This is a spectacular book. It's academic, but still highly readable. It provides an incredibly clear and concise retrospective of the transgender community dating all the way back to 1850. Beyond events and major players, it also shares a great deal of valuable anthropological perspective on why things are the way they are. I was looking for context to assist me when this issue comes up in political debates, because those who oppose trans rights often display a profound misunderstanding of what it is and how it works. This text dispels many myths and provides compelling, little-known history. I have already helped illuminate the topic for a few skeptics in my family using the information this book supplied me with.
Stryker provides a great list of supplementary reading and viewing, as she only aims to provide a foundational understanding through this text. Other books go into greater depth on particular demographics within the community or decades within the movement, but Transgender History provides a broad overview of the most significant details. If you have the time to delve deeper it's wise to do so, but if you aren't able to this book equips you with what you need to understand the fundamentals.
Transgender History is enjoyable, thought-provoking, and comprehensive. It is one of the best books I read last year, and I've already recommended it to many people in my life. If trans rights are important to you, you will love this text.
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