04/28/2026
Finally! An accessible biography of one of my greatest heroes. It's depressing how many Q***r, Trans, Kinky, and Racialized people in my life have no idea who I'm talking about when I bring up Auntie Magnesia. I am overjoyed to be able to point them in the direction of this book.
Brook has done a remarkable job here at showcasing Magnus' multi-dimensionality and brilliance. Most references to Magnus I've come across prior tend to focus on one particular area of his work (homosexuality OR gender identity OR more broadly sexology). In contrast, "The Einstein of S*x" ties it all together while filling in so many gaps. I didn't know about his stances on circumcision, for instance, or that he was polyamorous and had a foot fe**sh!
As a Mixed Race Non-binary Tr*******al Le***an living in 2026 America, it's fascinating, frustrating, and affirming all at once to see how the discourse and community in-fighting hasn't changed at all in 100 years. I've spent so much of my life scared of expressing parts of myself because of respectability politics. Trans people don't like me talking about my kinks, kinky people don't like me talking about my gender, and no one likes hearing about my racial ambiguity. To know that Magnus would have not only seen me, but encouraged me to share my unique and beautiful story fills me with pride.
This book has strengthened my resolve to honor my Q***r--and more importantly--my *Human* Truth. Thank you Auntie Magnesia, and thank you Daniel Brook!
