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Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality Paperback – 5 May 2022

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,587 ratings

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THE
SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and a TimesSpectator and Observer Book of the Year 2021

‘In the first decade of this century, it was unthinkable that a gender-critical book could even be published by a prominent publishing house, let alone become a bestseller.’ Louise Perry, New Statesman

‘Thank goodness for Helen Joyce.’ Christina Patterson, Sunday Times

‘Reasonable, methodical, sane, and utterly unintimidated by extremist orthodoxy, Trans is a riveting read.’ Lionel Shriver

‘A tour de force.’ Evening Standard

Biological sex is no longer accepted as a basic fact of life. It is forbidden to admit that female people sometimes need protection and privacy from male ones. In an analysis that is at once expert, sympathetic and urgent, Helen Joyce offers an antidote to the chaos and cancelling.

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From the Publisher

Sunday Times bestseller

Douglas Murray

Telegraph

The Times

Spectator

Evening Standard

New Statesman

Product description

Review

'A scholarly, compassionate and courageous examination of a subject that’s sparked an unhelpful civil war within the LGBTQ community. Unlike those of her online counterparts, Joyce’s arguments are well researched, soundly made and avoid the toxicity that mars so much conversation on this topic.’

Observer, Books of the Year

‘A frighteningly necessary book: well-written, thoroughly-researched, passionate and very brave.’

-- Richard Dawkins

‘A courageous, intelligent and important work, rooted in good science and common sense.’

-- Jenni Murray

'I'm off the fence...This rigorous and brave book nails the absurd idea that sex is just a “social construct”'

-- David Aaronovitch, The Times

'A superlative critical analysis...With this fact-filled, humane, and brave book, a grown-up has entered the room.'

-- The Telegraph

'Reasonable, methodical, sane, and utterly unintimidated by extremist orthodoxy, Trans is also a riveting read.'

-- Lionel Shriver

Thank goodness for Helen JoyceTrans is a searing and at times devastating analysis of an ideological shift that has had a profound influence on many institutions in the West… With the rigour of an investigative journalist, she looks at the history of the trans movement over the past century.’

-- Christina Patterson, Sunday Times

'A tour de force. With a fine eye for detail, she brings all the elements of gender ideology together with clarity and precision...simply a must-read'

-- Evening Standard

‘anyone wanting to understand how transgender rights became such a flashpoint in identity politics – and why a generation of feminists is so determined to stand its ground – should start here with this polemical book by Helen Joyce.’

-- Patrick Maguire ― Times, Books of the Year 2021

'An intelligent, thorough rejoinder to an idea that has swept across much of the liberal world seemingly overnight. Even those outraged by Joyce’s positions would benefit from understanding them...Open conversation about such fraught issues is the only realistic path forward.'

-- Jesse Singal, New York Times

'A passionate defence'

Financial Times

Incisive, compassionate and nuanced…In the first decade of this century, it was unthinkable that a gender-critical book could even be published by a prominent publishing house, let alone become a bestseller.’

-- Louise Perry, New Statesman

I was knocked out by Trans… Biology vs magical thinking has become such a violent debate that most people involved (myself included) can’t set verbal foot in it without effing and jeffing till the air is blue. But Joyce is always cool, calm and in complete possession of her extensive collection of facts.’

-- Spectator Books of the Year

'A sane, humane book.'

-- Daniel Dennett, author of Consciousness Explained

‘There are few subjects which need treatment that is at once delicate, thoughtful and brave. Helen Joyce manages all of these things in Trans. Anyone looking to understand this most fraught of issues should start here.’

-- Douglas Murray, author of The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race, Identity

'How do we want to live? How do we want our children to live? Helen Joyce tackles this matter. Buy her book for your teenagers. Give it to your boss. Send it to the head of HR. Place it on a bench at the Royal Academy. Sex matters. Tell everyone.'

-- The Article

'Helen Joyce has written a very important, enlightened and powerfully-argued book on one of the most controversial issues of our times. For anyone who wants to understand the spirit of the age, its complexities and challenges, and how to map a truly progressive way forward. Riveting from start to finish.'

-- Matthew d'Ancona, Editor and Partner, Tortoise Media

‘A searing analysis of the transgender debate that has dominated much of public discourse in Scotland in recent years, at least among feminists… I urge you to read Helen Joyce’s book… It may well offer you a new perspective on this most troubling of national conversations. It may even change your mind.’

-- Susan Dalgety addressing Nicola Sturgeon in the Scotsman

‘This is the book every woman should read. It explains how we’re being erased, how our arguments are being distorted, and the cost of standing up...Brilliant, coruscating, brave.’

