up in the exact same time, knew he didn’t fit those parameters, but for a long time struggled with what that meant. This is his story.
This is a memoir, even though the main character in the story is Derek Turner, the preface makes it clear that this is Hunter’s story, but he has changed the names of the characters (himself included, apparently) and in some instances may have combined a few characters into one for ease of telling his story, but this appears to be what he sees as his truth. I found myself being sympathetic with him at times, realizing that while I don’t see myself in the same way (a girl on the inside, a boy on the outside), that some of the stereotypical male traits that Hunter doesn’t have, I don’t either, and some of the expectations he had issues with as a kid, I did as well. This helped me understand that many things we try to view as binary with only 2 choices is actually more of a spectrum with different people falling in different places on the spectrum, only those at the more extreme ends fitting the traditional binary choices.
Society has gotten better at describing and acknowledging the many differences in people where sex, gender, and sexual preferences are concerned, but I realized that I didn’t have as good a handle on some of those possibilities. LGBT, I get, but if you’re in that Q+ that gets appended by some people, what does it mean? After reading GenderQueer, I feel like I’ve got a better handle on it.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This is a memoir, even though the main character in the story is Derek Turner, the preface makes it clear that this is Hunter’s story, but he has changed the names of the characters (himself included, apparently) and in some instances may have combined a few characters into one for ease of telling his story, but this appears to be what he sees as his truth. I found myself being sympathetic with him at times, realizing that while I don’t see myself in the same way (a girl on the inside, a boy on the outside), that some of the stereotypical male traits that Hunter doesn’t have, I don’t either, and some of the expectations he had issues with as a kid, I did as well. This helped me understand that many things we try to view as binary with only 2 choices is actually more of a spectrum with different people falling in different places on the spectrum, only those at the more extreme ends fitting the traditional binary choices.
Society has gotten better at describing and acknowledging the many differences in people where sex, gender, and sexual preferences are concerned, but I realized that I didn’t have as good a handle on some of those possibilities. LGBT, I get, but if you’re in that Q+ that gets appended by some people, what does it mean? After reading GenderQueer, I feel like I’ve got a better handle on it.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
February 27, 2020
I've been meaning to diversify my review list for some time and the idea of this book intrigued me. So when I saw the author asking around for reviews, I was eager to request a copy.
Right off the bat, this isn't really a book for people who don't already have some level of awareness of gender issues. That's not to say that you have to be an expert in the field to read this, but having some experience with it (speaking with genderqueer friends, being aware of the separation of gender and sex in modern discourse, etc.) will make this a much easier book to understand. However, I don't fault the book for that as that was never a purpose it set out to fulfill. It's meant for people who think and like the author did. Any awareness spread is a bonus.
The writing style was easy enough to follow as it was in snippets for the most part, like little bite sized pieces of a life strung together. There is some language (homophobic slurs especially) that are used as an authentic recreation of experience in eras when those words were used regularly, but readers with certain sensitivities may want to be aware going in.
The stories told in here do come across as genuine. There is genuine growth of identity as it progresses. I admit the whole "I'm not like other boys." part was a bit off putting, but it was a reality of the author's mindset awhile ago. The biggest struggle I had was with the protagonist's emphasis on wanting sex. There were some "nice guy" implications coming across that put me on edge. Especially during Derek's hippie days, there was an ongoing subtext of "I'm nice, so girls should want to sleep with me." In certain moments, Derek would ask the rhetorical "Am I being creepy?" and I responded in my head with an unequivocal "YES."
The end is by far the best part. Once Derek is aware of his identity and working through it during his second stint at college, it becomes much more clear in the narrative. The creepiness goes away almost immediately and the book provides a lot of food for thought. The ending lecture, as well as the author's notes, provide an uplifting look at coming to grips with your identity and learning to love it.
Like I mentioned before, this book is not "Genderqueer 101." There are a million discussion about gender identity we could be having, but this is a book review. And as far as the book goes, it provides a very raw, at times heartbreaking and at times creepy, but uplifting story of finding out who you are... regardless of what the world says you should be.
Right off the bat, this isn't really a book for people who don't already have some level of awareness of gender issues. That's not to say that you have to be an expert in the field to read this, but having some experience with it (speaking with genderqueer friends, being aware of the separation of gender and sex in modern discourse, etc.) will make this a much easier book to understand. However, I don't fault the book for that as that was never a purpose it set out to fulfill. It's meant for people who think and like the author did. Any awareness spread is a bonus.
