Detachable Penis: A Queer Legal Saga
Title: Detachable Penis: A Queer Legal Saga
Author: Sam Elkin
Publisher: Upswell Publishing
Shortlist: John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing
As the inaugural lawyer of Victoria's queer law service, Elkin is quickly immersed in thorny debates around trans inclusion in sport, children's access to puberty blockers, birth certificate law reform and the Christian right's demand for enhanced religious freedoms. Set against the backdrop of a growing moral panic about the 'trans agenda', Elkin reflects on the double-edged sword of visibility post the 'transgender tipping point'.
Elkin offers an honest, unflinching account of chest surgery, phalloplasty, the emotional impact of cross-sex hormones and the perils of airport body scanners. Undogmatic and refreshingly open-minded, Elkin explores his ambivalence about aspects of his own transition, masculinity and fears of lesbian erasure as he encounters a new world of gender-affirming psychologists, surgeons and speech pathologists.
Through an examination of Elkin's legal casework and law reform efforts, Detachable Penis offers a kaleidoscopic view of LGBTIQA+ communities living on the margins. This politically sharp narrative offers a nuanced account of the lateral violence, poor mental health and activist burn out that besets the contemporary LGBTIQA+ rights movement.
Part love letter and part cautionary tale, Detachable Penis offers a darkly humorous glimpse into Elkin's unique life in the law that will undoubtedly spark many prickly conversations.
Judges’ report
Sam Elkin’s Detachable Penis is a bold, darkly funny memoir that dives headfirst into the intersections of queer identity, community law and the bureaucratic absurdities of Australian society. Through Elkin’s sharp wit and unflinching honesty, we follow the chaos of working at a queer legal service, navigating life on testosterone and the struggle to carve space in both the legal and queer landscapes. Elkin’s reflections are tender, angry and hilarious, filled with stories that reveal not only systemic injustices but also the vibrant, flawed and resilient communities that push back. This is storytelling that disarms with humour and hits with heart.
About the Author
Photo by Wildhardt
Sam Elkin
VPLA book photography by Sarah Walker
The 2025 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards are proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria.