Después de lo trans
Trans is over. So says Elizabeth Duval.
She’s of being a young activist instead of a writer or philosopher. She’s tired and she’s bored and that sensation of weariness is the foundation for her rage in this new book, her latest effort to shake of the dunce cap of “trans” identity. But this isn’t autofiction, let alone a pamphlet full of predigested slogans to be repeated. Post-Trans is a visceral and ambitious essay that strikes at the core of the culture wars and struggles over identity in our century. The author takes a broad view of transgenderism informed by science, sociology, aesthetics, and philosophy. She looks for its meaning and detects its limits.
What is it? A collective, an adjective, a process of assimilation, or a path to a utopia where gender doesn’t exist? With implacable critical spirit and razor-sharp prose, Duval analyzes these questions and their utility for understanding the diverse and inconsistent reality of transgenderism. In these pages, Elizabeth Duval presents an intellectual tour de force that goes beyond the socialization of gender and notions of self-determination; analyzes the conflicts between trans-activism and trans-exclusionary feminism; takes a stand between the cultural and the neomaterialist left; examines the representation of transgenderism in fiction through Venom; confronts the work of Paul B. Preciado and constant attempts to legislate identity. Through all this, she produces a work that doesn’t hesitate to offer a collective horizon with room for justice, love, and the emotions.
PRESS
«A foundational text that subsequent thinkers in trans theory will build on for a long time to come.» Julia Hubernagel, taz
«An intelligent and thoroughly controversial essay. , Duval tirelessly invites dialogue, but above all dissent. Her clear and sharply formulated theses provide ample opportunity for both, and make for a truly stimulating read.» Anne-Kathrin Weber, Deutschlandfunk
«Take the time, even if you are not interested in all the topics with a trans-adjective. With Elizabeth Duval you learn everything you need to know to maintain a democratic discourse. On any subject.» Sibylle Berg, Wolfgang Koeppen awarded author
«In her book, which will be of interest to all those seriously interested in the subject, she creates new thought structures from the rubble. She dissects the derivations, considerations and arguments of all factions on the topic of transgender in a belligerent but consistently insightful manner, without fear of irritating her own bubble.» Martin Eimermacher, Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung
«In a really extraordinarily successful interweaving of autobiographical descriptions and philosophical analysis, she develops beyond this trans theme the programme for a new undogmatic left that no longer loses itself in internal conflicts but seeks dialogue with the majority society. She does that very well.» Jens Balzer, Dlf Kultur
«Duval is very young. Maybe that’s why the book is so good, because it’s so irreverent to existing discourse set pieces. But she’s still totally well-read, tremendously smart and for me it’s the best thing I’ve ever read on trans. I like that it is not this US Anglican discourse. It also doesn’t talk about gender as an identity, but about the acquisition of gender differences. Definitely read it.» Antje Schrupp, author and journalist
TRANSLATIONS
Germany: Wagenbach
