I'm pleased to announce that my new book Trans Lives: Social Realities across the Globe, will be released in early February 2026. Here is a link to the publisher's website:
https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=trans-lives--9781509572038
The title points to three themes. First, it's real lives that are at stake in current debates. Second, social connections and contexts are vital in these lives. Third, we need to think globally, as well as locally, about trans questions.
Here's a very short summary of what the book tries to do:
Trans Lives is not about identities or norms. It's about practical living, poverty, power, creativity, solidarity, and - unfortunately - hatred and fear. The last ten years have seen an astonishing surge of anti-trans aggression from dictatorships, cynical politicians, right-wing media, religious bigots and violent militias. A re-think of gender transitions and their contexts has become urgent. Trans Lives starts with grass-roots stories of transitioning groups from seven countries (across fifty years and four continents), plus several from the Internet. The book then discusses gender itself, the tensions in the interplay of bodies and societies, and the gritty practical side of gender transitions. It then moves to the wider context: the global story of trans medicine, the social structures that shape trans lives, and the sources and tactics of the anti-trans surge. Finally it shows the creativity of trans organizing around the world, examines relations with allies, and considers paths towards a different future.
The book deals with some tough issues, but I have tried to write it in an accessible style. I hope it will be of value to a variety of readers: first, trans women, trans men and other trans groups themselves; also family, friends, workmates and neighbours; professionals such as teachers, health workers and counsellors; policymakers, students and researchers; and anyone who is concerned about the public debates involving trans lives.
For people who live in or near Sydney, there will be a launch at Gleebooks, in Glebe, at 6 pm on 19 February 2026. Gleebooks asks you to register at their website, so they know how many are coming. Please go to: https://gleebooks.com.au/event/raewyn-connell-trans-lives/
The title points to three themes. First, it's real lives that are at stake in current debates. Second, social connections and contexts are vital in these lives. Third, we need to think globally, as well as locally, about trans questions.
Here's a very short summary of what the book tries to do:
Trans Lives is not about identities or norms. It's about practical living, poverty, power, creativity, solidarity, and - unfortunately - hatred and fear. The last ten years have seen an astonishing surge of anti-trans aggression from dictatorships, cynical politicians, right-wing media, religious bigots and violent militias. A re-think of gender transitions and their contexts has become urgent. Trans Lives starts with grass-roots stories of transitioning groups from seven countries (across fifty years and four continents), plus several from the Internet. The book then discusses gender itself, the tensions in the interplay of bodies and societies, and the gritty practical side of gender transitions. It then moves to the wider context: the global story of trans medicine, the social structures that shape trans lives, and the sources and tactics of the anti-trans surge. Finally it shows the creativity of trans organizing around the world, examines relations with allies, and considers paths towards a different future.
The book deals with some tough issues, but I have tried to write it in an accessible style. I hope it will be of value to a variety of readers: first, trans women, trans men and other trans groups themselves; also family, friends, workmates and neighbours; professionals such as teachers, health workers and counsellors; policymakers, students and researchers; and anyone who is concerned about the public debates involving trans lives.
For people who live in or near Sydney, there will be a launch at Gleebooks, in Glebe, at 6 pm on 19 February 2026. Gleebooks asks you to register at their website, so they know how many are coming. Please go to: https://gleebooks.com.au/event/raewyn-connell-trans-lives/
