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Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue
Written by a social worker, popular educator, and transgender man, this well-rounded resource combines an accessible portrait of transgenderism with a rich history of transgender life and unique experiences of discrimination. The first guide to treat transgenderism as a distinct topic of study, this text moves beyond mere anecdote and recommendations for clinical practice to legitimatize transgenderism in society and culture.
Chapters introduce transgenderism and its psychological, physical, and social processes. They describe the coming out process and its affect on family and friends; the relationship between sexual orientation and gender and the differences between transsexualism and lesser-known types of transgenderism; the characteristics of Gender Identity Disorder; and the development of the transgender movement. Each chapter explains how transgender individuals handle their gender identity, how others view it within the context of "normal" society, and how the transitioning of genders is made possible. The book features men who become women, women who become men, and those who live in between and beyond traditional classifications. Written for friends, family members, students, and professionals, this resource works as a stand alone text for social work and gender studies courses as well as a supportive text for sociologists, psychologists, and clinical practitioners. A special focus on issues affecting transgender youth, along with a glossary of key terms and helpful resources, makes this an ideal guide for younger audiences as well as those invested in their care.
Chapters introduce transgenderism and its psychological, physical, and social processes. They describe the coming out process and its affect on family and friends; the relationship between sexual orientation and gender and the differences between transsexualism and lesser-known types of transgenderism; the characteristics of Gender Identity Disorder; and the development of the transgender movement. Each chapter explains how transgender individuals handle their gender identity, how others view it within the context of "normal" society, and how the transitioning of genders is made possible. The book features men who become women, women who become men, and those who live in between and beyond traditional classifications. Written for friends, family members, students, and professionals, this resource works as a stand alone text for social work and gender studies courses as well as a supportive text for sociologists, psychologists, and clinical practitioners. A special focus on issues affecting transgender youth, along with a glossary of key terms and helpful resources, makes this an ideal guide for younger audiences as well as those invested in their care.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2012
110 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 1, 2013
I was ready to give this book 4 or 5 stars...until I read the "Discrimination" chapter. There were a couple of tiny minor things that I disagreed with in the early chapters, nothing too important, especially for the purposes of sharing this with my parents (he referred to testosterone as a "male" hormone and estrogen as a "female" hormone, which is not correct from a biological standpoint, not to mention the perspective of many transpeople). That aside, I was on board with the explanations in the book, and I thought like the author did a good job explaining a lot of the basics for a broad audience.
But, oh, the chapter on discrimination. SO BAD. There is nothing about healthcare access. There is nothing about housing discrimination (even though gender variant people are hugely over-represented in the homeless population). No, instead, there is a section on marriage, and a section on military service. Putting my personal feelings about those institutions aside, and even putting aside all of the great analysis done by the folks at Against Equality, why would the discrimination chapter not even address the forms of discrimination that effect almost all transpeople- housing and healthcare? Instead, we have HRC talking points reframed for trans people? No thanks.
I still gave it three stars because the other chapters were good. Just skip chapter seven and you'll be in good shape.
But, oh, the chapter on discrimination. SO BAD. There is nothing about healthcare access. There is nothing about housing discrimination (even though gender variant people are hugely over-represented in the homeless population). No, instead, there is a section on marriage, and a section on military service. Putting my personal feelings about those institutions aside, and even putting aside all of the great analysis done by the folks at Against Equality, why would the discrimination chapter not even address the forms of discrimination that effect almost all transpeople- housing and healthcare? Instead, we have HRC talking points reframed for trans people? No thanks.
I still gave it three stars because the other chapters were good. Just skip chapter seven and you'll be in good shape.
February 10, 2024
Excellent.
Awkward (yet somehow important) self disclosure statement.
I am a psychotherapist.
I am an LGBTQ co-conspirator 🏳️⚧️
I work with many people who are transgender.
I also work with many family members of people who are or transgender.
And I myself have a family member who is transgender.
Perhaps more than one.
Before I was a therapist, I was blessed to have been welcomed as a friend, ally and colleague within the LGBTQ community 🏳️🌈
I (like everyone else) owe the LGBTQ tribe an enormous debt of gratitude for making this world, and my life a better place to live.
I have had A LOT of professional training in human sexuality, culture, race and gender issues (including issues pertinent to people who identify as transgender).