The writing style was easy enough to follow as it was in snippets for the most part, like little bite sized pieces of a life strung together. There is some language (homophobic slurs especially) that are used as an authentic recreation of experience in eras when those words were used regularly, but readers with certain sensitivities may want to be aware going in.
The stories told in here do come across as genuine. There is genuine growth of identity as it progresses. I admit the whole "I'm not like other boys." part was a bit off putting, but it was a reality of the author's mindset awhile ago. The biggest struggle I had was with the protagonist's emphasis on wanting sex. There were some "nice guy" implications coming across that put me on edge. Especially during Derek's hippie days, there was an ongoing subtext of "I'm nice, so girls should want to sleep with me." In certain moments, Derek would ask the rhetorical "Am I being creepy?" and I responded in my head with an unequivocal "YES."
The end is by far the best part. Once Derek is aware of his identity and working through it during his second stint at college, it becomes much more clear in the narrative. The creepiness goes away almost immediately and the book provides a lot of food for thought. The ending lecture, as well as the author's notes, provide an uplifting look at coming to grips with your identity and learning to love it.
Like I mentioned before, this book is not "Genderqueer 101." There are a million discussion about gender identity we could be having, but this is a book review. And as far as the book goes, it provides a very raw, at times heartbreaking and at times creepy, but uplifting story of finding out who you are... regardless of what the world says you should be.
July 3, 2020
GenderQueer will open your eyes. Being different is never easy. It's especially hard when you don't fall into what's still considered the standard in today's society. When you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, it can be especially difficult. A lot of this story spoke to me on a deep level as a member of the community, and I honestly hope that some people who don't understand what the "Q" can encompass learn from this story. It's well written and I hope those less familiar with those who don't conform to traditional gender roles learn something new.
April 29, 2020
What a unique tale this was. I think that Allan Hunter has such a fresh and fun voice and he seriously made me think about aspects of the world and the people in it that I hadn't on this level before.
I loved the way this story was laid out. It wasn't one note, there were so many layers to it.
Such a wonderful unique life, I liked that we are given a new type of coming-out story and the trials that come with it. It's so very real and that is what I loved about it most.
I loved the way this story was laid out. It wasn't one note, there were so many layers to it.
Such a wonderful unique life, I liked that we are given a new type of coming-out story and the trials that come with it. It's so very real and that is what I loved about it most.
May 29, 2022
Fairly interesting as a memoir, but not that insightful for gender issues, which I think is a result of the author's self-involvement. The paper referenced toward the end would probably be more what I was looking for, but the memoir is for others who might be going through the same thing, except, again, it feels a little too self-involved, written by someone too certain that he is interesting. In fairness to Hunter, he does mention his apparent vanity a few times in the book.
April 2, 2020
Over everything else I found while reading this book it was very eye-opening to things that a lot of us don't necessarily understand much about.
This book really gives a person to the titles and sheds so much light on all things LGBTQ and beyond.
The way Allan Hunter wrote this book really is both informative and inspirational. It was both no nonsense in the content while being about a real person we could understand and relate to along the way.
This book really gives a person to the titles and sheds so much light on all things LGBTQ and beyond.
The way Allan Hunter wrote this book really is both informative and inspirational. It was both no nonsense in the content while being about a real person we could understand and relate to along the way.
March 28, 2020
I liked this book, it brought understanding about a lot of things. If you have ever constantly be told you should have been a guy or a woman, this book will help you understand yourself and maybe give you a piece of mind.-Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2020
This is a fascinating story about one man's journey. I learned so much from this book. I always thought gender and sex were the same thing, and they are not. This was such an eye opener for me. How you feel inside has nothing to do with the parts you were born with. Looking back at my own childhood, I also thought I was just shy but maybe something more was going on.
One person sharing their story can be so empowering. I think people should be able to live as themselves. Not everyone fits in a nice neat box no matter how hard you try. I don't like putting labels on things but sometimes knowing I'm not alone, that there are others like me in freeing, and that I'm not weird I'm just queer. It's truly liberating to find I do belong. Nobody should have to hide who they are.
