In advocating for the expansion of a “critical cis studies,” zamantakis asks us to take seriously the notion that cisgender identity is a distinct concept worthy of investigation in and of itself, rather than a default state of being to which trans identity stands in opposition. […] Thinking Cis stands as a worthwhile contribution to the contemporary sociological literature on gender and trans studies.

Max Osborn, Villanova University

zamantakis provides an excellent window into more than "thinking cis." Her book reveals a great deal about how attraction and desire in today's U.S. are socially structured and produced in ways that reinforce patterns of social privilege and stigma.

Cary Costello, Univeristy of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Thinking Cis begins with a seemingly subtle yet profoundly-significant assumption: since anti-trans violence is largely perpetrated by cisgender people, understanding why it occurs and how to prevent it must begin by studying cisgender people. zamantakis expertly unpacks the often-unquestioned assumptions in our society about standards of beauty, attraction, and what is "natural," as well as their integral role in anti-trans violence. This book highlights that violence against trans people cannot be explained away as the actions of a few troubled but isolated perpetrators. Rather, through the words of everyday cisgender people, Thinking Cis suggests that the fundamental need felt by many to prove their "cis-ness" to themselves and to others can drive support for anti-trans violence. Scholars, activists, and service providers will find this to be a valuable, eye-opening addition to their shelves and their work, and an important contribution to future solutions.

Adam Messinger, Northeastern Illinois University

Creating what will be a foundational cornerstone of the emerging sub-field of Critical Cis-ness Studies, alithia zamantakis explores desire, positionality, transmisogny, and transmisogynoir through a series of interviews and focus groups with cisgender people who are attracted to women. A must read for those interested in gender, sexuality, and race, and how these experiences shape cis views of trans women.

Shanna Kattari, University of Michigan

In this provocative analysis, alithia zamantakis draws upon rich qualitative data to offer a necessary course correction for transgender studies in sociology. Training critical focus on particular ways of thinking, feeling, talking, interacting, and reacting, Thinking Cis dares us to work—collectively and intersectionally—against anti-trans violence, and towards a more expansive, hopeful, and equitable future.

Carla A. Pfeffer, Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health, Michigan State University

This brilliant and timely intervention flips a predominant line of inquiry in gender studies—that of the cultural production of transness—on its head, and in doing so, offers a powerful analysis of how cisness is informed by and produced through the logics of white supremacy, colonialism, and capitalism.

Cati Connell, Boston University