kdahlo 's review for:

Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag by A.K. Summers

4.0

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Very cool book, definitely tied to an era and a bit retro at this point. I think certain bits come across as transphobic in the current context, although for me it doesn't cross the line into hatefulness or make me uncomfortable. I've heard Alison Bechdel say similar things about 'butch lesbian' identity disappearing, etc. I choose to take these comments as reflecting the idea that identity is shaped by the terms and concepts available to us, something I think is interesting, not invalidating. However, I understand that sometimes these ideas are twisted to hurt people, and I think it's worth noting if you would rather avoid it. Overall though, I enjoyed this book both for the 'time-capsule' element, and the very, very honest portrayal of pregnancy. This is the book I wanted to read on this topic in many ways. And the author's feelings about how their gender was perceived in relation to their pregnancy was something I found really relatable and personally important to my own feelings about gender. Rough around the edges, but full of great, relevant information and experience.