This book is an inspiration and I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One person sharing their story can be so empowering. I think people should be able to live as themselves. Not everyone fits in a nice neat box no matter how hard you try. I don't like putting labels on things but sometimes knowing I'm not alone, that there are others like me in freeing, and that I'm not weird I'm just queer. It's truly liberating to find I do belong. Nobody should have to hide who they are.
This book is an inspiration and I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2020
My Impression: I was truly moved by this memoir. Not only does it help you believe that you can be who you are despite hostile circumstances, it also educates the reader about the implications of being genderqueer. Even if someone approaches this book without much knowledge about gender identities, they will learn quite a bit and be encouraged to find out more. No amount of research into theoretical assumptions and claims can replace the experience of reading someone's life story and knowing what they've been through. The narrative style is simple yet powerful. By the time you reach the final page, you'll feel like you've had quite the journey.
Now, it's time for the details. (No Spoilers. This book isn't about cliffhangers, so, it doesn't matter really)
Story (8/10): The book is pitched as a genderqueer person's life story and indeed we get to explore various facets of Derek's life. I appreciate how we are introduced to his circumstances. Incidents are highlighted instead of chronological detailing of the changes he underwent. I find that in memoirs, the storytelling becomes a little too intricate due to the inclination to cram the narrative with details. This wasn't the case here.
Characters (8/10): This is obviously about the main character or the author himself. I don't think its necessary to mention again how moved I was by his story. I, however, would like to talk about the brilliant way in which the others are depicted. Some characters represent a particular way of thinking. No matter what we think about stereotyping, it's true that some people share the same sort of antagonism and hatred when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community and this group appears pretty frequently in the book, needless to say. The author has merged several like minded people into a few characters because they are significant only because of their point of view. This has resulted in a story not overcrowded with characters and has left enough space for Derek to reveal himself to the reader.
Narrative Style (8/10): It is simple yet communicative first person narration. There are internal monologues but just the right amount of introspection. The book is divided into four parts, we move slowly not sluggishly. I thought the narrative technique helped me connect with Derek and the other characters and understand their struggles. No negatives here.
Genre Success (9/10): Indeed, I think Genderqueer succeeds greatly as a memoir because it excels in every sub-category.
Curiosity Points (9/10): Curiosity Points are awarded on basis of the novelty of a book's theme/subject and its ability to keep the reader's curiosity levels high. I know a lot more about the genderqueer identity now than I did prior to reading this book and I looked up many of the topics discussed here. I used to think I have an almost clear idea about what queerness implies but I've realized a lot of my conceptions were flawed or misguided and I'm now aware that I've got lots more to learn and understand. It has also helped me realize that the LGBTQ+ community is growing and we must always keep an open mind when it comes to accepting newer identities.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, a hundred times over. Read this book even if you aren't too keen on memoirs or non-fiction. Sometimes they are more heart-wrenching than fiction peppered with drama. You should definitely read this book if you don't understand why some people are different.
Now, it's time for the details. (No Spoilers. This book isn't about cliffhangers, so, it doesn't matter really)
Story (8/10): The book is pitched as a genderqueer person's life story and indeed we get to explore various facets of Derek's life. I appreciate how we are introduced to his circumstances. Incidents are highlighted instead of chronological detailing of the changes he underwent. I find that in memoirs, the storytelling becomes a little too intricate due to the inclination to cram the narrative with details. This wasn't the case here.
Characters (8/10): This is obviously about the main character or the author himself. I don't think its necessary to mention again how moved I was by his story. I, however, would like to talk about the brilliant way in which the others are depicted. Some characters represent a particular way of thinking. No matter what we think about stereotyping, it's true that some people share the same sort of antagonism and hatred when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community and this group appears pretty frequently in the book, needless to say. The author has merged several like minded people into a few characters because they are significant only because of their point of view. This has resulted in a story not overcrowded with characters and has left enough space for Derek to reveal himself to the reader.
Narrative Style (8/10): It is simple yet communicative first person narration. There are internal monologues but just the right amount of introspection. The book is divided into four parts, we move slowly not sluggishly. I thought the narrative technique helped me connect with Derek and the other characters and understand their struggles. No negatives here.
Genre Success (9/10): Indeed, I think Genderqueer succeeds greatly as a memoir because it excels in every sub-category.
