New Books in LGBTQ+ Studies cover image

New Books in LGBTQ+ Studies

Anne E. Linton, "Unmaking Sex: The Gender Outlaws of Nineteenth-Century France" (Cambridge UP, 2022)

Dec 22, 2023
Anne E. Linton, author of 'Unmaking Sex: The Gender Outlaws of Nineteenth-Century France', discusses the complex relationship between intersex bodies and their portrayal in medical cases and literature during 19th-century France. The podcast explores the historical terminology for intersex individuals, the untold intersex story of Erykchodin Balbon, societal understanding of intersexuality, the significance of clothing in representing gender, and the balance between revolutionary narratives and heteronormativity in literature.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The book explores the complex and nuanced understanding of intersex in the 19th century, challenging the notion of a singular fascination with determining the true sex of individuals.
  • It highlights the interplay between medical discourse and literary representations, showcasing how novels at the time challenged societal norms and contributed to the cultural conversation surrounding intersex.

Deep dives

The book explores the cultural history of intersex in 19th century France

The first part of the book delves into the medical cases and legal discourse surrounding intersex in the 19th century. It examines the medical literature and explores the cultural background that influenced the portrayal of intersex characters in literary works. The book highlights the complex and nuanced understanding of intersex during this time period, challenging the notion of a singular fascination with determining the true sex of individuals.

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