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Matthew H. Sommer, "The Fox Spirit, the Stone Maiden, and Other Transgender Histories from Late Imperial China" (Columbia UP, 2024)

New Books in East Asian Studies

CHAPTER

Transgender Histories in Qing China

This chapter explores six significant court cases from Late Imperial China that reveal complex gender identities and societal perceptions surrounding them. The speaker reflects on their research journey from legal to social history, emphasizing unexpected findings that enhance understanding of transgender experiences. Through detailed narratives, particularly highlighting the lives of those assigned male at birth who transitioned to female roles, the chapter illustrates the intricate interplay between gender identity, legal frameworks, and societal norms of the time.

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