I’m excited to announce that Prof. Doriane Coleman from Duke Law School will be guest-blogging this week to discuss her upcoming book, On Sex and Gender: A Commonsense Approach, set to release on Tuesday by Simon & Schuster. Familiarize yourself with her previous guest posts, particularly on the topic of defining women in women’s sports. Here’s a brief summary from the publisher about the book:
On Sex and Gender addresses three significant questions: What distinguishes sex from gender? How does sex impact our daily lives? And how should it influence laws and policies? These questions have been at the forefront of American discourse and politics, especially with the emergence of the trans rights movement. They are central to the platforms of both major political parties, subject to ongoing legal battles, and contentious legislative actions. Doriane Coleman challenges both sides to seek a better path. In a blend of scientific explanation, historical context, and personal insight, she argues that disregarding biological sex in favor of focusing solely on gender could have adverse effects on women’s equality, men’s future opportunities, and societal well-being. While structural sexism must be dismantled, moving forward requires being informed about sex without being blind to it.
This book serves as a clear guide for understanding sex and gender for all individuals, a topic many are eager to comprehend but hesitant to discuss. Coleman asserts that the science is conclusive, yet there exists a middle ground where common sense prevails, enabling support for transgender individuals without denying biological facts. She enriches her narrative with profiles of exceptional figures, from legal trailblazers like Myra Bradwell and Ketanji Brown Jackson to athletic champions like Caster Semenya and Cate Campbell, as well as civil rights icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Pauli Murray. Above all, Coleman emphasizes that sex is not only real but also essential—and demonstrates how society can accurately address both sex and gender.
Review from Kirkus:
An insightful exploration of legal, political, and cultural assumptions surrounding a contentious issue.
A legal scholar with expertise in sex discrimination law, elite sports, and scientific research, Coleman takes a definitive stance in the ongoing cultural clash “between those on the left who seek to erase sex and those on the right who aim to erase gender nonconformity.” Addressing a broad audience seeking understanding while remaining inclusive and true to science and common experience, the author emphasizes the biological distinctions between sex and gender. Denying the science of sex differences and favoring a social construct approach is, in Coleman’s view, contrary to both scientific evidence and logical reasoning.
Central to Coleman’s argument is the issue of sex-based eligibility in elite female competition. While advocating for inclusivity in school sports and activities, she highlights the significance of physical disparities between males and females at the elite level. Drawing from her background as a former national-level competitive runner, Coleman asserts that regardless of personal identification, a biologically male individual should not compete as the girls’ state champion. Her meticulous and well-supported analysis is likely to spark debate, yet she suggests that most individuals prefer a society that is informed about sex rather than one that disregards it.
A courageous exploration of complex territory.
-Kirkus Review
Additionally, here are some endorsements:
“Championing civil rights for women necessitates acknowledging biology. This book is groundbreaking, presenting the science, law, and politics in a clear manner. While extreme voices dominate the narrative, Doriane Coleman offers a rational path forward for the rest of us amidst the noise.”
—Edwin Moses, two-time Olympic gold medalist and chair emeritus of the United States Anti-Doping Agency
“Sexual identity begins at conception. We don’t shape it; it shapes us, from the cellular level to our entire physiological systems—our physical composition and functions. Ongoing research on sex differences holds immense promise, but as Doriane Coleman argues, we must remain ‘sex smart’ rather than ‘sex blind.’ The ‘common sense’ presented here should inform policy decisions.”
—Virginia M. Miller, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Surgery and Physiology, former director of the Women’s Health Research Center at Mayo Clinic
“This book presents a significant challenge to our political landscape, from both the left and the right. Whether you agree with her or not, if equality is your goal, Doriane Coleman offers a compelling blueprint for finding common ground on matters of sex and gender. Drawing on science, law, and personal experiences, she brings empathy and intellect to one of our most contentious cultural intersections.”
—Guy-Uriel Charles, Professor at Harvard Law School and director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice
“Male and female bodies exhibit fundamental differences, and many medical conditions affect females differently than males. Merging sex and gender poses challenges to advancing healthcare for women and their opportunities for success across various domains. In this indispensable book, Doriane Coleman demonstrates that a just society embraces gender diversity without denying scientific truths.”
—Mary I. O’Connor, MD, Olympian, Professor Emerita of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, and co-author of Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health
“Regardless of your political affiliations, this book is essential reading. Doriane Coleman dissects the intricacies of our societal debates on sex and gender, offering a sensible approach to coexisting respectfully. She recognizes that most women seek freedom from sex-based discrimination, not liberation from their biological sex—and ignoring this reality will perpetuate inequalities. Let’s embrace her commonsense approach to fostering harmonious living!”
—Martina Navratilova, 18-time grand slam singles champion and advocate for civil rights
I eagerly anticipate Prof. Coleman’s contribution!
