In continuation of the articles for LGBT History Month, I have very much looked forward to rereading perhaps the most important book released for transgender people in decades, originally published in 2021.
This book is not, by definition, a history book. Instead, Faye has written an argument for justice (to use her own words), and, in this, argues that liberation – starting with trans people – would improve the lives of everybody. Despite the fact that the book is not intended to be a history book, Faye brilliantly captures many instances of injustice towards the trans community. The book archives the rise of hate groups and the actions of celebrities which have been geared towards punching trans people down, as well as groups which have aimed to try to improve the lives of trans people and fight back in any way they can.
In the introduction of The Transgender Issue, the narrative begins with the media’s role in the current problems trans people face. This especially focuses on Lucy Meadows, a school teacher whose change of name and transition was highlighted in a school newsletter for parents; this would be picked up by various tabloids, with journalists camping outside her house and paying parents to get a picture of Meadows. Eventually, the story made national news, with columnists accusing her of being selfish for transitioning whilst being a school teacher and thus “being in the wrong job as well as the wrong body”.
As infuriating to read as it is depressing, Lucy Meadows would take her own life months later.
In chapter 1, Trans Life Now, Shon Faye expertly articulates how the moral panic surrounding trans people (which we already know is dangerous, or even life threatening in cases such as Lucy Meadows’) can be likened to trans people being framed as folk devils. Faye backs up this point, in accordance to the Goode and Ben-Yehuda description of a moral panic, with many recent examples of trans people being dehumanised, devolved into crass stereotypes; how exaggeration is weaponised towards the trans community, which Faye highlights through the headlines of numbers of trans children “skyrocketing” (despite numbers in the UK of trans children still being hundredths less than 1% of the population); and, finally, Faye solidifies her accusation of trans people being framed as folk devils through unfair assumptions of the actions of trans people – where Faye points out the far too common rhetoric of trans people being predators, Pied Pipers, and targeting the most vulnerable, such as autistic children, to be recruited to the “trans lobby”.
Over several chapters, Shon Faye talks about trans people, our experiences, and the need for liberation. Making points not just about the role played by the media, but also the role of governments around the world (especially around laws and, more recently, trans military ban[s]). Faye discusses experiences trans people have faced in the LGBTQIA+ community, and trans people in feminism – with comments on wider topics like austerity through a holistic lens.
In short, Shon Faye’s The Transgender Issue is a masterpiece: a book that all trans people should own.
Moreover, this book is not just for us, or our allies, but even those indifferent to trans people. Everyone able to see through the so-called “culture war” or “woke” smokescreen being forced down our throats, should own it, at least, as a reference tool. As Faye says in her book, too many transgender arguments – even debunked myths at this point – are repeated ad nauseam in endless debates (whether that be online, or a podcast, or an interview). Whilst there may be people who truly are asking because they can’t be bothered to find an answer for themselves, this exhausting cycle is also a tactic employed not just in the “transgender debate”, but in the fight for rights of other communities, to simply distract trans activists allies from doing their real work for the community. So a book like this is essential to “cut the crap” through these tactics and not get lost in the Kafkaesque web transphobes can try to spin and capture us in.
Throughout the book, Faye has continued to be detailed in her analysis of the struggle we trans people face, and have faced for a long time now, exemplifying how well researched it is. For those interested, it is certainly worth picking up a copy, perhaps from our local independent bookshop October Books.
This LGBT History Month, if there is any book to add to your reading list, it is The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye.
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