The Pronoun Lowdown: Demystifying and Celebrating Gender Diversity

by Nevo Zisin

Dismantle the messy myth of gender, with this a colorful, approachable, and irreverent-AF book.

In 2020, we find ourselves at a critical social juncture--thanks to the efforts of trans and gender-nonconforming activists, gender-diverse experiences are no longer able to be ignored. These lived experiences (the joyful and the painful) are being seen and heard. This book highlights, demystifies, and celebrates the lived experience of trans and gender-nonconforming folk.

This book provides an illustrated history of how the gender binary came about, from ancient Greece to now. Alongside personal anecdotes, it provides examples of subversive historical figures, and demonstrates the gender-neutrality of ye olde language (Shakespeare's and Oscar Wilde's included). There are also examples of "how to" and "how to not" ask for someone's pronoun, and other advice for avoiding generally bad behavior. (We needn't be gendering a stranger's dog, people. C'mon!) This book also breaks down how different languages navigate (or, struggle to navigate) pronouns.

Everyone deserves to have their identify affirmed by the world through which they move. This book celebrates gender-diverse identities, in all their fluid and imperfect perfection!

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, LGBT

96 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a book like this on every topic I want to understand better! It’s punchy and accessible. The author is really humble and you can tell they’re an educator because the examples and analogies used are so clear and compelling. The author brings you along the journey in a really gentle way and you find yourself agreeing with what they say easily and quickly. It’s very practical and has good resources at the end to help you onto the next stage of your learning.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! What I particularly liked was reading about other genders in non-western cultures as so many books overlook that

[Dax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid collection / spotlight on gender diverse creators, resources, and just general info.

[Lina Ellis-Lorde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinctly written. A perfect little handbook on gender, history & powerful advocacy.

[Brendon Eisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I am the first in our family to read it and look forward to when we all have and we can discuss it and refer back to it.
I am a father of three teens and knew a little about the subject matter but Nevo really touches on many different aspects of a complex topic and makes it all sound much simpler. I especially liked “gender around the world” describing something that I have never heard talked about before.
Will definitely be recommending this book.

[Poppy Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this crazy covid world, it's important to remember that we are entering an exciting, positive and beautiful moment in history. In Australia and other western countries, for the first time ever, trans and gender diverse people are being recognised for who they are. This fabulous book explains simply and sensitively, with humour and heartfelt anecdotes, how young trans and gender diverse people can explore their identities, and also how friends and family can support them.

You only have to talk to any young people to confirm that understandings about diversity and inclusion have dramatically departed from historically held misconceptions. I've learnt a lot from my 13-year-old daughter, but this stunningly designed hardcover handbook is a helpful way to understand how to be kinder and more inclusive. Everyone should read this book!

I acknowledge that some of my friends find it unfathomable to understand gender outside of traditional binaries. It's interesting to consider that for thousands of years, different cultures have held different understandings of gender. The Pronoun Lowdown explores some of the wide-ranging understandings of gender in different cultures across the world and throughout history.

Author Nevo Zisin (author of the excellent memoir Finding Nevo) examines the work of other LGBTQIA+ activists and trailblazers; there are so many interesting stories nestled in these colourful pages.

It's exciting that our kids are set to be the most inclusive, open minded generation ever. Imagine what this means for the world, as they take on positions of influence and leadership in our society. The Pronoun Lowdown is a great guide showing how we can all be part of this ongoing celebration. As the back cover says: "Everyone deserves to have their identity celebrated by friends, family and this big world we all share."

Also, shout out to the illustrator George Saad - I'm in love with the exquisitely fun artwork!

[Cathal Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Nevo is one of my go-to recommendations for young people just starting to explore their gender identity, and the people they have around them, and I would probably add this one to that recommendation as a companion. Zisin always writes with a calm, reasonable, and patient voice. This was, as intended, a simple but informative read that tries to talk to many audiences and mostly succeeds at that, and I did appreciate the author starting by calling out the impact colonialism had on how gender is viewed in many countries and cultures.
Rep: Queer non-binary Jewish author
TW/CWs: Brief discussions of transphobia/queerphobia, racism and colonialism, mentions of murder/death of trans people

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Nevo Zisin, a queer Jewish activist and educator, The Pronoun Lowdown is a celebration of all things gender diversity. Zisin includes tons of info, including reflections on their own gender journey, a timeline of important moments in trans history, suggestions for gender diverse media to seek out, and tons of helpful breakdowns of everything gender and pronouns. What I especially appreciated was the global approach, in particular the sections that explore how speakers of various non-English languages are approaching new gender terminology (including Hebrew, which is a gendered language that, like Zisin, I’ve had to navigate).

[Penelope Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five for content and accessibility of the writing, three for format and layout, averages to a four star review. I thought the author did an excellent job of explaining concepts and providing examples, information, resources, etc, but the print was often teeny tiny and every page was brightly colored, so I might be reading 6 point black font on a dark green page and it was just... wow. Difficult. So the book took me far longer to read than I would have liked it to, simply because my brain had a tough time processing the fonts and the color extremes.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevo Zisin sets about demystifying and celebrating Diversity. This short book includes parts of Nevo’s story but is way more than that. It is a resource book that provides insights for family and friends of trans people and trans themselves.
The book begins with insights into the past experiences of trans people and gender in various cultures and the future.
The resources provided were excellent.
Recommended for young adult and adult readers.

[Penny LeBaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well thought out and user friendly book for a topic that is still relatively new to many of us. It is a book that a family can use to become informed together without feeling threatened or judged. As the proud aunt of a wonderful person who is finding their (they/them) way, I much appreciated this book.

[Marina Angeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent short guide to language and gender diversity. Lots of short summaries of history-making moments, art (films/books/tv), and individuals that have shaped progress and advanced understanding. Also excellent list of recommended resources to learn more and broaden your mind. A helpful glossary, casual narrative, and a beautifully presented physical format made this a reading pleasure.

[WallofText · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely designed overview guide with a good selection of information. Despite knowing a lot about these topics I learned a few new things. At times the font and background colour choices made it a bit hard to read, and the target audience is not consistent throughout, but it's still a good resource to have!

[Wendy Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from the delightful Nevo Zisin! Excellent for anyone who wants to understand more about gender diversity whether for themselves, for someone they know or simply to help make the world a better place for all.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid information, acknowledgement of many different intersecting social issues that coincide with gender, eye-catching graphics, quick read. I really adored how this read and it kept my ADHD-ass reading through the whole book on its own.

[Michael Earp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb overview of how and why to respect your fellow humans by making sure you use their correct pronouns.

One for every school and library.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great go to guide to check terminology and understanding around gender diversity.

[S S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little but highly informative and essential book. Reading it on IDAHOBIT Day was special, but its lessons will be carried on forward.

[Caddyshack Project · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caddyshack three word review:
Colourful, approachable & irreverent

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational, and fun! I loved it as a memeber of the community it was awesome!

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super! I, as a trans person, already knew much of the info presented but i learnt a lot too. Especially about gender diversity in non western cultures, something i plan to research more in the future.