really interesting and accessible new perspective on the current state of gender history and its limits. very refreshing to read work pushing for something different to the sanitised and falsely objective narratives of traditional histories of gender non-conformity by expanding 'trans' history. i like the idea of history having ethical potential especially to challenge bigotry and narrow-mindedness and that trans history can actually encompass all aspects of gender disruption, rather than just focusing on trans* identity. 
very broad historical overview and first person perspective, felt like having a conversation with an academic which was cool, but not my favourite way to read history. Read a little like theory but with strong historical grounding that was purposefully intersectional. 
4.75/5!

Did I like it? Yes
Do I recommend it? Yes

I like how this book embraces an expansive definition of trans with regard to historical and present-day community, acknowledging that people can be part of multiple communities which may not make sense to outsiders. I felt like this framework worked well in exploring how gender, sexuality, and the body have been linked in different ways and for different reasons over time and in different cultures. 

Though the author is a white nonbinary person, I felt like they made efforts to be acknowledge how this affects their perspective and were respectful to people of color they discussed. 

I normally like listening to works read by their creator, but I actually found Kit Heyam to be hard to understand at times. 

Thoughtfully and carefully written work of nonfiction. Heyam does a fantastic job of covering a wide breadth of gender throughout history while explaining why trans history is so hard to define. I came away MUCH more informed about a wealth of topics. The intersex chapter was especially enlightening due to recent events and it really made me want to chuck this book at everyone's face.

While it was carefully written, at times it did feel a bit exhausting with how careful it was (not that it's a bad thing). I also wish some topics could have gone a little deeper, but overall this was a fantastic read that I highly recommend.