The Man Who Would Be Queen

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The Man Who Would Be Queen: The Science of Gender-Bending and Transsexualism is a book by J. Michael Bailey, published in 2003. The book discusses gender identity, transsexualism, and related psychological theories and research. Bailey, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, presents a controversial view on transgender identity, heavily drawing on the research of Ray Blanchard and his typology of transsexualism. Blanchard categorizes trans women into two groups: "homosexual transsexuals," who are attracted to men, and "autogynephilic transsexuals," who are said to be aroused by the thought of themselves as female.

Summary

The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the world of feminine (or "effeminate") gay men, the second part discusses the lives of transsexuals, and the third part delves into the science behind gender identity and sexual orientation. Bailey uses a mix of scientific research and personal anecdotes to argue that there are innate differences between men and women, and that these differences can lead to gender dysphoria and the desire for sex reassignment surgery in some individuals.

Controversy

The Man Who Would Be Queen has sparked significant controversy and criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community and some professionals in psychology and gender studies. Critics argue that Bailey's reliance on Blanchard's typology is flawed and oversimplifies the complex nature of gender identity. Furthermore, allegations have been made regarding the ethical conduct of Bailey's research and the way he obtained information from his subjects. The book has been accused of being transphobic and of contributing to the stigmatization of transgender individuals.

Impact

Despite the controversy, The Man Who Would Be Queen has ignited discussions on gender identity, the science of transsexualism, and the classification of gender dysphoria in psychological and medical fields. It has been cited in academic papers and has influenced debates on the treatment and understanding of transgender individuals.

See Also

• Gender Dysphoria
• Transgender
• Sexual Orientation
• Ray Blanchard
• Gender Identity Disorder