-- Joan Smith, author of Misogynies

'The author brave enough to take on the trans lobby'

-- Mail Online

‘If… you look to grasp the extent to which gender identity ideology, both academic and popular, bears comparison with the worst sort of pseudoscience, then Joyce is your pick… Perhaps because of her use of biology, Joyce’s feminism is disciplined and thoughtful… [a] careful use of science.’

-- CapX

'Well-researched, compelling...a deeply compassionate reminder that there are real trade-offs to be made in human rights activism.’

-- Ayaan Hirsi Ali

‘[Joyce] is sharp, lucid and brilliant in analysing how the recent surge of sexual ‘transitioning’ and insistence on self-declared ‘gender identity’, has undermined feminism’s achievements.’

Spiked

'The book I wish I’d had the foresight to pitch and the insight to write.'

-- Jo Bartosch, The Critic

'An ambitious, wide-ranging, yet incredibly economical book… Trans is an enormously readable and widely accessible book, full of righteous anger and common-sense feminism.'

-- The Radical Notion

About the Author

Helen Joyce is a senior staff journalist at The Economist, where she has held several positions, including Britain editor, Finance editor and International editor. Before joining The Economist in 2005 she edited Plus, an online magazine about mathematics published by the University of Cambridge. She has a PhD in mathematics from University College London. On Twitter, she is @HJoyceGender.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oneworld Publications; 1st edition (5 May 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0861543726
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0861543724
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.95 x 3.05 x 19.81 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,587 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
2,587 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They appreciate the clear writing style and well-presented arguments. The writing style is described as thoughtful and respectful. Readers describe the book as an excellent summary of trans activism and supportive of the rights of trans people. They find the pacing balanced and fair.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

230 customers mention ‘Readability’226 positive4 negative

Customers find the book accessible and informative. They say it's well-researched and presents an excellent contribution to gender ideology. The book takes readers through every aspect of how Gender Ideology is playing out in the real world, providing the facts they need to form their own opinions. It's a good starting point if you want to have an open mind and be part of an inclusive feminist movement with compassion and common sense.

"...A list of sources is provided to allow follow-up. It would have been nice to have an index...." Read more

"...Nit-picking aside, this is a brilliant book and everyone should read it, even if they're really wary of the whole debate - especially if they are..." Read more

"Really interesting book, so glad I bought it - really brave woman for speaking up against this poionous ideology" Read more

"...it as I write this, and I'm flying through it; it is accessible and informative...." Read more

109 customers mention ‘Writing quality’105 positive4 negative

Customers find the writing clear, concise, and engaging. They appreciate the author's down-to-earth style and well-presented arguments that are accessible to all readers. The book is a pleasure to read with no wasted words.

"...The book is easy to read and reflects the author's background as a journalist. A list of sources is provided to allow follow-up...." Read more

"...She's a very good writer, she explains everything in clear language that keeps you engaged...." Read more

"...Yet Joyce has taken on this job with rigour, clarity and at the same time compassion, to provide the reader with the facts he/she needs to form his/..." Read more

"Helen Joyce writes so clearly and speaks just as well - catch any of her interviews if you can." Read more

47 customers mention ‘Argued content’47 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content thought-provoking and engaging. It provides a well-reasoned argument that brings together philosophical, biological, sociological, and political information. The book offers an excellent starting point for a balanced discussion and provides signposts to other resources. Readers appreciate the sensitive and supportive approach to the issues.

"Helen Joyce has produced a fascinating account of the way in which an activist lobby has largely captured the support of those who are terrified of..." Read more

"...It is absolutely nothing like this. The book is a carefully documented argument against extremism - that’s it...." Read more

"This is an excellent, thoroughly researched and well argued book on the big questions today about transgenderism...." Read more

"...It is fair, unbiased, sensitive and serious - and a gripping read." Read more

37 customers mention ‘Writing style’37 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find it clear, concise, thoughtful, and respectful. The book provides an insightful analysis of issues and impacts.

"...This is where Helen Joyce's book comes in. She's a very good writer, she explains everything in clear language that keeps you engaged...." Read more

"...has taken on this job with rigour, clarity and at the same time compassion, to provide the reader with the facts he/she needs to form his/her own..." Read more

"Helen Joyce writes so clearly and speaks just as well - catch any of her interviews if you can." Read more

"...Helen Joyce writes thoughtfully, humanely, clearly and courageously about a complex area that ultimately affects us all. Highly recommended." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Trans activism’24 positive4 negative

Customers find the book an excellent summary of the current situation with trans activism. They say it's supportive of the rights of trans people and supportive of debate and discussion. The book is well-researched and balanced, tracking the ideology from its roots to the present. It is written with compassion and respect, describing the current trans phenomena with much needed clarity.

