A review by _chaoticbooknook
He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters by Schuyler Bailar

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 
this was such an informative, human, and accessible listen. it was part-memoir, part-guide on how to be an ally to lgbtqia+ folks. granted, this was my first time reading anything non-fiction related to lgbtqia+ issues so there may be better resources out there, but i felt that this was a very excellent primer and introduction to the topic that was well-rounded and cogent to someone who is supportive of - but has admittedly never thought very deeply about - gender theory. 
 
Bailar weaves in his personal journey to affirm his gender identity with discussions to others on how to be an ally to our queer friends, particularly our transgender friends. he details the awful questions he’s received, the preconceived notions and myths that continue to persist + why they’re wrong, the struggles he has and continues to contend with, and why it’s important and how to continue engaging others in discussions with others about gender and identity. i find that his advice is generalizable to other topics as well around race, disability, and other societal issues. 
 
of particular note is the discussion he has about transgender athletes (he himself was the first transgender athlete to compete in the NCAA). honestly, that chapter alone makes this book worth the read. 
 
overall, this to be a great resource for anyone who has always wanted to learn a little more deeply about gender identity but doesn’t know where to start. a really informative and compelling read!