This is the book that started it all. Part coming-of-age story, part mind-altering manifesto on gender and sexuality, Gender Outlaw breaks all the rules and leaves the reader forever changed.

Editorial Reviews:

Out-

"Gender Outlaw is an eye-opening book, combining the emotional force of a coming-of-age story with a savvy cultural critique.."

Ms.-

"Gender Outlaw is an invitation to dialogue, and it's a conversation well worth having."

The Nation-

"Gender Outlaw is a radical document. . .."

Kirkus Reviews-

A thoughtful challenge to gender ideology that continually asks difficult questions about identity, orientation, and desire. Bornstein cleverly incorporates cultural criticism, dramatic writing, and autobiography to make her point that gender (which she distinguishes from sex) is a cultural rather than a natural phenomenon. The chapters range from ``fashion tips'' on her writing style to dialogue between herself and another about the ``nuts and bolts'' of the surgical process of a gender change (which she has undergone). Confronting transgenderism and transgendered people is not easy for many individuals, but Bornstein does it in a way that sparks debate without putting her audience on the defensive. She suggests that ``the culture may not simply be creating roles for naturally-gendered people, the culture may in fact be creating the gendered people.'' Her discussion of the ``parts'' of gender is based on respected sources and includes analyses of gender assignment, identity, and roles. Things get mixed up, according to Bornstein, because ``sexual orientation/preference is based in this culture solely on the gender of one's partner of choice,'' in effect confusing orientation and preference. Seeing queer theater as a place in which gender ambiguity and fluidity can and should be explored, she includes in the book her play, Hidden: A Gender. Bornstein uses the term ``gender defenders'' to describe those who work hard to maintain the current rigid system of gender, and she claims that her ``people'' (i.e., the transgendered) are just beginning to challenge the system and to demand acceptance and understanding. Bornstein's witty style, personal approach, and frankness open doors to questioning gender assumptions and boundaries. -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Joan Mazza, author of Dream Back Your Life; Dreaming Your Real Self; Who's Crazy Anyway?-

"Provocative, informative, funny... "

"Seeing gender as simply men and women keeps us locked into our ignorance of the fluidity of our roles, identities, preferences, and sense of self. During our lives, we see ourselves differently at different times. What makes us who we are is complicated, interesting, and often surprising. Author Kate Bornstein reminds us that the simple dichotomy that most people want in gender simply doesn't exist. Asking ourselves the hard questions helps us see ourselves and others as people-beyond gender and its expectations. This is a refreshing book in a society that wants to place everyone into neat little boxes."

Bill Taverner, Editor, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Human Sexuality-

"If you want to challenge your assumptions about the role of gender in society, read "Gender Outlaw," or any book by Kate Bornstein. Better yet, listen to her speak. It is a remarkable experience you will never forget!"