Lou Sullivan Diaries (1970-1980) and Theories of Sexual Embodiment

This book highlights the intersection between theory and lived experience, academic description and the personal narrative of Lou Sullivan. Sullivan puzzled in his diaries over the conundrum of his desire to transition from female to male in order to be a gay man. The reader will follow Sullivan as he struggles with his feelings of maleness, in his troubled relationship with his lover, Tom, through his many sexual escapades, and finally, as he begins taking hormones. Alongside the diaries is an engagement with body and gender theories, accessible to the introductory reader, yet also taking up current debates especially in transgender studies.

Makes available the personal diary of an important figure in trans history with a critical analysis of gender/queer/trans theory Introduces several theories of gender, sexuality, and embodiment in an accessible way Carries out original phenomenological analyses, in the theoretical part of the book

Inhalt

Acknowledgments.- Introduction.- Chapter 1 Lou Sullivan Diaries: 1970-1973.- Chapter 2 Theoretical Introduction to Discourse and the Body: Foucault, Butler, Queer Theory, and Transgender Studies.- Chapter 3 Lou Sullivan Diaries: 1974-1975.- Chapter 4 Discourses Available to Sullivan: The Kinsey Reports and The Transsexual Phenomenon.- Chapter 5 Lou Sullivan Diaries: 1976-1980.- Chapter 6 A Phenomenology of Embodiment.- Conclusion, by Lou Sullivan.- Appendix.- San Francisco Chronicle articles about Steve Dain.