"...word against trans people and over and again reiterates her support for acceptance and equality...." Read more

"...There is no 'transphobia' here. This is a book against transactivism - the specific set of policies and ideology being pushed by various activists..." Read more

"This book is not, I repeat, not transphobic...." Read more

"...to state right from the beginning that this book is not transphobic in any way whatsoever...." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Balance’17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's balance. They find it fair and clear.

"...Thank you Helen Joyce for your well-researched, well-balanced, and professional book...." Read more

"...It is fair, unbiased, sensitive and serious - and a gripping read." Read more

"...It should be read by anyone interested in truth and fairness – not just women’s rights and avoiding harm to children...." Read more

"...Measured, fair and clear." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Pacing’11 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find it clear and logical, with no emotional outbursts. Some readers describe it as disturbing, alarming, and reassuring, while others find it disturbing and devastating.

"This excellent book is a brisk, eloquent, no-nonsense and well researched demolition of the gender identity ideology which has captured public and..." Read more

"...I hope it is widely read. It has brought home to me, without any haranguing, only calm reason, lucid clarity and sharp data analysis, the extent of..." Read more

"...This book is an exploration in a humane, no nonsense way why the current ideological capture and conflating of the concepts of sex and gender must..." Read more

"Interesting and disturbing book. Well researched and written." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Courage’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book brave and inspiring. It gives them the courage to question and challenge themselves.

"...is a very important case which is not over yet and she's an incredibly courageous woman, I was just a bit uncomfortable with the way Joyce left out..." Read more

"Really interesting book, so glad I bought it - really brave woman for speaking up against this poionous ideology" Read more

"...It has given me the courage to question and challenge with the ultimate aim of being considerate and compassionate to all...." Read more

"This is a brave and well written book...." Read more

Everyone Should be Reading this Book to Understand the Topic
5 out of 5 stars
Everyone Should be Reading this Book to Understand the Topic
I had to order this book from Amazon because my local bookshop, 'Unfortunately, we aren't stocking it.' Of course, you aren't. You'd have thought I asked the shop assistant for a book of spells and knives good for sacrifices by her face expression. Thankfully, Amazon is an equal opportunity bookseller. Everyone I know is getting this book for Christmas from Amazon (and I will never darken the door of an indie bookseller again). Even if you don't agree with Ms. Joyce, you should read what the other side thinks simply to be able to call yourself a reasonable human being. Here's a good list of the chapters as they should have been named as set out by reader Patrick Butler and I couldn't agree more.1. A brief history of transsexuality2. Why some men want to be women, and why some people don’t want you to know3. Gender identity 1014. The catastrophic consequences of an adult ideology for gender-dysphoric minors5. Why teenage girls are identifying out of the prospect of womanhood6. How gender-identity ideology harms all children7. How gender-identity ideology erases women8. Why female-only spaces matter so much for women9. How gender self-identification threatens to destroy women’s sports10. The American Left’s embrace of gender self-identification11. Transactivism’s long march through the institutions12. How transactivism is chipping away at civil society13. How British women are starting to fight backConclusion: Where do we go from here?And where we do go from here? Every day as I feel like it's only a few women fighting for our spaces, men who don't care becuase it doesn't affect them, the word 'man' hasn't become a trigger. Young women who haven't experienced enough life to know what is being taken from them cheering on the wrong team and what's left are few middle-aged and older women who have the strength and position to weather the storm. I never considered myself a strong feminist until the day I was told the word 'woman' was triggering. That I couldn't call myself a 'mother' because it was triggering. Just the other day Macmillian Cancer Support took the word 'women' off their site and replaced it with 'people.' So only 'people' get cervical cancer, but of course, only men still get prostate cancer. Thank you Helen Joyce for your well-researched, well-balanced, and professional book. I doubt those who really need to read it will, but it educates us even further who also hold the same opinions.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2021
    Helen Joyce has produced a fascinating account of the way in which an activist lobby has largely captured the support of those who are terrified of being considered a bigot. This is in spite of the strong likelihood that the majority who are currently unaware of the issues are unlikely to think it reasonable that rapists with intact male anatomy are incarcerated in women's prisons, or that unhappy teenage girls are railroaded into irreversible transition as a magic solution to all their problems. She documents the shift of focus of well-funded lobby groups to trans issues once gay marriage was accepted. She points out the differences between support for gay marriage, which in no way infringes the rights of those not involved, and the conflicts of interest between the demands of trans-activists for "self-ID" and the legitimate concerns of (natal) girls and women. The book is explicitly about how the current situation came about and criticism that it does not cover the viewpoints of transgendered people have misunderstood the aim.

    The book is easy to read and reflects the author's background as a journalist. A list of sources is provided to allow follow-up. It would have been nice to have an index.

    There are disturbing accounts of the aggressive treatment meted out to those who even dare to raise these topics. It is disturbing that people seem to feel that no holds need to be barred if the victim can be characterized as a bigot. The response to JK Rowling's measured contributions was appalling. It is an indication of the unfortunate effects of this bullying that there are so many examples of institutions withdrawing invitations and even issuing groveling apologies for imaginary "harm".

