Shelving: Molly Haskell - My Brother, My Sister

There are far better trans narratives out there than Molly Haskell's memoir of her sister's transition, My Brother, My Sister , most of which are written by actual trans people. That's not to say that the perspective of loved-ones is completely without value (Helen Boyd's books come to mind), and it would be naive to say that transitioning has no impact on family members, but writing about it does bring up issues appropriation, and letting trans people tell their own stories. (Haskell's sister granted her permission to write the book.) But even baring that, Haskell makes a lot of trans-101 mistakes. Here is a prime example:

Despite Hilary Swank's virtuoso performance as Teena Brandon/Brandon Teena in Boys Don't cry, I hate the duplicity. Yes, that yahoos were uptight and murderous, but she in some sense invited the violence by taunting their manhood, pulling the wool over their eyes, and acting in bad faith. The fact is that a large number of transsexuals are murdered every year by those who feel duped or tricked. (emphasis mine.)

Drawing on one of the oldest -- and most dangerous -- tropes about trans people "duping" potential romantic partners is inexcusable, and she misgenders her sister throughout the book. I don't doubt that Haskell loves her sister, but her barely veiled shame permeates her writing. I guess she could be praised for her "warts and all" approach, but that honestly comes at a price, and frankly, it's intellectually lazy. She name checks the right people, but still doesn't get it.