“The Savvy Ally” book - reviews?

[Hagosaurus]

Looks like this book by Jeannie Gainsburg is being highlighted in school as part of Pride. Does anyone know anything about it?

Not much. I've just read part of a sample so it only gives a small flavour.

I feel like there could be some good things in it. I'm really struck though by the fact that it makes being an ally sound like an absolutely exhausting grind. Apparently people who strive to be 'the perfect ally' may 'burn out' - why? What's so hard about it and why dies it get harder over time? She even implies that it's her full time job...

Also that she has already had to do another edition of the book after 3 years because things have changed so much.

Yes, personally it is hard when a lesbian is described as a 'straight white transgender man'. But obviously I an not enough of an ally. Except that I'm bisexual. Do I need to be an ally if I'm also part of the LGBTQ+? Should I just sit back and wait got the author to be an ally to me? Or is this much, much more about generational politics than sexuality?

Some interesting links. The Google books page then links to the author's (she/her/hers) website.

https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Savvy_Ally.html?id=jN2wEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

It doesn't seem the worst out there, though in the advice for healthcare providers it 'helpfully'' says that "a transman should be given a roommate who is also a man." Lots of the use of the word "unsafe", but some is just sensible all round advice - use spouse / partner rather than husband / wife for example. Overall it is centre the T, there is very little around the LGB.

https://www.savvyallyaction.com/

"a transman should be given a roommate who is also a man." Lots of the use of the word "unsafe"

That was not an intentional follow on of the two points, but it is notable that 'safe' is generally relating to feelings and yet the actual real risk is ignored because feelings are more important.