Butler was inspired to write this book after being attacked in 2017 in Brazil while speaking, at least one of whom shouted at Butler, saying "Take your ideology to hell!"[1] Butler is interested in the literal demonization of gender by analyzing the historical context of the anti-gender movement.[2]
Content
In this book, Butler explores the roots of current anti-trans rhetoric, which they define as a "phantasm" that aligns itself with emerging authoritarian movements.[3] The book discusses the conservativemovement against transgender rights, abortion and feminism, which is coalesced under the "anti-gender movement". Butler covers examples from Pope Francis's comments comparing transgender people to nuclear weapons and Vladimir Putin calling Europe 'Gayropa' and saying gender is a Western construct that will destroy the family. Butler argues that the moment calls for solidarity between persecuted groups and a coalition of resistance.[4][5][6]
Reception
The book has been described as "the most accessible of their books so far, an intervention meant for a wide audience".[7]
In the review for The Economist, the book is said to be the most accessible of Butler's works, however the writing is "served up with a large portion of post-modern word salad".[8]
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