Nonbinary

Memoirs of Gender and Identity

De: Micah Rajunov - editor, Scott Duane - editor

Narrado por: Sarah Beth Pfeifer

What happens when your gender doesn't fit neatly into the categories of male or female? Even mundane interactions like filling out a form or using a public bathroom can be a struggle when these designations prove inadequate. In this groundbreaking book, 30 authors highlight how our experiences are shaped by a deeply entrenched gender binary.

The powerful first-person narratives of this collection show us a world where gender exists along a spectrum, a web, a multidimensional space. Nuanced storytellers break away from mainstream portrayals of gender diversity, cutting across lines of age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, religion, family, and relationships. From Suzi, who wonders whether she'll ever "feel" like a woman after living 50 years as a man, to Aubri, who grew up in a cash-strapped fundamentalist household, to Sand, who must reconcile the dual roles of trans advocate and therapist, the writers' conceptions of gender are inextricably intertwined with broader systemic issues. Labeled gender outlaws, gender rebels, genderqueer, or simply human, the voices in Nonbinary illustrate what life could be if we allowed the rigid categories of "man" and "woman" to loosen and bend. They speak to everyone who has questioned gender or has paused to wonder: What does it mean to be a man or a woman - and why do we care so much?

©2019 Columbia University Press (P)2021 Tantor

I had more questions after reading than before...

In general, I'm not a fan of books that are a collection of essays. In this case, however, I did not know much about the topic. I, therefore, welcomed this format rather than relying on one POV to speak for an entire group. This book is definitely mind-expanding. I had more questions after reading it than before. The only thing I can liken these experiences to in my own life is hand/body side dominance. When I was learning to write I would alternate the hand with which I wrote. When I went through academic testing I was told I am ambidextrous. In reality I am closer to cross-dominant, as I have a side "preference" for some activities. Other activities I alternate without thinking about it. In most of life, this is insignificant. To have similar experience with gender would affect almost every aspect of one's day every day. Much of the impact, however, is due to external "forces," ranging from people's opinions and corresponding treatment of non-binary individuals to physical and even legal barriers, such as what restroom can be used. Then there is the added issue of identifying with a group. It seems that non-binary people are often grouped in with trans people, due to many of the same issues faced in society. This book opened my eyes to how, simultaneously, these two groups of people can be diametrically opposed in their journeys, as binary gender is central to the trans journey. All in all, a very eye-opening book for me.

gender nonbinary from many individual perspectives

I liked the content of the book, but in my opinion the narration was wrong for this. This book is a compilation of stories from many nonbinary people but read in only one voice. The narrator has a very feminine tone, and she did not attempt to ever change her voice to differtiate one voice from another. I found the stories running together and would often get confused about who was 'speaking'.. If not for that it is a wonderful book. I recommend reading this one, rather than listening.

Life Changing

Confirms something’s that I believe about myself and reinforced it. Needs more than one narrator. Hard to separate stories. Well worth listening to.

Loved this!

It’s wonderful to hear other non-binary stories! It helps this non-binary person feel less alone!

missed opportunity on narration

i found the narration very monotonous and weird. Each person was given exactly the same voice, one that coded female. A variety of narrators or at least a voice coding closer to the individuals speaking their personal truths would have been so much better. Eventually, I overcame that disadvantage as the personal experiences related in the book were well worth hearing even through the distracting filter.

EXCELLENT!

Wow, I learned so much from the vast array of strong, powerful individuals in this anthology. Thank you!

the nonbinaryy experience is so vast

all the story show many different experiences of people a has a bit of everything. this book has changed my life :)

Gives you lots of insight into the minds and feelings of nonbinary individuals!

This book really gave me insight to what my nonbinary child is going through and actually made me understand myself better as well! Some chapters are better than others, but it’s definitely a worthy read!!!

It changed my life!!!

I have read mostly books for entertaining purposes, and at school I have read some classic literature, but I had never read/listened to something that conected with me in such a personal way. I felt so validated listening to all the different stories, I found the true meaning of being non binary, and this book helped me discover myself in a way that I haven't had before. I just wanted to be more informed about the subject, but this book ended up redefining my life, giving it a different meaning and making me take a different path in life that will change my life forever. I recommend it to anyone who has doubts of their identity, or anyone who has someone close who is non binary!

A breath of fresh air

I loved this book and collection of stories from those who do not fit the binary of gender. Reading this book was like letting out your breath after holding it for a long time. It’s so nice to here from more people that I relate to and having validation for my experiences. I like how a wide range of stories and perspectives were included. One thing I kinda wish is that each story had a brief introduction of the author just to know the authors even more, and to help me remember them, but I loved this book regardless.