Given ALL OF THAT☝️
I learned a TON from this book.
I actually got it as a text to recommend to a family who are experiencing some turbulence in their transgender journey.
Mom and Dad were in need of some education on the subject in order to become more comfortable/inclusive/aware of transgender issues so that they can support their child.
I always read a book before I recommend it.
So I tore through this one.
And YES.
It’s absolutely SUPERB.
I learned A LOT.
I wish I had read it DECADES ago.
The world just needs this.
I absolutely recommend this text.
Even if you’re (a privileged, liberal white male) like me.
And you think you already know everything 😜
TRUST ME.
We don’t 🤩
5/5 🌟⚧️😘🇺🇸🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🌟
Awkward (yet somehow important) self disclosure statement.
I am a psychotherapist.
I am an LGBTQ co-conspirator 🏳️⚧️
I work with many people who are transgender.
I also work with many family members of people who are or transgender.
And I myself have a family member who is transgender.
Perhaps more than one.
Before I was a therapist, I was blessed to have been welcomed as a friend, ally and colleague within the LGBTQ community 🏳️🌈
I (like everyone else) owe the LGBTQ tribe an enormous debt of gratitude for making this world, and my life a better place to live.
I have had A LOT of professional training in human sexuality, culture, race and gender issues (including issues pertinent to people who identify as transgender).
Given ALL OF THAT☝️
I learned a TON from this book.
I actually got it as a text to recommend to a family who are experiencing some turbulence in their transgender journey.
Mom and Dad were in need of some education on the subject in order to become more comfortable/inclusive/aware of transgender issues so that they can support their child.
I always read a book before I recommend it.
So I tore through this one.
And YES.
It’s absolutely SUPERB.
I learned A LOT.
I wish I had read it DECADES ago.
The world just needs this.
I absolutely recommend this text.
Even if you’re (a privileged, liberal white male) like me.
And you think you already know everything 😜
TRUST ME.
We don’t 🤩
5/5 🌟⚧️😘🇺🇸🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🌟
April 24, 2012
I recently made the admission to myself and all those who love and care about me, that i was transgender, to be more specific, a pre op male to female transsexual, because in the very near future i will be having the full gender reassignment surgery, and taking hormones and all the steps necessary to live the life i should have led a long time ago but didnt have the courage or strength to do anything about it.
I bought this book for several reasons, it was a new publication released just 2 weeks ago, the tag line "a simple guide to a complex issue" intrigued me, and also because i thought this book would be able to help my mum come to terms with who i am, which she is understandable struggling with, as any caring parent would.
The book begins by explaining that the title of the book is a bit misleading, and that transgender is an umbrella term, and that the book will focus primarily on transsexuals. Thats fine by me, i was expecting this anyway, but the book does detail the other sub genres under the transgender umbrella.
Transgender 101 arrived yesterday afternoon, i began reading it there and then and carried on reading it until the small hours of this morning, and again when i awoke today. There is so much info in this book, though bare in mind that its an American publication, there is no mention of British medical procedures or anything like that, nothing about the NHS, however this book does itself many favours by not being too territory specific, and many chapters in this book will relate to many transgender people regardless of country of origin or habitat. There is a whole chapter on coming out, which expanded, could be a book in itself one day.
The chapter "transgenderism as a mental health issue" really interested me because of all i have been through, though it is an ambiguous chapter due t the subject matter, it is still very interesting to read and should put some minds at ease.
This book really is aimed at a wide audience, not just for transgender people like myself, but for my friends, family, co workers, those in the medical profession even, psychologists and psychiatrists. This book should appeal to most people who have even the smallest degree of interest in this very much misunderstood subject.
Personally, for me this book came at the right time. Although i have accepted that i do not conform to my birth gender, i have constantly struggled to gain a deep understanding of my "condition" if that is what you wish to call it. Yes i know we do not know everything about this tricky subject, but we have gained much knowledge since Jorgensen's days.
I sincerely hope this book educates all those who read it, and re-evaluates negative thoughts they once had of transgenderism. With a little luck, this book may even inspire many more transgendered people to come out, and in time maybe even more knowledge could be gained because of this momentum. There is still so much to learn about transgenderism and i honestly believe that in my lifetime this once taboo subject will be very much more mainstream than it is today, and life will hopefully become much easier for transpeople than it currently is.