Curiosity Points (9/10): Curiosity Points are awarded on basis of the novelty of a book's theme/subject and its ability to keep the reader's curiosity levels high. I know a lot more about the genderqueer identity now than I did prior to reading this book and I looked up many of the topics discussed here. I used to think I have an almost clear idea about what queerness implies but I've realized a lot of my conceptions were flawed or misguided and I'm now aware that I've got lots more to learn and understand. It has also helped me realize that the LGBTQ+ community is growing and we must always keep an open mind when it comes to accepting newer identities.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, a hundred times over. Read this book even if you aren't too keen on memoirs or non-fiction. Sometimes they are more heart-wrenching than fiction peppered with drama. You should definitely read this book if you don't understand why some people are different.
April 2, 2020
LGBTQ explained to some extent. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the ever-increasing acronym since I know some people who come under that definition. I must say that the personality of Derek upset me as he often came across as a push-over, weak, going with the path of least resistance kind of person. I felt he had allowed so many bad situations and pushy people to determine the path of his life and the way women used and repeatedly rejected him, was almost pathetic. My frustration lasted to about 70% into the book. Since this story is an autobiographical revelation, I felt a great deal of sympathy for the protagonist. After that point, Derek begins to research and seek out other people who don’t fall under the common idea of ‘norm’. The next 25% of the book describes and discusses rather detailed, yet often abstract concepts of gender and sexuality. By the time the pages of the mental hospital came around, I was practically screaming. How so much awful bad luck can happen to one person is just mind-boggling. The book well demonstrates this as being not only the lowest point of Derek’s life but a turning point as well. We get a glimpse of his awakening from an almost haze and we are told that he is taking charge of his life. We don’t really witness that transition but suddenly come to the last 5% of the book which is where all the substance had been concentrated in. Derek goes on lecture tours, talking openly about the meaning of his own sexuality, discussing the differences to others’ and explaining in a clear self-assured manner how he defines himself. By this time, he has a girlfriend who along with his new-found confidence in himself makes him comfortable with who he is and becomes an outspoken advocate and ‘educator’ of LGBTQ issues. The book is written in very high-quality English both in terms of grammar and use of vocabulary as well as being very well edited.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
The story starts from the 1970s, when Derek is a young boy. He always finds it difficult to find the right kind of company for himself and stays aloof. Always finding himself different from the 'other boys', he is more comfortable with his sister's friends. Changing schools frequently only adds to his problems. The book talks about several instances wherein Derek tries to fit in but is shunned away by his peers. All throughout, he tries to identify what is 'wrong' with him and tries to identify why he relates more to being a girl.
More than half the book is about the author's trip down his memory lane to pick instances and situations that made him 'abnormal' to the others. The last quarter talks about how Derek identified himself as a queer and what exactly is it. I am so glad to have picked this book. It sure made me more aware of the LGBTQ. Seeing the lack of acceptance even today, I can only imagine how difficult it would have been at that time. An important message highlighted is the human need to fit in and how the society reacts if they do not find everything as per their expectations. The book is simple to understand but well-written in terms of grammar, vocabulary and even editing. This was a good read for me about the journey of a human to identify, accept and finally come out of the closet.
More than half the book is about the author's trip down his memory lane to pick instances and situations that made him 'abnormal' to the others. The last quarter talks about how Derek identified himself as a queer and what exactly is it. I am so glad to have picked this book. It sure made me more aware of the LGBTQ. Seeing the lack of acceptance even today, I can only imagine how difficult it would have been at that time. An important message highlighted is the human need to fit in and how the society reacts if they do not find everything as per their expectations. The book is simple to understand but well-written in terms of grammar, vocabulary and even editing. This was a good read for me about the journey of a human to identify, accept and finally come out of the closet.
October 11, 2020
This was written by a former Los Alamos resident and much of the first half of the book, about his elementary, middle, and high school years, are set in LA. That and the topic interested me. I'm open to learning more about the variety of orientations and I guess genders? out there, and so I tried to read this. But ultimately I skimmed in in one sitting. The story is way too detailed about things unrelated to his gender discovery, like what the science assignment was and how to earn boy scout badges. Too much angst and navel gazing for me, but that is what he's doing with the book -- trying to figure himself out. He is insightful in his gazing and was terribly bullied throughout his whole school life for being different enough to be noticed. And he was super sensitive and feminist from a young age in a way rarely seen by men, which made all the male taunting and stereotyping that much harder for him. Good for Hunter for putting this out for the others off the spectrum of typical genders to relate to and for finally finding his peace with his label(s).
