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Overview
What is it like to come out to yourself as transgender at nearly age fifty? The New Normal describes my journey through coming out, hormone therapy, gender confirmation surgery, and getting legally recognized as a woman. Thanks to my academic background, this book is not just written for transgender people and their loved ones, but also for students of gender studies, social sciences, and medical professionals.
Dr. Jennifer Booker earned degrees in aerospace (BS), mechanical (MS), and biomedical engineering (PhD). She was a systems engineer for the defense and aviation industries, then taught computing for 20 years. She has pursued additional studies in psychology, feminist theory, and nursing. Her hobbies include soccer, pole dancing, figure skating, and dismantling the patriarchy.
"Jennifer's candor vividly tells her story in such a captivating way. It is entirely infectious. This book takes the reader on a gripping journey. It is informative, smart and thoroughly eye-opening." - Bernadette Pleasant, Creator of Femme!
"Dr. Jennifer Booker is one of the most courageous women I know. She has generously shared her comprehensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of transitioning." - Susana Mayer, PhD, Founder and Host of the Erotic Literary Salon
"Jennifer Booker tells a story that is brilliantly evocative in its colorful narrative of the pedestrian aspects of everyday life. I found this presentation humanizing and compelling. With curiosity and humor, she moves us away from the often salacious portrait of transwomen presented by the media to a practical one. She's gifted us with both a memoir of a whole human with a rich life and a helpful guide for trans folks considering transitioning or allies wanting to learn what to (and not to do) to support a transgender loved one." - Jill McDevitt, PhD, Sexologist and Sexuality Educator for Adults
"A straightforward, unflinching story of one person's gender transition that demystifies the process from beginning to end. The factual and academic information coupled with the personal journey reveals the complex road and basket of complicated decisions a transgender person must face." - Monica Anna Day
"Dr. Jennifer Booker's captivating autobiographical account of her transformation is both earnest and informative, and at times heartbreaking. The word chutzpah was made for women like her. She chronicles how her early experiences with sexuality and disability shaped her journey, and weaves together a complex narrative of the intersectionality of these experiences that help us to understand the social construction of femininity. The resulting manuscript is appropriate for diverse audiences, people considering GCS, and people trying to understand the transgender experience, be they members of the LGBTQIA+ community, medical professionals, scholars of gender, disability and queer studies, as well as, the curious public striving to understand social change." - Jennifer Rode, Ph.D, University College London
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781916087507 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Unbound Press |
| Publication date: | 04/25/2019 |
| Pages: | 432 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.88(d) |
Table of Contents
Praise for The New Normal
Trigger Warnings and Disclaimers
Outline
Instructor Guidance
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 – My Foundation - Childhood
Broken from the start
Growing up cripple
Hospitals and consent
Constantly moving
Bicycling
Trivia and praise for intellect
Follow the rules
Religion
Flying
The Dark Side - Randy
The Dark Side – Mr. D
The Dark Side - End it?
Music
Games
Social life? No comprende
Employment
Sex and Body Issues
Gender Roles
Lots of Good
Reflection
Chapter 2 – Adulting
Career Arc
Religion
Sex as a Young Adult
Freedom to study weird stuff
Follow the rules
Fashion curious
The Dark Side - Descent into hell
Signs of rebellion
The Dark Side - Escape
Reflection
Chapter 3 – Breaking Free and Searching for Answers
Setting up new life
Ongoing education
The Dark Side – food challenges
Song of the Sacred Whore
The Essensual Experience
5Rhythms
Private coaching
The Salon
Mark Groups
Four Agreements
Reflection
Chapter 4 – Hello Jennifer!
Michele
Immediate aftermath of coming out
Where do I go?
Going public and ‘passing’
Fetish
Clothing – first impressions
Men’s versus Women’s clothing
Pockets and Purses
Toiletries!
Vagina Monologues
Vulnerability
Reflection
Chapter 5 – Hormones are Fun!
The Drugs
Zing!
Slow Boobs
Body Hair Bye-bye
More Emotional *cries*
Voice Change
Weakness
Sex Drive
Reflection
Chapter 6 – Coming Out
Is it safe to come out?
To pass or what?
Friends
Family
Work
Reflection
Chapter 7 – Gender Confirmation
Research
Legal and Social Preparations
Advice
Cost of GCS
Getting Therapist Letters
Biopsychosocial?
Medical Preparation
Surgery and Immediate Aftermath
Recovery – the First Week
Peeing
Good hygiene isn’t optional
Healing timeline after surgery
Recovery beyond two months
Reflection
Chapter 8 – Name Change
Doctor’s Letter
Choosing My Name
Court Ordered Name Change
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Driver’s License
Passport
All the other stuff
Reflection
Chapter 9 – Social and Sexual Transition
Clothing – after coming out
Makeup Basics
Time Management
Street Harassment
Ages 5 and 15 and adult
Dating
Family Relations
Sexuality
Reflection
Chapter 10 – The Future
More transition?
Challenging physical limits
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Skydiving
Performing
Sex work
Long term self-care
Clothing evolution
Mama Gena
Legal and career impact
My ERA
More acceptance?
Closing
Reflection
Appendix A: Terminology
Appendix B: References
Appendix C: 12 Minutes
Appendix D: Coming out letter to my family
Appendix E: Coming out rebuttals
Appendix F: Drugs and Foods to Avoid Pre-surgery
Appendix G: The Federalist letter