Hopefully this book will teach all who read it something, no matter how significant.
I bought this book for several reasons, it was a new publication released just 2 weeks ago, the tag line "a simple guide to a complex issue" intrigued me, and also because i thought this book would be able to help my mum come to terms with who i am, which she is understandable struggling with, as any caring parent would.
The book begins by explaining that the title of the book is a bit misleading, and that transgender is an umbrella term, and that the book will focus primarily on transsexuals. Thats fine by me, i was expecting this anyway, but the book does detail the other sub genres under the transgender umbrella.
Transgender 101 arrived yesterday afternoon, i began reading it there and then and carried on reading it until the small hours of this morning, and again when i awoke today. There is so much info in this book, though bare in mind that its an American publication, there is no mention of British medical procedures or anything like that, nothing about the NHS, however this book does itself many favours by not being too territory specific, and many chapters in this book will relate to many transgender people regardless of country of origin or habitat. There is a whole chapter on coming out, which expanded, could be a book in itself one day.
The chapter "transgenderism as a mental health issue" really interested me because of all i have been through, though it is an ambiguous chapter due t the subject matter, it is still very interesting to read and should put some minds at ease.
This book really is aimed at a wide audience, not just for transgender people like myself, but for my friends, family, co workers, those in the medical profession even, psychologists and psychiatrists. This book should appeal to most people who have even the smallest degree of interest in this very much misunderstood subject.
Personally, for me this book came at the right time. Although i have accepted that i do not conform to my birth gender, i have constantly struggled to gain a deep understanding of my "condition" if that is what you wish to call it. Yes i know we do not know everything about this tricky subject, but we have gained much knowledge since Jorgensen's days.
I sincerely hope this book educates all those who read it, and re-evaluates negative thoughts they once had of transgenderism. With a little luck, this book may even inspire many more transgendered people to come out, and in time maybe even more knowledge could be gained because of this momentum. There is still so much to learn about transgenderism and i honestly believe that in my lifetime this once taboo subject will be very much more mainstream than it is today, and life will hopefully become much easier for transpeople than it currently is.
Hopefully this book will teach all who read it something, no matter how significant.
dnf
January 14, 2020I just don't have the patience to read a Transgender 101 book that assumes in the very first paragraph that the reader is "a woman or man".
April 13, 2017
My 11th grade students have the option to write about the transgender bathroom issue for their research paper. I thought I had a basic understanding of transgenderism, but this book clarified so much more. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to understand this topic.
August 10, 2019
It had some outdated and rough bits for anyone close to the subject, but it did what it set out to do- provide an accessible entry point for anyone wanting to learn in good faith.
August 29, 2012
This was a family read. We used to read the Chicagoland Vampires or the Hunger Games. Oh no, now we read My Gender Queer Workbook. Our dinner conversation is about top surgery and testosterone. I am not sure I like being a modern parent.
We have sure come a long way since Green Eggs and Ham.
We have sure come a long way since Green Eggs and Ham.
March 16, 2012
Nicholas Teich's Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue is one of those rare pieces of non-fiction that works equally well in educating (and entertaining) both within and outside the community it explores.
First of all, it's an absolutely excellent resource to share with friends, family, and coworkers whose only exposure to transgender issues or themes has been through the likes of Jerry Springer or RuPaul's Drag Race. Nicholas begins each chapter by asking broad, sweeping questions about identity, expression, and society that immediately involve the reader in the discussion. Once he has them hooked, he slowly narrows the scope of his answers, easing readers into understanding the relevant definitions in such a way that it feels they arrived there of their own accord. He's not preachy or overbearing, and wisely shies away from absolutes - instead, he presents suggestions and conclusions, but leaves interpretation open to the reader.
Along the way, Nicholas offers a series of small, simple, easy-to-understand graphs and tables that help readers to visualise the concepts he's talking about. I was immediately struck by how effectively they compliment the text, flowing naturally from his words, as opposed to jumping out at you like the high-brow, statistical monstrosities of a more scholarly tome. He's also generous with his cartoons, using them to further engage the reader by making light of the prejudices and stereotypes those of in the community face every day. They're the kind of two-or-three panel cartoons that make you chuckle, stop yourself short, rethink what's actually been said, and then come away with a comfortable smile.