July 29, 2020
A memoir written as a narrative tale, the story of one man's journey of self discovery. Set in the 1970's/80's, a period in time that alas wasn't quite as enlightened when it comes to all manner of things LGBTQ+, Genderqueer is the 'coming-out story of Derek, a male-bodied girl-gendered >hetero genderqueer'.
With much of the book chronicling instances in which the author as a boy/young man was made to feel - I hate to use the word and had thought to use the metaphor 'like a round peg in a square hole' but somehow that didn't feel strong enough so, abnormal, there I've said it - the author was made to feel abnormal, for the most part this wasn't comfortable reading and arguably the former portions spent on the author's early life experiences were a tad too drawn out, and yet that said ...
Not always a journey easily travelled (and especially not then) I think that not to have chronicled these events and, perhaps more importantly, the feelings they gave rise to, in such detail would have been to do a disservice to the experiences of not only Derek but also to generations of people who have rarely been represented; whose stories have never been told.
Saddened, frustrated, outraged and yet heartened and more knowledgeable for the reading of GenderQueer. Derek's need to better understand and accept himself a universal one and therefore something we can all relate to what ever our sex, gender or orientation, his story a story that might offer a new perspective to those of us wishing to better understand ourselves or others.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... A very human story but one that provides an important insight into gender and identity.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Received from the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
With much of the book chronicling instances in which the author as a boy/young man was made to feel - I hate to use the word and had thought to use the metaphor 'like a round peg in a square hole' but somehow that didn't feel strong enough so, abnormal, there I've said it - the author was made to feel abnormal, for the most part this wasn't comfortable reading and arguably the former portions spent on the author's early life experiences were a tad too drawn out, and yet that said ...
Not always a journey easily travelled (and especially not then) I think that not to have chronicled these events and, perhaps more importantly, the feelings they gave rise to, in such detail would have been to do a disservice to the experiences of not only Derek but also to generations of people who have rarely been represented; whose stories have never been told.
Saddened, frustrated, outraged and yet heartened and more knowledgeable for the reading of GenderQueer. Derek's need to better understand and accept himself a universal one and therefore something we can all relate to what ever our sex, gender or orientation, his story a story that might offer a new perspective to those of us wishing to better understand ourselves or others.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... A very human story but one that provides an important insight into gender and identity.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Received from the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
June 22, 2022
This book stands out, as an autobiographical plunge into one's own sexuality.
Sentences I liked:
" I still believe in being non-judgmental. That if you aren't hurting anyone no one should interfere with what you're doing. That there should be goodwill and benevolent welcome extended to all people if they're willing to not be hurtful and not try to control other people."
"I didn't like to be categorized without being consulted. I've always thought the most sexually liberated person is the person who can see anyone as a possibility."
I've heard the word, "festive" being used a lot lately, such as in this book with the phrase, "a festive burst of joy." And that is what I felt after reading it.
Sentences I liked:
" I still believe in being non-judgmental. That if you aren't hurting anyone no one should interfere with what you're doing. That there should be goodwill and benevolent welcome extended to all people if they're willing to not be hurtful and not try to control other people."
"I didn't like to be categorized without being consulted. I've always thought the most sexually liberated person is the person who can see anyone as a possibility."
I've heard the word, "festive" being used a lot lately, such as in this book with the phrase, "a festive burst of joy." And that is what I felt after reading it.
March 1, 2020
This was difficult for me to get into. It felt like a rambling trip down memory lane read. A time of growing up and experimentation whether you are gay, straight, queer or whatever label you want. I can understand the confusion of labels and not fitting in any preconceived area. I can see where back in the day it was very confusing and mind boggling. Thankfully in todays society sexual orientation is so much more open.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2021
Quite frankly, this memoir is quite boring and i found no depth to his story. It is a typical story of a white kid who struggled with gender conformity and bullying. Though I learn a new term: gender invert, I have a feeling that he is trying to make this term popular. I gave 1 star for his effort to write but i do not recommend it.
October 25, 2021
This book sets out to be the book the author wishes were available when they were going through life trying to find themselves and answers to questions about their sexuality, sex, and identity. It succeeds on all fronts. I would love to sit with the author and talk for hours about life, sexuality, and identity. Give it a read and experience a life lived in shoes that may or may not fit.
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March 30, 2025dnf
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