Suggestions for books to read?

padester · March 02, 2015, 11:04:54 AM

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what books would be good to read to get a better understanding of trangender - the individuals' experiences, the science behind it, treatment, etc - just some good basic places to begin to get an understanding.

Thanks!

adrian · March 02, 2015, 12:25:41 PM

Hi there!

Welcome

I think a good place to start is Susan's! The forums are full of experiences and knowledge, lots of wisdom here

.

In terms of books I liked Nick Krieger's "Nina here nor there" (it's an autobiography). I also think Sam Killerman's "A Guide to Gender: The Social Justice Advocate's Handbook" is a great introduction to gender and trans* identities in general.

Dee Marshall · March 02, 2015, 12:26:30 PM

"Conundrum" by Jan Morris is a good start although it's a bit dated and rooted in the "standard" background that so many if us don't fit.

padester · March 02, 2015, 12:30:40 PM

Thanks for the suggestions!

Dee Walker - what do you mean by 'the "standard" background that so many if us don't fit?' I am very new to trying to understand all of this, so don't know what you are referencing.

Any other thoughts??

adrian · March 02, 2015, 12:36:42 PM

Quote from: padester on March 02, 2015, 12:30:40 PM
Thanks for the suggestions!

Dee Walker - what do you mean by 'the "standard" background that so many if us don't fit?' I am very new to trying to understand all of this, so don't know what you are referencing.

Any other thoughts??

Dee will correct me if I get it wrong, but I think this may refer to the "standard narrative" according to which a trans*person inevitably "always knew" they were trans* from earliest childhood on. This is true for many of us, but many (me included) discover this only later in life.

suzifrommd · March 02, 2015, 01:09:12 PM

I found "Whipping Girl" by Julia Serrano a very enlightening, independent take on the transgender experience.

Asche · March 02, 2015, 01:27:19 PM

I don't know if this is what Dee Walker is talking about, but from what I've seen, the "standard narrative" includes:

- "I am a man in a woman's body"/"I am a woman in a man's body"
- Knowing from an early age
- Conforming closely to the expected presentation and preferences of the target gender.

Basically, what gatekeepers have usually looked for before signing off on medical transition steps.

padester · March 02, 2015, 01:38:38 PM

Thanks for the clarification! I will look into these books, and would love other suggestions!

Dee Marshall · March 02, 2015, 01:53:27 PM

I can never remember "standard narrative", probably because the concept infuriates me!

adrian · March 02, 2015, 02:14:19 PM

Quote from: Dee Walker on March 02, 2015, 01:53:27 PM
I can never remember "standard narrative", probably because the concept infuriates me!

Oh my! I didn't mean to infuriate you [emoji15]

Dee Marshall · March 02, 2015, 03:21:20 PM

Quote from: adrian on March 02, 2015, 02:14:19 PM
Oh my! I didn't mean to infuriate you [emoji15]

You didn't. "Standard narrative" does. It keeps too many of us from realizing the truth for too long, along with "guy in a dress".

Rachel · March 02, 2015, 07:02:06 PM

A good book is "She's not there" by Jennifer Boyland.

padester · March 02, 2015, 07:07:03 PM

Thanks, people! I have 3 of them in my Amazon cart and got 2 for the kindle (Social Justice and She's not there - they were both on sale!).

Keep the suggestions coming!

AnonyMs · March 02, 2015, 07:45:39 PM

I've read a few books, but I find here and YouTube to be far more informative. There's quite a number of blogs as well that I've read when I'm looking for something about SRS. Each format has its own strengths and weaknesses, but as a whole I've found it far more useful than any of the books I've read. I quite enjoyed the books though, so I'm not saying there's no point.

adrian · March 03, 2015, 12:21:59 AM

Quote from: Dee Walker on March 02, 2015, 03:21:20 PM
You didn't. "Standard narrative" does. It keeps too many of us from realizing the truth for too long, along with "guy in a dress".

That's very true. That's why it's so important to get our stories out there!

Sorry for the off-topic OP!

YoungZep · March 03, 2015, 03:08:12 AM

Oh i wish I remember the name, ill have to get it later this week, but my therapist said she will give me a book next visit about a fully transition mtf who transition later in life. I guess a bit of inspiration and research for me. I lucked out with such a good therapist!

cindy16 · March 03, 2015, 06:39:09 AM

I'll add two suggestions here:
1.) Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon. The entire book is about how families deal with a family member who is 'different' in some way or the other, and it has a big chapter on transgenders. It is reassuring in the end, but can get really depressing in some parts (at least it was to me).
2.) Crossing: A Memoir by Deirdre McCloskey. This is still on my to read list, so I don't have an opinion on it yet.

Dee Marshall · March 03, 2015, 06:56:21 AM

I was trying to remember "Far from the Tree". My therapist recommended it last spring. Excellent. Only covers children, though.

darkblade · March 03, 2015, 06:59:02 AM

I liked The Testosterone Files by Max Wolf Valerio, he wrote it over 12 years and his focus was essentially on the changes that come with being on T.

padester · March 03, 2015, 09:46:13 AM

You guys are great. Thanks for all the suggestions! I have been enjoying the one on Social Justice - it is written in a very readable manner, so that it goes quickly but with a good amount of information. Haven't started the other yet. Will stack all of these in my amazon cart for when I get the time to check them out!

Any more suggestions are also welcome!

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Suggestions for books to read?