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. -- Bonnie R. Strickland, past president of the American Psychological Association

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.