Before Gender

Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in History

'Before Gender is at once a vital weapon in the fight against the denial of trans history and a heart-stopping collection of human stories. I'm thrilled to know the people in its pages and I already know they will stay with me.'
Kit Heyam, author of Before We Were Trans

'An eye-opening read, crisply written, on such a timely topic.'
Susan Stryker, author of Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution

'With this tour de force history of thirty trans people from 1850 to 1950, Eli Erlick shows us a whole new side to trans narratives that both informs and entertains.'
Riki Wilchins, author of Queer Theory/Gender Theory

'We are so lucky to have a gifted storyteller unearth these lost tales of our trans and nonbinary forebears, and weave them all together into this heartwarming, uplifting book. Before Gender shows that history can be both entertaining and impactful while addressing the most pressing issues for trans people today.'
Kate Bornstein, author of Gender Outlaw

'Not only have trans people always existed; we have always sought ways to live fuller and more authentic lives. Before Gender chronicles trans people from 1850 to 1950 growing up, working, falling in love, getting in trouble, playing sports and building community as we've always done and always will do.'
Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer

'Before Gender is unique from works by the likes of Serano or Stryker, who include valuable trans stories but do not hold them as the central focus. While invaluable to gender scholars, the book, in its narrative structure, reaches beyond the academy and will undoubtedly be of value to activists and allies seeking a grounded historical examination of trans life as a counterargument to rising anti-trans politics.'
Maedbh Pierce, LSE Review of Books

'Trans readers will find powerful validation within Before Gender, and all readers will learn history that helps them make sense of our current moment. As Erlick quotes activist Jos© Rizal in the afterword: 'Know history, know self. No history, no self.' Before Gender is a powerful antidote to hatred and an affirmation of trans lives.'
BookPage starred review