As I said earlier, this is also a fascinating read for those of us within the community, effectively raising questions and prompting discussion about assumptions we've always taken for granted, but have never really thought through. He manages to challenge the most deeply held personal beliefs in such a way that you don't feel confronted, but instead welcome the chance to give the issue some thought. I'm a bit of a hoarder, one who likes her books to sit on the shelf well-read by looking unread. Having said that, my copy is proudly dog-eared and underlined throughout with passages that struck me as either inspirational or challenging.
At just under 150 pages (with the last 25 comprising a glossary, index, and appendices), it's a quick, inviting read that won't raise eyebrows or induce sighs of exasperation when you share it with friends. It's a book that' definitely more gift and less burden, and one that I fully intend to leave on my coffee table, not just to prompt discussion or educate guests, but to keep at-hand for my own personal reflection.
First of all, it's an absolutely excellent resource to share with friends, family, and coworkers whose only exposure to transgender issues or themes has been through the likes of Jerry Springer or RuPaul's Drag Race. Nicholas begins each chapter by asking broad, sweeping questions about identity, expression, and society that immediately involve the reader in the discussion. Once he has them hooked, he slowly narrows the scope of his answers, easing readers into understanding the relevant definitions in such a way that it feels they arrived there of their own accord. He's not preachy or overbearing, and wisely shies away from absolutes - instead, he presents suggestions and conclusions, but leaves interpretation open to the reader.
Along the way, Nicholas offers a series of small, simple, easy-to-understand graphs and tables that help readers to visualise the concepts he's talking about. I was immediately struck by how effectively they compliment the text, flowing naturally from his words, as opposed to jumping out at you like the high-brow, statistical monstrosities of a more scholarly tome. He's also generous with his cartoons, using them to further engage the reader by making light of the prejudices and stereotypes those of in the community face every day. They're the kind of two-or-three panel cartoons that make you chuckle, stop yourself short, rethink what's actually been said, and then come away with a comfortable smile.
As I said earlier, this is also a fascinating read for those of us within the community, effectively raising questions and prompting discussion about assumptions we've always taken for granted, but have never really thought through. He manages to challenge the most deeply held personal beliefs in such a way that you don't feel confronted, but instead welcome the chance to give the issue some thought. I'm a bit of a hoarder, one who likes her books to sit on the shelf well-read by looking unread. Having said that, my copy is proudly dog-eared and underlined throughout with passages that struck me as either inspirational or challenging.
At just under 150 pages (with the last 25 comprising a glossary, index, and appendices), it's a quick, inviting read that won't raise eyebrows or induce sighs of exasperation when you share it with friends. It's a book that' definitely more gift and less burden, and one that I fully intend to leave on my coffee table, not just to prompt discussion or educate guests, but to keep at-hand for my own personal reflection.
March 27, 2015
thoroughly critiqued by b. binaohan in decolonizing trans/gender 101
please don't let this be your only exposure to trans issues, do more reading. there's so much out there
please don't let this be your only exposure to trans issues, do more reading. there's so much out there
March 10, 2024
I was excited to discover this book. I know very little about the transgender world and this book dealt with the whole topic in such a straightforward way. It’s an introductory guide for anyone looking to understand more about transgender issues, identities, and experiences. Given the complexity and sensitivity around the topic, it's a tall order for any single book to fill, but Teich does an admirable job. I learned a lot.
First off, I appreciate Teich's approach. The book is laid out in a way that's easy to follow, making it accessible to folks who might not have any background knowledge on the subject. That's a big plus in my book. It's clear, concise, and doesn't get bogged down in jargon, which can often be a barrier for people new to the conversation around transgender identities.
One of the strengths of "Transgender 101" is its personal touch. Teich, being a transgender man himself, shares his own experiences and reflections throughout. This doesn't just add authenticity; it brings the material to life, moving it beyond abstract concepts and grounding it in real-world experiences. It's one thing to read about gender dysphoria or the process of transitioning in clinical terms, but hearing about it from someone who's lived it adds a whole other layer of understanding.
