I'm not very familiar with trans history in general, so this is an enlightening read, personally.

The main goal of this book is expanding trans history. To do a careful approach that is anti-racist, anti-imperialist and anti-sexist to trans history. This way of doing history in order to be as inclusive as possible to refer the historical archives of people disrupting gender– to me is an experience of unlearning. Occasionally I partake in queer discourse without actually investigating where a certain narrative comes from, or what and how the social political and cultural plays a role in making that narrative. That's why I think this book is an eye-opening experience in which I am unlearning my own ignorance about the diversity of queer lives through trans gaze presented with so much nuance. So much nuance that I have to grit my teeth, trying to comprehend that even such a vile and vain person can play an important role to achieve gender-affirming rights for trans people and yes I'm talking about Roberta Cowell.

Although some talking points are a little bit repetitive, I think that is what this book wants to do, to remind us again and again that "... trans gaze is what allows us to look at a case of historical gender nonconformity and remain open to the full spectrum of possibilities it represents."

This reflective semi-autobiographical history book is enriched by credible sources that supported the narrative it is trying to achieve coupled with accessible language and exploration of nuance that portrayed the messiness of trans lives, making this book an incredible read for me. 

Highly recommend!