A Short History of Trans Misogyny

A Short History of Trans Misogyny by Jules Gill-Peterson takes readers on a profound journey through the often overlooked and misunderstood experiences of trans women. This groundbreaking study explores the pervasive targeting and persecution faced by trans women, unearthing the historical and systemic roots of trans misogyny. Gill-Peterson combines rigorous historical analysis with the accessibility of contemporary political discourse, making this a compelling read for activists, organisers, and allies alike.

At the heart of A Short History of Trans Misogyny is the assertion that trans misogyny is a specific form of violence with a traceable and documentable history. By focusing on this specificity, the book empowers trans women, showing them not as inevitable victims but as resilient and determined figures. These women, though often embattled, are deeply engaged in a broader struggle involving gender, labour, race, and the quest for freedom. Through this narrative, they emerge with agency, tenacity, and resilience.

The narrative of A Short History of Trans Misogyny traverses a diverse array of geographical locations, including bustling port cities such as New York, New Orleans, London, and Paris. It also ventures into the colonial and military districts of the British Raj, the Philippines, and Hawai'i, as well as the vibrant travesti communities in Latin America. This extensive geographical scope allows the book to highlight how trans femininity has become a significant fault line in global histories, intersecting with issues such as colonial government, the sex work industry, the policing of urban public spaces, and the distinctions between formal and informal economies.

Gill-Peterson employs a transnational and intersectional approach, reinforcing the idea that trans women are not isolated entities but are central to the modern social world. They are positioned at the crossroads of numerous broader social struggles, impacting and being impacted by the historical and contemporary currents of the societies they live in.

A Short History of Trans Misogyny is much more than a historical account; it is a call to action. It challenges readers to recognise the systemic nature of the violence against trans women and urges them to engage in meaningful activism and solidarity. This book is essential reading for anyone committed to understanding and combating the deep-seated prejudices and structural inequalities that trans women face around the world.