ApPARENTly TRANS

Whether books, clothing, or other resources, here are items that we suggest that you purchase to help with the transition. Check back often, as we update this page continually. And if you've found a particularly helpful resource, contact us to let us know about it.

BOOKS

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher - Logan is a high school senior in a small town. When Sage joins Logan’s team in biology class, they develop a mutual attraction.  As they get to know one another, Logan makes typical advances -- but Sage resists.  Logan is frustrated and angry, but still wants to be with Sage and she still wants to be friends with him.  As Logan tries to understand why this beautiful girl is unwilling to be touched, Sage finally explains. 

Becoming a Visible Man by Jamison Green -  Autobiography by a leading activist and advocate for the female to male transgender community. Well written and insightful story of a transgender experience and history. 

Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt - A transgender girl's coming-of-age saga, an exploration of the budding science of gender identity, a civil rights time capsule, a legal drama, and an education about what can happen when a child doesn't turn out as his or her parents expected. This is the story about Nicole Maines - who grew up with an identical twin brother. Published in 2015.

Confessions of a Gender Defender by Randi Ettner, Ph.D.  - A series of anecdotes, notes, and memories from transgender individuals accumulated over nearly three decades as a therapist.  It encompasses segments about transgender patients ranging from young children to octogenarians.

Finding the Real Me edited by Tracie O’Keefe and Katrina Fox - compilation of stories by transgender people about their accepting, transitioning, and coming out process.

Helping Your Transgender Teen by Irwin Krieger - Helps parents of a transgender teens understand what their children are experiencing. Irwin Krieger is a clinical social worker with many years of experience helping transgender teens. According to the author, “Today’s teens have access to a wealth of information on the internet. Teenagers who are wondering about gender identity soon find out what it means to be transgender....Parents, on the other hand, know little about this topic." The book provides answers about adolescent gender identity.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters - For teens (15 and older), written from the perspective of Regan, a female high school sophomore.  Her brother Liam, a senior, can’t stand the person he is during the day.  His true self, Luna, reveals herself only at night.  For years, Liam has transformed himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be with help from his sister’s clothes and makeup in the secrecy of their basement bedrooms.  Now, everything is about to change.  

Mom, I Need to be a Girl:  Just Evelyn -  Story of one family’s journey with their teenager's transition from male to female. 

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger - A peek into the life of a high school student as he struggles with the pressures of bullying, isolation, and the unknown.  When Grady, who was born a girl, announced that he was a boy, his mother was devastated, his sister was horrified, and his father tried to be understanding.  Grady’s best friend since childhood, Eve, refused to look at him in school.  She became part of a gang of girls who tortured him.   

Raising My Rainbow by Lori Duron -  A memoir recounting the struggles of a mother fighting for her child’s right to be himself. Duron details her initial tolerance, then acceptance, of C.J.’s interests and creative gender expression.  It shows the general societal resistance to a boy who likes “girl” things.  The efforts Duron puts forth to support C.J. throughout this period reflect the love of this exceptional mother for her gender-creative child. 

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock - Heart-rending autobiography of a trans woman that provides a life map for transformation—for changing minds more than bodies. New York Times best-seller.

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan - Provocative bestseller is a winning, surprising story of a person changing genders. Both hilarious and moving, Boylan explores the territory that lies between men and women, examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family. The book is about her keeping, and finally, revealing a complex secret. As James evolves into Jennifer, a human perspective emerges on issues of love, sex, and the fascinating relationship between our physical and intuitive selves.

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community by Laura Erickson-Schroth, editor - a comprehensive guide for transgender people, with each chapter written by transgender or gender queer authors. Inspired by Our Bodies, Ourselves, this book provides authoritative information in an inclusive and respectful way. Each chapter covers an important transgender issue, such as race, religion, employment, medical and surgical transition, mental health topics, relationships, sexuality, parenthood, arts and culture, and more.

The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper - Thoughtful manual for parents and caregivers of transgender children, written by one of our country's most respected gender therapists and an experienced researcher and author of books related to the LGBT community and gender variance. 

Transgender Emergence by Arlene Istar Lev, CSW-R, CASAC - historical and current guidelines for addressing the needs of gender-variant people, including transgender children and youth. 

The Transgender Guidebook: Keys to a Successful Transition by Anne Boedecker -  Practical self-help book for transgender people. It covers everything from the beginning stages of exploration and planning through the process of transformation to life after transition. It will also be of interest to family, friends, allies, clergy, teachers, helping professionals, and anyone who cares about the challenges faced by those who seek to change their physical appearance to match their gender identity.

Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg - This book, often recommended to people new to the trans community, recounts transgender throughout history.  Feinberg uses transgender as an umbrella term for all people who challenge the boundaries of gender.  Many have experienced oppression and have fought back. These are the "transgender warriors." 

True Selves by Mildred L. Brown, PhD and Chloe Ann Rounsley - Advice from a therapist with over 25 years of working with transgender individuals.