The publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, kindly offered me a reader copy (RC) of The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality by Morgan Potts via NetGalley. Yet, this is an honest review of the book expressing my humble opinion.
The book description is this:
There can be confusion around the appropriate terminology for trans and queer identities, even within the trans community itself. As language is constantly evolving, it can be especially difficult to know what to say. As a thorough A-Z glossary of trans and queer words from ‘ace’ to ‘xe’, this dictionary guide will help to dispel the anxiety around using the “wrong” words, while explaining the weight of using certain labels and providing individuals with a vocabulary for personal identification.
Having correct and accurate terminology to describe oneself can be empowering, especially with words and phrases that describe gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, as well as slang relevant to LGBTQ+ rights and anti-discrimination, queer activism, gender-affirming healthcare and psychology. Written in a traditional A-Z glossary style, this guide will serve as a quick reference for looking up individual words, as well as an in-depth look at trans history and culture.
I had been searching for a book like this for a quite some time. A book that lists, defines, and exemplifies accurate–and not so accurate– terminology when it comes to gender, sexuality, and identity. I was over the moon when I saw that I had been approved for a review copy. Still am.
In fact, I feel honored for having received a review copy.
The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality is indeed written in a traditional A-Z glossary style, just as its description promotes. It provides background and definitions for all relevant, current, and past terms, such as asexual, transgender, aromantic, demi-boy, etc.
My opinion is that if you can only read one nonfiction book, then you MUST READ A-Z of Gender and Sexuality. It’s simply a must-read. It broadened my horizons, giving me many “Aha” moments as well as moments when I felt ashamed for how humanity has treated LGBTQA+ people. The author also provided us with current events or quotes/facts about famous people who are still alive. The examples portrayed the truth, and I found them very well placed, worded, and chosen. The background information the author gives through this book is simply outstanding and invaluable.
It is an absolutely amazing book that should be on everyone’s library–electronical or otherwise. In fact, I may buy the book in paperback, too.
However, the book was long. Yes, it presented and explained many terms, most of which were necessary. But the backstory or background given felt too long and too wordy like the author wrote an essay on said term. For example, the description of the term “femme” was extensive, and yet, I still cannot define this specific term because the mere definition was lost in the text. Another very “essay”-long description was about “transformative justice”. There were other terms that, in my opinion, didn’t feel necessary to be explained, such as “police” (the noun), “platonic”, among others.
Yes, it is quite long and wordy at times, but this is an amazing book written by an ownvoices writer. It presents and explains all the relevant terms associated with gender, sex, sexuality, and identity. Besides, if you’re not interested in some terms or in knowing more details about others, you can simply bypass them and not read them. However, if you’re interested in gender, sex, sexuality, and identity, look no further. This is the book for you. I cannot recommend it enough.
A-Z of Gender and Sexuality is THE non-fiction book we must all have and read. It’s definitely earned 5 stars and more.
5 Stars – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Morgan Potts
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Athena Freya 