A review by radiating_jackalope
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

What I find fascinating about early feminist literature is how ideas that were considered radical in 1969 are perceived and evaluated today. The concept of androgynous people whose society lacks fixed gender roles was, I believe, quite daring at the time. Nevertheless, the only form of intercourse explicitly mentioned in the book is heterosexual. Le Guin never states that two men or two women can have sex with each other. By 1969, thanks to the Stonewall Riots, homosexuality was certainly no longer “invisible.” Another point is that, although genitals can be changed, the norm on Gethen is still only androgyny. In essence, this means it is merely a blend of stereotypical traits associated with cis men and cis women. I would argue that today, many non-binary people define their gender in entirely different ways. However, I think that Genly Ai’s difficulty in understanding Gethen’s culture can easily be applied to contemporary discussions around transgender issues. As someone who works at a queer centre, I often witness how older binary trans people struggle to grasp the concept of (often younger) non-binary identities. Sometimes, these two perspectives on gender allow for a shift in personal understanding, fostering growth and connection. Other times, they lead to conflicts between individuals that need to be mediated. 
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