Beacon Press
Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History, 1850-1950
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- Mark and David Ferrow, two of the first trans teens to access gender-affirming medical treatment following overwhelming support from their friends, family, and neighbors.
- Gerda von Zobeltitz, a trans countess who instigated an LGBTQ+ riot 40 years before Stonewall.
- Frank Williams, a young trans man who was fired from over a dozen jobs for his gender.
- Frances Anderson, the world's greatest female billiards player of the 1910s.
Bold and visionary, Erlick's debut uncovers these lost stories from the depths of the archives to narrate trans lives in a way that has never been attempted before.
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Book Details
ISBN:
9780807017357
EAN:
9780807017357
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
272
Authors:
Eli Erlick
Publisher:
Beacon Press
Published Date: 2025-27-05
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In Before Gender, Eli Erlick masterfully weaves together historical case studies, archival materials, and personal insight to uncover the existence and recognition of gender diversity long before contemporary labels. With clarity and compassion, Erlick highlights stories of individuals and communities whose identities defy current labels. The result is not only a compelling academic contribution but also an empowering read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, identity, and liberation.
This book was an amazing read. While the current federal administration wants to negate the existence of trans people, this book shares detailed stories of trans people's lives over the past 175 years.
This book is a masterclass in archival discovery. It surfaces so many incredible trans stories that otherwise might have been lost to history, and feels certain to be a classic in the field.
This book is a fascinating, fun and thought provoking chronicle of 30 remarkable people who lived there lives in their genuine gender. Sometimes as a curiosity and often supported by their communities. We know that gender diversity is a part of the human experience and It is both informative and fascinating to see how people lived their lives as an expression of their true selves. The level of research the author engaged in is deep and well-documented. This historical treatise is an important addition to our understanding of our humanity. Bravo Eli Erlick for also making it a fun and thought provoking read!
a phenomenal read — highly recommend