The book also does a solid job of covering a broad range of topics, from the basics of understanding gender identity and expression to more complex issues like the challenges faced by the transgender community, including discrimination, healthcare, and legal issues. There's a section on terminology that I found particularly helpful for getting a grip on the vocabulary that surrounds this whole topic.
One of the parts I found most interesting was the explanation of the difference between sexual identity and sexual attraction. Throughout the book, Teich delves into the complexities of gender identity, but I mistakenly conflated this with sexual attraction. Gender identity is about who you are in terms of being male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Sexual attraction, on the other hand, is about who you are attracted to. This distinction is crucial for understanding the transgender experience.
This book serves as a solid jumping-off point for anyone looking to familiarize themselves with transgender issues. It’s a quick read and I feel like I understand this whole world so much better.
First off, I appreciate Teich's approach. The book is laid out in a way that's easy to follow, making it accessible to folks who might not have any background knowledge on the subject. That's a big plus in my book. It's clear, concise, and doesn't get bogged down in jargon, which can often be a barrier for people new to the conversation around transgender identities.
One of the strengths of "Transgender 101" is its personal touch. Teich, being a transgender man himself, shares his own experiences and reflections throughout. This doesn't just add authenticity; it brings the material to life, moving it beyond abstract concepts and grounding it in real-world experiences. It's one thing to read about gender dysphoria or the process of transitioning in clinical terms, but hearing about it from someone who's lived it adds a whole other layer of understanding.
The book also does a solid job of covering a broad range of topics, from the basics of understanding gender identity and expression to more complex issues like the challenges faced by the transgender community, including discrimination, healthcare, and legal issues. There's a section on terminology that I found particularly helpful for getting a grip on the vocabulary that surrounds this whole topic.
One of the parts I found most interesting was the explanation of the difference between sexual identity and sexual attraction. Throughout the book, Teich delves into the complexities of gender identity, but I mistakenly conflated this with sexual attraction. Gender identity is about who you are in terms of being male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Sexual attraction, on the other hand, is about who you are attracted to. This distinction is crucial for understanding the transgender experience.
This book serves as a solid jumping-off point for anyone looking to familiarize themselves with transgender issues. It’s a quick read and I feel like I understand this whole world so much better.
June 10, 2021
Super accessible and great introduction to the subject of transgenderism - whilst focused on American data, statistics and the health care options over there, the information about gender is super helpful and has given me a better understanding of the topic. If you're completely clueless on this subject and are looking for resources to help, read this book.
June 3, 2025
VERY simplistic intro to the trans identity. Some of the wording to certain identities felt pretty outdated. Reccomend this to someone who literally has never engaged with transpeople and trans discourse & want to understand more about what they may have seen in media/out&about.
June 26, 2023
it's a little outdated and i think there's a lot of important things missing, but for what it is it's a pretty good introduction to trans issues.
June 18, 2018
Great, readable overview on what it is to be transgender today. Simple read on a complex and often misunderstood subject. Before starting this book, I probably knew more than the average person about transgenderism, but I wanted to know more about the challenges, realities, choices, nuances, and even terminology in this world. Would recommend for anybody else looking for a better understanding.
July 4, 2021
Felt somewhat dated. Good 101 introductory text, with citations, bibliography, and recommended further reading. It is what it's trying to be, a starting point, a way to go from not knowing much to knowing a little and having leads on how to learn more.
In deciding how many stars I'd give the book, I did this thought experiment: would the world be a better place if everyone who is not yet informed about transgender realities were to read this book? I think yes. It's dated, it's not perfect, but it does more good than harm by a wide margin, and that's success for a Transgender 101 book.
I agree with other reviewers that the book focused on binary transgender transitions and didn't cover nonbinary identities much or well. Arguably, and I agree it's arguable, that's okay *for a 101 book*. A plausible learning path is to first learn that transgender is a thing, that people don't always fit into the binary bucket adults assumed from looking at their newborn bodies. (Imagine explaining this to someone new to gender but learning in good faith: "Okay, so, this is going to blow your mind: gender is distinct from what physical genitals people have. People can have male sex organs but really be women. And people can have female sex organs but really be men.") And then to learn that where people land is more complex than binary buckets. (Imagine continuing that same conversation: "Okay, blowing your mind again here: there are more genders than just 'man' or 'woman'.") I'm not saying this is the only plausible learning path, and I do see that there's urgency to helping people beyond binary thinking early in their learnings about gender. But I guess I have some sympathy for the author in this: people have to start learning somewhere. Transgender 101 is a plausible, good faith start. A different book adopting a different strategy could also have been a plausible, good faith start.
