Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity

Black on Both Sides examines the intersections of Black and trans identities from the mid-nineteenth century through present-day America. Through archival research and analysis of historical documents, C. Riley Snorton traces how these identities have shaped and informed each other across time. The book presents case studies from different historical periods, including the experiences of enslaved people, early medical research, and twentieth century narratives. Snorton analyzes newspapers, medical journals, prison records, and other documents to uncover stories that challenge conventional understandings of both racial and gender categories. The analysis moves between various spaces - from plantations to hospitals to prisons - demonstrating how Black and trans identities emerged within specific institutional contexts. Each chapter focuses on particular historical moments and figures while building connections across time periods. This work contributes to discussions about how race and gender are constructed through social, medical, and legal frameworks. By examining these parallel histories, Snorton reveals complex relationships between racial and gender transformation in American culture.

Readers appreciate the book's extensive research and archival work connecting transgender and Black histories. Many note its academic rigor while examining overlooked intersections between race and gender identity. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed analysis of historical medical records and narratives - Fresh perspectives on familiar historical figures - Clear connections between past and present trans experiences Common criticisms include: - Dense academic language makes it inaccessible to general readers - Complex theoretical frameworks can obscure key points - Some sections feel repetitive One reader notes: "The academic jargon made important insights hard to access." Another states: "The historical research is impressive but gets buried under theory." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (250+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (50+ ratings) Most academic reviewers recommend it for graduate-level studies or researchers, while casual readers suggest starting with more accessible texts on trans history.

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🔹 C. Riley Snorton drew inspiration from Black transgender pioneer Lucy Hicks Anderson, who lived openly as a woman in early 20th century California and successfully defended her gender identity in court in 1945. 🔹 The book explores how concepts of race and gender transformation were intertwined in 19th century medical experiments, including J. Marion Sims' gynecological surgeries on enslaved Black women. 🔹 The author is a professor at the University of Chicago and was the youngest person to receive tenure in the university's School of Communication's history. 🔹 The term "cross-dressing" was not widely used until the 1960s; the book examines how gender non-conformity was described and understood in Black communities before this terminology existed. 🔹 The book received the Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Nonfiction and the American Library Association's Stonewall Book Award in 2018.