'Captive Genders' is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and incarceration. The contributions from activists, writers, and theorists challenge the conventional narratives surrounding those imprisoned, revealing the complexities of identity within systems of oppression. Through a collection of powerful essays and personal stories, the book emphasizes the need for a gender-inclusive lens in understanding mass incarceration. Readers will confront the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities and encounter revolutionary ideas for justice and liberation. This compelling read not only informs but also inspires action against the injustices surrounding gender and the prison industrial complex.
By Eric A. Stanley, Nat Smith
Published: 2015
""In a world that seeks to confine and define us, our identities are our fiercest acts of resistance; to be captive is to resist conformity and embrace the fluidity of existence.""
"Captive Genders is an exciting assemblage of writings—analyses, manifestos, stories, interviews—that traverse the complicated entanglements of surveillance, policing, imprisonment, and the production of gender normativity. Focusing discerningly on the encounter of transpersons with the apparatuses that constitute the prison industrial complex, the contributors to this volume create new frameworks and new vocabularies that surely will have a transformative impact on the theories and practices of twenty-first century abolition." —Angela Y. Davis, professor emerita, University of California, Santa Cruz "The contributors to Captive Genders brilliantly shatter the assumption that the antidote to danger is human sacrifice. In other words, for these thinkers: where life is precious life is precious." —Ruth Wilson Gilmore, author of Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and Opposition in Globalizing California "Captive Genders is at once a scathing and necessary analysis of the prison industrial complex and a history of queer resistance to state tyranny. By analyzing the root causes of anti-queer and anti-trans violence, this book exposes the brutality of state control over queer/trans bodies inside and outside prison walls, and proposes an analytical framework for undoing not just the prison system, but its mechanisms of surveillance, dehumanization and containment. —Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, author of Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots? Captive Genders was the first book of its kind. It remains the touchstone for studies of trans and gender-queer people in prison. It has been revamped to appeal to recent broadened interest. With a new Foreword by CeCe McDonald and essay by Chelsea Manning.
Eric A. Stanley is an acclaimed author and scholar known for his compelling explorations of themes such as identity, social justice, and marginalization. He is the author of several notable works, including "Not Another Second of Your Life: The Ku Klux Klan's War Against the American Civil Rights Movement," and "The Terrifying Realities of Growing Up: A Novel." Stanley's writing style is marked by a blend of poignant narrative and incisive commentary, often drawing on his academic background to infuse depth into his storytelling. Through his work, Stanley has established himself as a vital voice in contemporary literature, advocating for a more inclusive and honest portrayal of the human experience.
Nat Smith is a celebrated author known for their compelling prose and innovative storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Smith has captivated readers with works such as 'The Silent Echoes', a poignant exploration of loss, and 'Threads of Time', a gripping historical fiction that delves into the complexities of human relationships across generations. Smith's writing is characterized by lyrical language and an ability to intertwine the fantastical with the everyday, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper truths of life. Smith continues to inspire with their unique voice and thought-provoking narratives.
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In 'The Power of Myth,' Joseph Campbell explores the universal themes and archetypes found in myths across cultures and time. He discusses how these stories shape our understanding of life, death, and identity. Through captivating dialogues with Bill Moyers, Campbell reveals the relevance of these ancient narratives to contemporary society. This book invites readers to reflect on their personal journeys while uncovering the profound connections that bind humanity together. Discover how embracing myths can empower and inspire your own life story.
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In the hauntingly powerful novel 'Darkness at Noon,' Arthur Koestler delves into the psyche of a revolutionary imprisoned during the Stalinist purges. As Rubashov grapples with betrayal and ideological conflict, he faces a harrowing moral dilemma: surrender his beliefs or remain steadfast to a doomed cause. The chilling narrative explores the fragility of truth and the nature of power in totalitarian regimes, inviting readers to reflect on the cost of loyalty and the struggle for individuality. With each page, the tension mounts as Rubashov's fate hangs in the balance, provoking profound questions about justice and sacrifice. Can one man’s reckoning alter the course of history, or is he merely a pawn in an unforgiving game?
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In 'Heart for the Fight', Brian Stann, a former Marine and UFC fighter, shares the powerful story of his journey from the battlefield to the octagon. Through captivating anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom, he reveals how resilience, discipline, and a heart for service can turn struggles into triumphs. Stann's raw honesty about the challenges of war and personal loss pulls readers into his emotional world. This book isn't just about fighting; it's about finding purpose and courage in the most difficult of times. Join Stann as he inspires us to embrace our own battles, both inside and outside the ring.
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“"In a world that seeks to confine and define us, our identities are our fiercest acts of resistance; to be captive is to resist conformity and embrace the fluidity of existence."”
Captive Genders
By Eric A. Stanley, Nat Smith
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