    Some hardline radical feminists seem to dislike men on principle, and reserve particular animosity for transgendered biological males who they see as trying to invade "womanspace". For example they consistently "misgender" transwomen and refer to them with male pronouns. This book is free of this tendency and anyone claiming it is "transphobic" has not read it carefully.

    At least one review on the internet has made much of an insignificant detail. The platypus is considered a mammal and lays eggs rather than producing live young. The lineages producing live young - marsupials (kangaroos) and placental mammals including humans - have been around for about 160 million years. Of course this is entirely irrelevant to the biological fact that reproduction in humans and related animals involves the fusion of a large egg - produced by females - and a small motile sperm produced by males. These are the only two possibilities and claims that "sex is a spectrum" require a redefinition of "sex" to be a synonym of "gender" which is itself considered as a subjective internal feeling which escapes definition except in terms of stereotypes.
    .
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 September 2021
    I put the word 'debate' in quotes because we have not been allowed to have one, although I believe this is slowly changing, thanks in no small part to books like Joyce's.

    It takes a certain amount of courage to even begin learning about the different arguments in all this - we are frequently told that even asking questions is transphobic. If you do dip your toe in you can quickly become lost in a fog of queer theory where everyday words have topsy-turvy meanings, and a sea of disinformation and unsupported, extraordinary claims.

    This is where Helen Joyce's book comes in. She's a very good writer, she explains everything in clear language that keeps you engaged. She provides evidence to back up all of her arguments.

    Two small nit-picky points with this book -

    The main one is that she seems to date women's fight-back from Maya Forstater's employment tribunal which first made the news in 2019. Women have been resisting this ideology for much, much longer than that. The earliest reference I can find is Jean O'Leary's 1974 speech at the Christopher Street Parade (precursor to Pride) but I doubt she was the first. Even in recent years there was a lot happening before Forstater, especially around the GRA consulation. Maya's is a very important case which is not over yet and she's an incredibly courageous woman, I was just a bit uncomfortable with the way Joyce left out so much about earlier actions by equally courageous women (mostly lesbians) who do not have the same kind of establishment acceptance as Joyce or Forstater.

    The second one, which is REALLY nit-picky, is that she described the retweet that got Harry Miller into trouble as 'doggerel'. It was actually a song lyric and most song lyrics come across as doggerel if taken out of context and read as poetry. It was from a song by Ali Bee - look her up on YT, she's great!

    Nit-picking aside, this is a brilliant book and everyone should read it, even if they're really wary of the whole debate - especially if they are wary. Go on, put it on your kindle, your virtue-signalling friends and colleagues won't even know.
    26 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • June Wagner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent analysis
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 November 2024
    This book describes the gender ideology issue without prejudice or any kind of hatefulness towards trans people. She just lays out the facts and educates about what is really going on. It's an amazing read. I finished it in 2 days.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book
    Reviewed in Brazil on 24 June 2024
    Amazing, show us an excellent overview of what's happening in the western world and how women are losing their rights and safety. Repectful text. Recommended
  • Silvano
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in Mexico on 27 December 2023
    Good arguments. It is very useful to consider how an ideology is promoting the sterilization of children and taking out women rights.
  • Talushkin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Common Sense At Last
    Reviewed in Canada on 8 August 2022
    This author makes so much sense. Common sense! She clearly states things that most people know to be true. However, many are bullied into either being silent or with going along with this anti scientific farce.
    It is not about being "Trans", the whole movement is about trans "activism", and that it quite a different thing. My biggest concern with this movement is its effect on children, especially young girls. We need, above all, to protect children, women and gays from this ideology. Women need women only spaces, children need to be left alone and free of ideology and gay children should NOT be declared "trans" and set on a path to transition.
    This book was a real eye opener for me . I think we have allowed a certain group, "activists" to hijack this debate, it is time that cooler heads and facts prevailed.
    i highly recommend this book, it throws a lot of light on this subject, and does so whilst being respectful of actual trans people.
  • Chris Moller
    5.0 out of 5 stars When ideology becomes a religion
    Reviewed in Italy on 8 January 2025
    The book is highly recommended to anyone wanting to understand how trans ideology has run amok and threatens the rights and safety of the very people it is suppose to protect. By pushing the extremist ideology ideas like biology is irrelevant, gender is simply a social cultural construction that can be re-defined by anyone at anytime via gender self-identification, by insisting on 128 different genders, by insisting on dozens of new pronouns, by trying to re-define biology itself, these trans extremists have become their own worst enemies. They needed to focus on equal rights and equal protection under the law, not trying to brain wash everyone on their ideology.