Julia Serano, a writer and trans activist known for her insightful work on gender identity, joins the conversation to dissect the widespread issue of sexualization in society. She discusses the impact of enforced ignorance on children and the biases that maintain harmful stereotypes. Serano highlights the predator-prey dynamic in sexual relationships and its detrimental effects on agency. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a healthier sexual ethic to protect marginalized voices and challenges oversimplified views of gender identity.
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Sexualization Defined
Julia Serano defines sexualization as non-consensually reducing someone to their sexual attributes.
This reduction prevents individuals from being seen as whole persons.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Transitioning and Perceptions
Emily St. James, transitioning later in life, experienced a significant shift in how she was perceived.
This mirrored Serano's experience of increased sexualization as a trans woman.
insights INSIGHT
Predator-Prey Dynamic
The predator-prey dynamic frames men as sexual initiators and women as pursued objects.
This reinforces harmful stereotypes and limits women's sexual agency.
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A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity
Julia Serano
In Whipping Girl, Julia Serano presents a collection of essays that debunk myths and misconceptions about trans women, femininity, and gender. She argues that transphobia is deeply connected to sexism and the societal devaluation of femininity. Serano uses her personal experiences, training as a biologist, and career in queer activism to bridge the gap between biological and social perspectives on gender. The book makes a compelling case for the importance of empowering femininity and highlights the need for feminists and transgender activists to work together to create a more just and inclusive society. The third edition includes a new afterword addressing the contemporary anti-trans backlash[1][2][5].
Sexed Up
How Society Sexualizes Us and How We Can Fight Back
Julia Serano
In "Sexed Up," Julia Serano delves into the societal forces that shape our understanding of sex and sexuality. She examines how cultural norms and expectations influence our perceptions and behaviors, often leading to harmful and restrictive ideas. Serano challenges the binary view of sex and gender, highlighting the complexities of human sexuality and the need for more inclusive perspectives. The book offers a critical analysis of sexualization and its impact on individuals and society. It encourages readers to question ingrained assumptions and work towards a more equitable and liberating understanding of sex and sexuality.
Vox’s Emily St. James talks with the celebrated author and trans activist Julia Serano about her new book, Sexed Up. They talk about what "sexualization" really means, and why sexualizing behaviors are so pervasive and widespread throughout society. They also discuss why we're so prone to classify and categorize people, how patterns of what Julia calls "enforced ignorance" are communicated to children, and how we might build a society with a healthier sexual ethic — one that better protects marginalized people.
Host: Emily St. James (@emilyvdw), Senior Correspondent, Vox
Guest: Julia Serano (@JuliaSerano), writer, musician, activist
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
