Bodies in Doubt: An American History of Intersex in Bloomington, MN

Bodies in Doubt
traces the changing definitions, perceptions, and medical management of intersex (atypical sexual development) in America from the colonial period to the present day. The book breaks new ground in examining the historical roots of modern attitudes about intersex in the United States and will interest scholars and researchers in social and cultural history, gender studies, disability studies, and the history of medicine.
"In the end everyone would be well served by a society that accepts, not merely tolerates, ambiguity.
is a valuable, important book because it teaches this lesson well."—
Journal of American History
"The author’s goals of extending our thinking about intersex to an earlier era and linking often separate moments and issues are well realized in this engrossingly readable overview."—
Bulletin of the History of Medicine
"An excellent book that treats its subject matter with care and respect, and which encourages critical thinking about the issues discussed."—
American Journal of Human Biology
"Undoubtedly deserves a prominent place in the growing body of literature on intersex history and politics."—
GLQ: Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies
"An excellent history of attitudes towards intersex persons."—
Choice
"Offers much-needed voice to the much-silenced lives of intersex Americans."—
Health and History
"Reis is an engaging writer... informative, engaging, and intersex supportive in tone. It is recommended to anyone interested in the sociological history of intersex."—
PsycCRITIQUES
"An important contribution to our understanding of early American cultural history."—
International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics
Johns Hopkins University Press