Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Inverse Cowgirl: A Memoir

I had been hearing about this book on Instagram and was thrilled to learn that my library had obtained a copy of the audiobook version shortly after it was released. Weigel details her experiences as an intersex person in a world that forces individuals into a gender binary. Beautifully written Weigel educates the reader about what it generally means to be intersex while highlighting her lived experience.

What I liked most about Weigle's work is that while they openly share their experiences as an intersex person in a world that values the gender binary, she still kept portions of her story to herself. Several times she mentioned components of a lived experience but did not feel the need to share further details. It is the delicate balance that all memoir writers must strike while writing, but it is not as often so clearly stated. In the age of social media when it feels like everyone is sharing everything, I appreciated how Weigle highlighted that just because they were writing a book didn't mean that the reader was entitled to every facet of her life.

I also found Weigle's discussion of the medical establishment and intersexuality interesting. Particularly, her discussion of how hormone replacement therapy legislation has specific carve-outs for intersex children in anti-trans legislation. Her details of what these medical practices could mean for physical, psychological, and social health and development I found particularly important. Especially when Weigel details her parents' experience when informed they had an intersex child.

The stories that Weigle shares throughout the essays in her book are heartfelt and highlight how the gender binary continues to keep everyone stuck. I recommend everyone pick this book up.

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