ENGENDERING SOMETHING NEW
JUNO DAWSON IS PERFECTLY SUITED TO WRITE ABOUT BINARY LIMITATIONS — AND DOES SO WITH WIT AND HONESTY
BOOKS
WORDS: ULI LENART
BOOK OF THE MONTH
THE GENDER GAMES
Juno Dawson/Two Roads
Subtitled “The Problem with Men and Women from Someone Who Has Been Both,” The Gender Games is the new memoir and social manifesto from Attitude columnist Juno Dawson. Gender may be a construct but it can also be a constraint and Dawson uses her experience to help us see beyond the binary limitations of blue is for boys, pink for girls. From gay culture to exclusionist feminism, she debates some weighty issues, but keeps things accessible with a witty, conversational style (and a sprinkling of the Spice Girls). With startling honesty, she also reveals the challenges and self-doubt she’s experienced along her journey. Through sharing her story, Dawson calls for unity and understanding, but also for social change. In questioning accepted ideas about gender, patriarchy and prejudice, The Gender Games is poignant and hilarious, and features insights from a range of well-known gender, feminist and trans activists. See feature, p72. 1 June