The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie

What if you discovered that the whole concept of a gender binary is an illusion?

While many people identify as men or women, that is not all there is. The idea that all humans fall into one of two gender categories is largely a construct created by those who benefit from that belief. The reality is that gender is naturally diverse, falling inside and outside of those boxes, and more expansive ideas of gender have always existed.

In the second book of the Queer History Project, The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities around the World, author Lee Wind uses historical evidence and primary sources—poetry, ancient burial sites, firsthand accounts, and news stories—to explore gender roles and identities. Gender identities and physical bodies are as diverse as the human experience. Get ready to shatter those preconceived notions of nothing but a gender binary and dive deep into expressions of gender—both past and present—that reveal the infinite variety and beauty of everyone’s gender.

Junior Library Guild Selection CYBILS Award Nominee

"An accessible, thorough, curiosity-provoking introduction to gender."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

"Perfect for a teen audience who can digest this information in chunks while learning a lot about the gender diversity that exists in humans and other biological species. It is also an excellent resource for anyone raised in the shadow of European colonialism to combat the pervasive idea that gender is either binary or a spectrum."—School Library Journal

"Edifying…reveals worlds in which gender nonconformity is celebrated."—Foreword Reviews

"Through unpacking the ancient yet ongoing human experience with gender, Wind presents an informative and approachable starting point for readers wanting to learn what gender really is and how it may apply to them."—Booklist

"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gender & the history of gender diversity around the world. As a Brit intersex, non-binary & transmasc creativity & mental health coach in Hollywood, I feel seen and happy to know more of our contributions to humanity—lots to be proud about!" —Seven Graham, Producer, Writer, Actor

"This book will save lives. By normalizing the existence of gender diversity through time and space, by sharing a beautiful array of stories, by interrogating the tyranny of the gender binary in such a gentle yet forceful way, Lee Wind offers inspiration and encouragement at a time when it is most needed." —Dreya Blume, Psychotherapist and Author

"Lee Wind uses an easy-to-understand, engaging voice to teach young readers the important truth that there have always been more than two genders. While also developing the reader's skills for thoughtful historical analysis on any subject, Wind shares well-researched, fascinating stories and concepts for any well-rounded education. The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie belongs in every classroom, library, and bookshelf."—Sarah Prager, author of Queer, There, and Everywhere, Rainbow Revolutionaries, and A Child's Introduction to Pride

"Wind's accessible and informative deep dive into the history (and the now) of gender around the world will open eyes and minds."—Rob Bittner, LGBTQ+ Literature Advocate and Educator

Lee Wind is the founding blogger and publisher of I'm Here. I'm Queer. What The Hell Do I Read?, an award-winning website about books, culture, and empowerment for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning and Queer youth, and their Allies. He is the author of No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives and Secret Loves, which won the ILA Children's and Young Adult's Book Award and was named a 2021 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book. Lee also works for IBPA and SCBWI. to see and share how #QueerHistoryIsEverywhere.

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