"A superbly researched, powerful analysis and critique of the politicization of trans identity, from the backlash against the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage to the Court’s arguments for and against protecting trans individuals under sex discrimination law. Cannon deftly weaves extensive discussion of the law, philosophical analyses of contemporary politics, and impassioned protest into a truly enlightening and important book."
— Cheshire Calhoun, Arizona State University
"The Politicalization of Trans Identity offers a concise and critical intervention within philosophical studies of the co-enabling functions of gender, sexuality, class, and race within U.S. law, including a highly relevant focus on the increasing forms of anti-trans legislation and trans-directed violence occurring over the last decade. Cannon’s careful periodization of the Obergefell decision (2015) to the Bostock ruling (2020), as well as his detailed analyses of those Supreme Court cases and their accompanying public reactions are exemplary of the scholarly breadth and depth needed on trans issues in philosophy today."
— Andrea Pitts, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
"In a world where what usually passes for discussion of trans issues consists mainly in social-media sniping, Loren Cannon’s lucid, rigorous new book is a breath of fresh air. Whether his arguments persuade you, intrigue you, provoke you—or, variously, all of the above—you cannot help but be transformed by them. Anyone seeking insight into this important topic should buy this book."
— John Corvino, Wayne State University
"Cannon provides an astute philosophical analysis of the legal reasoning behind the US Supreme Court’s 2015 Oberfell and its 2020 Bostock decisions as well as the political and moral problems attending to both. The heart of the book, however, is a highly illuminating analysis of the so-called 'bathroom bills' through the related concepts of backlash, scapegoating, and dog whistles. Cannon’s writing is lucid, passionate, and politically grounded. And the book is a glowing example of engaged philosophy at its finest."
— Talia Mae Bettcher