I agree with other reviewers that there's a lot more discrimination and harm and trauma to discuss than is discussed in this book, in its chapter on discrimination and otherwise. I agree it would be a better intro book if it at least surveyed more of that, better introducing the breadth of the problem. That said, I think it arguably did enough for an intro text. There's no shortage of trauma and hate and pain in the world, and there are opportunities to learn about it beyond this book. I do think it's important not to lead with trauma. Lead with the joy of better understanding people as they really are and the comfort of people being more able to express who they really are. Lead with curiosity, discovery, and growth. Lead with hope for a more accepting and humane world, and the assumption that the reader wants to better understand and support people in all their diversity and the reader is choosing to learn more to get better at that. Learn about how harmful and cruel people can be to one another after getting the landscape and understanding that yes there's trauma but there's much more to gender and to transgender than trauma. Introductory book. Introduces enough.
So. I do think it's a dated but still useful 101 introductory book for the average person who doesn't know much about gender and transgender. I'll recommend to people asking in good faith how they might start to learn about this topic. I'll deflect to it when deflecting questions I lack the spoons to answer or conversations I'm not prepared to have. That's what success looks like for an intro book.
In deciding how many stars I'd give the book, I did this thought experiment: would the world be a better place if everyone who is not yet informed about transgender realities were to read this book? I think yes. It's dated, it's not perfect, but it does more good than harm by a wide margin, and that's success for a Transgender 101 book.
I agree with other reviewers that the book focused on binary transgender transitions and didn't cover nonbinary identities much or well. Arguably, and I agree it's arguable, that's okay *for a 101 book*. A plausible learning path is to first learn that transgender is a thing, that people don't always fit into the binary bucket adults assumed from looking at their newborn bodies. (Imagine explaining this to someone new to gender but learning in good faith: "Okay, so, this is going to blow your mind: gender is distinct from what physical genitals people have. People can have male sex organs but really be women. And people can have female sex organs but really be men.") And then to learn that where people land is more complex than binary buckets. (Imagine continuing that same conversation: "Okay, blowing your mind again here: there are more genders than just 'man' or 'woman'.") I'm not saying this is the only plausible learning path, and I do see that there's urgency to helping people beyond binary thinking early in their learnings about gender. But I guess I have some sympathy for the author in this: people have to start learning somewhere. Transgender 101 is a plausible, good faith start. A different book adopting a different strategy could also have been a plausible, good faith start.
I agree with other reviewers that there's a lot more discrimination and harm and trauma to discuss than is discussed in this book, in its chapter on discrimination and otherwise. I agree it would be a better intro book if it at least surveyed more of that, better introducing the breadth of the problem. That said, I think it arguably did enough for an intro text. There's no shortage of trauma and hate and pain in the world, and there are opportunities to learn about it beyond this book. I do think it's important not to lead with trauma. Lead with the joy of better understanding people as they really are and the comfort of people being more able to express who they really are. Lead with curiosity, discovery, and growth. Lead with hope for a more accepting and humane world, and the assumption that the reader wants to better understand and support people in all their diversity and the reader is choosing to learn more to get better at that. Learn about how harmful and cruel people can be to one another after getting the landscape and understanding that yes there's trauma but there's much more to gender and to transgender than trauma. Introductory book. Introduces enough.
So. I do think it's a dated but still useful 101 introductory book for the average person who doesn't know much about gender and transgender. I'll recommend to people asking in good faith how they might start to learn about this topic. I'll deflect to it when deflecting questions I lack the spoons to answer or conversations I'm not prepared to have. That's what success looks like for an intro book.
December 13, 2019
I know a number of trans people of varying ages, and I wanted to know more, in order to be more sensitive to issues they face. This simple book helped answer many questions. A great introduction.
October 17, 2021
Straightforward and information rich, it's still kind of amazing what has changed since this book was published (2012, I'm reading it in 2021). It would be great to see a revised edition.
