While many people identify as men or women, that is not all there is.
This month, Zest Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, releases the second book of its Queer History Project. The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World is a nonfiction YA book that takes readers on a journey to examine gender identity and representation throughout history and across cultures. Follow along with author Lee Wind, the founding blogger and publisher of I’m Here. I’m Queer. What The Hell Do I Read?, as he breaks down the walls that make up the gender binary.
The idea that all humans fall into one of two gender categories is largely a construct created by those who benefit from that belief. The reality is that gender is naturally diverse, falling inside and outside of those boxes, and more expansive ideas of gender have always existed.
Wind utilizes historical evidence and primary sources—poetry, ancient burial sites, firsthand accounts and news stories—to explore gender roles and identities. From these historical artifacts, teen readers will discover that gender identities and physical bodies are as diverse as the human experience.
The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie brings to light new perspectives to help teen readers and beyond understand the importance of asking questions, the history of gender and gender roles. With respect and empathy, the text reveals the infinite variety and beauty of everyone’s gender.
—From staff reports