I guess I had gotten pretty used to being around people who at least had a vague idea of what being transgender meant, because I'm still in high school and kids my age are aware, even if not accepting or understanding. But the other day I was explaining to her why she needed to not call my friend by his birth name, and she was really confused as to what "transgender" meant. So I was hoping for some book recommendations? Thanks!

I've not read much transgender literature.  One book I have read, though, and that I could highly recommend is a novel called "Annabel" by Kathleen Winter.  It's actually about a young intersex person, not transgender, but there's a lot in it (most of it in fact) that a transperson can really relate to.  It's a good description of what it's like to live in one gender when you'd really prefer to live otherwise.

In any case, if not precisely to the point, it's a beautiful novel and well worth reading.  Hopefully someone else can give you other suggestions.

This is something I can actually relate with. I've been trying for years to get my family to understand my need to transition and how important it is for me. I've given them everything under the sun  to read but they still refuse to understand anything.  Right now I've reached a point in my life where I don't care what they do, because I need to transition or else.

Quote from: wolfxheart on October 14, 2014, 08:15:06 PM. . . she was really confused as to what "transgender" meant. So I was hoping for some book recommendations? Thanks!

Wolf heart good luck with that !! One of the first books I discovered in early eighties was 'Mirror Image' by Nancy Hunt but, last time I checked, tough book to find. Nowadays there's sooo much literature on the subject that any 'agreement' on what constitutes 'transgender' has become 'take yer pick', just about anything goes!

One easy read: Transsexual.org . . .
("" is proud to be an officially approved iGuide resource for the Encyclopaedia Britannica "" lol is THAT so!! )

Aside from online resources, I personally haven't read or shared much with friends and family. A former SO of mine is very into queer literature and highly recommends the work of S Bear Bergman. His writing is a combination of essay/story telling, so it has an emotional aspect that can help cisgender folks better understand and identify with what it means to be trans. That being said, I would recommend having them peruse online before you get them into reading books. There is a wealth of information out there for free.