4 stars
An excellent starting point in understanding gender nonconforming identities. In the first half of the book, Vaid-Menon discusses various issues experienced by the gender nonconforming community, connecting them to their own life, and making the case for why a rigid gender binary is harmful. The second half goes into specific arguments against gender nonconformity, refuting them along the way. These include arguments of dismissal, inconvenience, biology, and the slippery slope.
Very written. The small format makes it a quick read, but there is still a lot of information. This isn’t going to convince anyone who’s already set on affirming the binary, but it’s a good fit for those who are receptive to the topic and looking to learn more. It’s a great resource for gender nonconforming individuals as well as their friends, families, and other allies to solidify their understanding of issues the community faces and see responses to common arguments.