September 14, 2019
Really excellent primer on the many meanings of the word "transgender" in American society. Great bibliography for more reading - mostly books and articles from the late 90s to mid 00s when transgenderism started entering the collective conversation more and more. Very helpful in understanding basic terminology and concepts.
May 21, 2018
I was sent this book by my newly-revealed-to-me transitioning child, so I read it. When I first found out about my child, I went online and read a lot of stuff, so this book did not contain totally new stuff for me. This book does have some good information in it, and as a method for myself of, kind of pounding it in, it was good for me. I felt argumentative about parts of it though. I felt like there were a lot of taking-for-granted stereotypes used in it, for instance, as someone else pointed out - the part about cooking being the feminine role, the idea that all parents dress their kids in blue or pink. What about those of us who dressed them in greens, yellows & orange, in purple? I felt like the author was stereotyping parents with a broad brush. This book did not answer for me, the question(s) I have, which is kind of hard to put into words. If stereotypes are to be gotten rid of, then why insist upon using the stereotypes to define oneself? I do fully get that people are born along a spectrum, of well, a lot of things. I just find myself wishing that people could be themselves and love the body they are born with, and act however. I have never thought putting silicon in your body to make parts bigger was a good idea; nor have I been a fan of lasik eye surgery just so a person doesn't have to wear glasses, for instance. I worry that messing with your plumbing can cause problems that this book did not acknowledge exist at all. It is titled '101' though. The book also did not help really with pronoun usage. It just exhausted me.
February 2, 2018
A great direct explanation of the current medical (both physical and mental) diagnosis for people who'd gender identity is questioning or non-binary conforming. It explains terminology and language used by different communities, practitioners as well as looking at past and often out dated language sometimes used that might unknowingly cause offence.
It also, and most interestingly in my opinion, looks at societies reactions - both past and present - to the trans communities, including the clashes with the LGBT* communities too. Really fascinating and succinctly illustrated without prejudice or bias.
I really recommend this to anyone interested in human rights , especially regarding trans issues as well as anyone who just wants to ask some questions but doesn't want to have to ask such personal things of a stranger! A great resource, even though the data is American focused, it still stands to inform and educate.
It also, and most interestingly in my opinion, looks at societies reactions - both past and present - to the trans communities, including the clashes with the LGBT* communities too. Really fascinating and succinctly illustrated without prejudice or bias.
I really recommend this to anyone interested in human rights , especially regarding trans issues as well as anyone who just wants to ask some questions but doesn't want to have to ask such personal things of a stranger! A great resource, even though the data is American focused, it still stands to inform and educate.
August 3, 2017
I didn't really like this book. It was really repetive at times, as if the author wanted to reach a certain word count but didn't have anything else to say. In the beginning of the book he aknowledges that many transpeople use other pronouns than he or she and yet thorought the book keeps saying 'transperson has to decide what to tell his or her friends'. The book was published in 2012 meaning that it has some outdated information about DSM etc. There were also two points that really bothered me: "Asexual people generally do not experience romantic attraction towards other people at all." Um no? That's aromantic for you. Also, the book implies that since cooking for one's spouse is stereotypically feminine thing, if a man does this, his gender expression is changing and he's practically transgender. What????
February 29, 2016
I wanted to learn more about the transgender 'issue' for lack of a better word, since I have no experience or knowledge of this at all. Transgender 101 os exactly what the title suggests: a very basic course into this complex issue. After reading it, I certainly understood more and came away with a sense of the right terminology and an overview of some major issues transgender people face. However, it's a very dry read. The tone is 100% informative and even though the author is transgender himself, there's very few personal notes. I would have loved to read more personal stories to get a better feel for all the feelings involved. The author did refer to some well-known 'cases', but even those felt purely informative. I'm sure the book would have benefitted greatly from a more personal approach.
January 18, 2019
I thought this was a mostly researched topic if a book. One of the issues that I had with the book is that discrimination chapter is lacking in things such as housing. but other than that I will say it pretty good. I liked the cartoons that the book had to add some humor to the complex guess of being transgender.
Overall, execution on simplifying the wording that can be confusing to the topic of transgender is done well. The fact that it sticks to just transgender as those who want have dysphoria and not a type of sexual disorder that basically affects only bio males who want to be a woman but once they are completely male they are at intense hatred for self in that state is great. (I can't remember the actual name for the condt=iton but it was in a book I was going to have my parents read but when it came to that topic, I knew I couldn't have them read that book.)
