Virtual Book Launch: Tomboy by Lisa Selin Davis in Conversation with Lauren Sandler

Inspired by several of her viral op-eds for The New York Times, Lisa Selin Davis’s TOMBOY: The Surprising History and Future of Girls Who Dare to Be Different explores the history, and imagines the future, of girls who defy societal expectations based on their gender. TOMBOY is a revealing dive into the forces that have shifted and narrowed our ideas of what’s normal for boys and girls, and for kids who don’t fall neatly into either category. It looks at tomboyism from a Victorian ideal to a twenty-first century fashion statement, chronicling the evolution of the pink/blue divide; what motivates those who cross or straddle it to gender independence; and the incredible people they grow up to be. Davis critically investigates the word “tomboy,” but lauds the ideas and ideals it represents.

Davis talks to experts from clothing designers to psychologists, historians, neuroscientists, and tomboys from 8 to 80, to illuminate debates about what is masculine and feminine; what is biological versus socially constructed; what constitutes the categories of boy and girl; and the connection between tomboyism, gender identity, and sexuality. Ultimately, TOMBOY is a celebration not just of tomboys but of gender diversity itself, and of those who resist the pressure of gender norms and summon the courage to live as their true selves. In TOMBOY, Davis ultimately finds that gender nonconformity is a true gift.











When: Tue., Aug. 11, 2020 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: powerHouse Arena
28 Adams St.
718-666-3049
Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Inspired by several of her viral op-eds for The New York Times, Lisa Selin Davis’s TOMBOY: The Surprising History and Future of Girls Who Dare to Be Different explores the history, and imagines the future, of girls who defy societal expectations based on their gender. TOMBOY is a revealing dive into the forces that have shifted and narrowed our ideas of what’s normal for boys and girls, and for kids who don’t fall neatly into either category. It looks at tomboyism from a Victorian ideal to a twenty-first century fashion statement, chronicling the evolution of the pink/blue divide; what motivates those who cross or straddle it to gender independence; and the incredible people they grow up to be. Davis critically investigates the word “tomboy,” but lauds the ideas and ideals it represents.

Davis talks to experts from clothing designers to psychologists, historians, neuroscientists, and tomboys from 8 to 80, to illuminate debates about what is masculine and feminine; what is biological versus socially constructed; what constitutes the categories of boy and girl; and the connection between tomboyism, gender identity, and sexuality. Ultimately, TOMBOY is a celebration not just of tomboys but of gender diversity itself, and of those who resist the pressure of gender norms and summon the courage to live as their true selves. In TOMBOY, Davis ultimately finds that gender nonconformity is a true gift.

Buy tickets/get more info now