Whipping Girl

A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

By: Julia Serano

Narrated by: Julia Serano

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this updated second edition, biologist and trans woman Julia Serano reveals a unique perspective on femininity, masculinity, and gender identity. 

In the updated second edition of Whipping Girl, Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist, shares her powerful experiences and observation - both pre- and post-transition - to reveal the ways in which fear, suspicion, and dismissiveness toward femininity shape our societal attitudes toward trans women, as well as gender and sexuality as a whole. 

Serano's well-honed arguments and reputation as a thought-leader stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. In this provocative manifesto, she exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive and how this "feminine" weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire. 

In addition to debunking popular misconceptions about transsexuality, Serano makes the case that today's feminists and transgender activists must work to embrace and empower femininity - in all of its wondrous forms. 

©2016 Julia Serano (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Beautiful

I've been in transition for a year and a half, and I've struggled with the daily grind of fighting to be a woman in a world that hates women. Julia Serano's book helped me understand the world and my fight to be a part of it. This is a clear and concise picture, and everyone should read it.

Very Informative

I admit I thought I knew a lot on this subject. But only a few pages in I found out I knew nothing!

Yeah pretty much everyone should read this book

This is the best book I have read to date on the subject of gender. Wish I had read it years ago.

This book will make you uncomfortable.

If I had more space the title of this review would be "this book will make you uncomfortable and that's why you should read it.
Forget every chapter, every paragraph of Serrano's book is an education. The chapters ebb and flow between horrifying historical facts, (typical of history's treatment of any kind of "outlier") emotional anecdotes and fiercely educational moments. While I did struggle to remember a the terms (cis privilege, right here) I do feel like I ended the book feeling more educated and empathetic to transgender people. At the very least, I have a better understanding of just how deep cis privilege goes and can reflect further on how to better myself and be conscious of my privilege as a move through the world.

I knock it down a star because I do think Serrano's narration is a too slow. I often speed up books but increased the speed here even more than usual.

I can see why its so esteemed

Was able to relate well to most of the book, found it highly relevant, and at the same time challenged me to think and rethink some things I'd taken for granted. Very good book.

Loved it~

Absolutely loved it! Very inspiring and informative! I would highly recommend for anyone to read!

Thank you.

I began listening to your book Julia in hopes of finding and learning more about myself. I cannot count how many times while listening to the book I find myself nodding my head in agreement or identifying with your examples. Thank you for being the voice you are in our community.

What an author!

With all the things that could be said about Julia Serano I would like to thank her personally for my early transition mindset & the preparation this book gave me as a trans woman. I knew how to manage & navigate my new experiences with a modern voice & confidence in myself. Also, just a side note I finished this audio book 30 min before actually interviewing her myself! What a great talk to have with someone so renowned. Check out episode 101 of Beyond Gender Podcast for more on that!

Very enlightening

I googled, what books to read to learn about trans issues and this was one of the top hits, no wonder. It was very eye opening and I feel like I am in a better position to be a more compassionate person to all as well as be a more engaged human. As a cis man I was afraid to dive into this topic but knew that I was doing myself and my community a disservice by remaining in the dark, while this is not the definitive end all read on trans rights it is a good starting point and I look forward to learning more. Cheers

So glad I bought this

Since beginning my transition I've been trying to catch up with the queer fictions and history that I missed out on. This book was enlightening and I dont think I'll ever be the same after listening to it. Learning about my own history and having never heard of Queer theory before this I've come away with a great appreciation for the content if this book and a better grasp of my community.

great book

The book is very well written and very insightful to anyone interested in the subject matter or anyone who would like to know more! Julia's narration and voice make for a great listen! highly recommended!

Insight full and interesting

It has given me a new way of viewing femininity and my own gender expression. It does not value one gender expression over an other, rather it argues that all types have values and validity. It is written from the viewpoint of a trans woman and therefore is heavily influenced by that pespective, this is not a critique of the book but merely an observation.

Charming and informative

I’m a cis het guy with a little understanding of gender and sexuality study’s so I found this a little dense at points and had to take my time and re listen at points but it was fantastically eye opening.
Serano is explains her point of view clearly and articulately in a patient pace.
Everyone should read this

what a clever and insigjtful book

she is a very insightful author who is able to open your eyes to a topic that we all have strong opinions on, she is able to separate the topic from politics and personal opinion...I think it gives you the skills to look at any topic you thought you knew from a new perspective...

well read...well written and eye opening....

wish I had read it years ago..

annoying

faux female american voice that ground away like sand paper. should have got felicity huffman to narrate it

Excellent

Really well presented viewpoint on transsexualism and feminism. It's been a great listen for someone who largely disagrees with current feminism.