Overall, execution on simplifying the wording that can be confusing to the topic of transgender is done well. The fact that it sticks to just transgender as those who want have dysphoria and not a type of sexual disorder that basically affects only bio males who want to be a woman but once they are completely male they are at intense hatred for self in that state is great. (I can't remember the actual name for the condt=iton but it was in a book I was going to have my parents read but when it came to that topic, I knew I couldn't have them read that book.)
August 13, 2015
The information was useful, but I became bored with it; to be fair, that boredom probably stems from knowing virtually all this information from other sources, including my own life experiences. I also wasn't a fan of nonbinary identities first being "put aside for now" in the introduction, then shoved into a catch-all chapter at the end of the book. I guess folks like me are more of a 102 topic? That and the outdated definitions in the glossary, particularly the old-school definition of bisexuality that the community has largely rejected, turned me off to the book. I may recommend it to clients, but it's not a book that I want on my queer lit bookshelf, at least not until there is a revised edition.
September 13, 2012
I think counselors and therapists who are open to working with the Trans crowd MUST read this book. Teich does an excellent job explaining the different labels used in the Trans community, which is very very useful. I found the insights into trans children and trans adults very interesting. I don't know that this book would change anyone's mind about the Transgender issue but for those who have questions it's must. Great illumination of the difference between Gender, Sexuality, and Sexual preferences. Really very interesting.
When I read books for work, I look for utility as well as enlightenment. A+ on both levels.
When I read books for work, I look for utility as well as enlightenment. A+ on both levels.
September 23, 2013
In the introduction to this book, the author states that their goal was to write about the subject of transgender without focusing too heavily on their own personal story. To demonstrate as clearly as possible what goes through a transpersons head, the history of transgender and its medical classification.
It is certainly an excellent introduction. I highly recommend it to everyone. Not just those of you that know a trans person. EVERY. SINGLE. LAST. ONE OF YOU! If everyone came pre-armed with the knowledge this book provides we might be lucky enough to see a world where trans-people aren't immediately stereotyped as being either mentally derranged or perverts!
It is certainly an excellent introduction. I highly recommend it to everyone. Not just those of you that know a trans person. EVERY. SINGLE. LAST. ONE OF YOU! If everyone came pre-armed with the knowledge this book provides we might be lucky enough to see a world where trans-people aren't immediately stereotyped as being either mentally derranged or perverts!
August 21, 2015
This is a succinct overview of sex, gender, orientation, and various trans issues. It works equally well for people who have never been introduced to these concepts as for those who are already very familiar. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to establish a solid understanding of what it means to be transgender. One particular thing I appreciated is that although the author is a trans man, he gave roughly equal representation to trans men and women and treated issues of gender differences with appropriate sensitivity. This book is a quick and fairly simple read, and well worth checking out.
August 5, 2016
This was the July book club book at work. It’s not that long, and easy to read. This is not a memoir or personal account but exactly what it says it is, Transgender 101. I feel like I have an average knowledge of the subject, just from picking things up along the way and I don’t feel there was anything that revelatory in here for me, but it was good to go over and I did learn some things. There is a combination of history, law, language conventions, medical, and culture – a lot to fit into such a small volume! This book was published in 2012 so it’s already four years old, but probably great for the function of something like an office book club where I read it.
May 15, 2017
Although written from a US perspective (which means any legal references, medical definitions, websites,etc. may not be relevant for the UK) this is never-the-less an interesting and useful book for those wanting to explore transgender issues. It covers the history of transgender; the psychological, social and physical processes; and the differences between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. The book also explores other transgender sub-genres. It is simple to understand, readable, and would be of interest not only to those considering/undergoing transition but also to their family and friends.
June 21, 2019
A great introductory book to be familiarized with the terminologies and struggles of trans-gender community. I learned something new including fixing/clarifying some misconceptions, and how to ask questions without offending or without being too apologetic. Many topics were touched. It would have been better if those were described with a bit more depth, perhaps also with a bit more emotion. However, as the name "Transgender 101" suggests, it is only about the very basic concepts, many of which are commonly misunderstood.
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