Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue

by Nicholas Teich

Overview

Written by a social worker, popular educator, and member of the transgender community, this well-rounded resource combines an accessible portrait of transgenderism with a rich history of transgender life and its unique experiences of discrimination. Chapters introduce transgenderism and its psychological, physical, and social processes. They describe the coming out process and its effect on family and friends, the relationship between sexual orientation, and gender and the differences between transsexualism and lesser-known types of transgenderism. The volume covers the characteristics of Gender Identity Disorder/Gender Dysphoria 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 non-transgender society, and how the transitioning of genders is made possible. Featuring men who become women, women who become men, and those who live in between and beyond traditional classifications, this book is written for students, professionals, friends, and family members.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231504270
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	03/13/2012
Series:	NONE
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	343,171
File size:	808 KB

About the Author

Nicholas M. Teich is a licensed social worker pursuing a Ph.D. in social policy at Brandeis University. A member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, he trains and educates groups about gender issues and is the founder and president of Camp Aranu'tiq, the first-ever summer camp for transgender children.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction: Why This Book Was Written and How It Is Laid Out
Acknowledgments
1. What Does It Mean to be Transgender?: An Introduction to the Term
2. Sexual Orientation Versus Gender: What's the Difference?
3. Coming Out as Transgender: When
4. Transition: The Social
5. The History of Transgenderism and Its Evolution Over Time
6. Transgenderis as a Mental Health Issue: The Controversy Over Transgender Identity as a Disorder
7. Discrimination: Exploring the Barriers That Transpeople Face
8. Lesser-Known Types of Transgenderism: Understanding Cross-Dressers
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Resources for Readers
Notes
Bibliography
Index

What People are Saying About This

Bonnie R. Strickland

Like any emerging concept, the terms transgender and transgenderism have sometimes led to confusion and are subject to a myriad of interpretations. Nicholas M. Teich has written an insightful book that brings clarity and understanding to this subject. The information he transmits will be helpful to those experienced with the transgender population as well as those new to the concept.

Betty Morningstar

Transgender 101 is a highly readable and thorough primer on the history, terminology, types, politics, and the medical and social realities of the transgender population. Teich uses insights from his personal and clinical experience and from the growing body of literature in transgender studies to educate the professional and lay communities on the many layered meanings and manifestations of transgenderism. This comprehensive introduction to the subject informs without being self-absorbed or polemical.

— Betty Morningstar, MSW, Ph.D, President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers

Kevin J. Mahoney

I read Transgender 101 in a single sitting on a flight across the country. In an eminently readable fashion, Nick Teich covers topics ranging from the underlying sociological concepts of sex, gender and sexual identification to the experiences of "coming out" and "transitioning". He then situates the "trans" person in an historical context -- examining the mental health and medical ramifications of the way the change from imputed sex to "authentic" sex has been viewed and (mis)treated by society. I am glad I read this book.

— Kevin J. Mahoney, PhD, Professor and Director, Center for Participant-Directed Services, Boston College

Editorial Reviews

Transgender 101 is a highly readable and thorough primer on the history, terminology, types, politics, and medical and social realities of the transgender population. Teich uses insights from his personal and clinical experience and from the growing body of literature in transgender studies to educate the professional and lay communities on the many layered meanings and manifestations of transgenderism. This comprehensive introduction informs without being self-absorbed or polemical.

Betty Morningstar

In an eminently readable fashion, Teich covers topics ranging from the underlying sociological concepts of sex, gender, and sexual identification to the experiences of 'coming out' and 'transitioning." He then situates the 'trans' person in an historical context—examining the mental health and medical ramifications of the way society has viewed and (mis)treated the change from imputed to 'authentic' sex. I am glad I read this book.

Kevin J. Mahoney

...a fascinating read... effectively raising questions and prompting discussions about assumptions we've always taken for granted...

Bibrary Book Lust

...highly recommended reading as a user-friendly introduction.

Youth Today

06/01/2016
In this straightforward and readable introduction, topics include the distinctions among gender identity and sexual orientation, coming out, and social and medical transition as well as history, transgender as a mental illness, and discrimination. Teich provides anecdotes from his personal and professional lives. Both educational and entertaining.

Library Journal