Books
Am I Trans Enough?, 210 pg
Alo Johnston, MA, LMFT
This is an exceptional book! While it is primarily written to help those who may be questioning their gender identity, it contains so much good advice in general, that I want to recommend it to everyone, trans or not. The style is very conversational and supportive, making it a very easy read.
The Human Agenda – Conversations about Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, 206 pg
Joe Wenke
A collection of interviews with some of the leading voices in the LGBTQ community.
“You’re In the Wrong Bathroom!” And 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People, 139 pg
Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD and Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW-R
This is an excellent introduction to understanding the truth about being transgender or gender nonconforming. Short chapters that can be read in any order.
Transgender 101 : A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue, 160 pg
Nicholas Teich
A more in-depth introduction to what being transgender really means.
Transgender History, the Roots of Today’s Revolution, 235 pg
Susan Stryker
Takes a chronological approach to the subject of transgender history, with each chapter covering major movements, writings, and events.
Where’s My Book?, 344 pg
Linda Gromko, MD
This is THE sourcebook for young transgender people. Dr. Gromko has been treating transgender people for decades. Covers everything from body development through puberty, to surgical options, to tips on how to “pass” as either gender.
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, 593 pg
Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD
The “Whole Earth Catalog” of all things transgender.
Beyond a Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies, 128 pg
Tara Soughers
The author is an Episcopal priest and theologian who has a transgender son.
Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, 225 pg
Austen Hartke
The author is the creator of the YouTube series Transgender and Christian, which seeks to understand, interpret, and share parts of the Bible that relate to gender identity and the lives of transgender individuals. Hartke is a graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies and winner of Luther’s 2014 John Milton Prize in Old Testament Writing.
Evolution and Christian Faith, 145 pg
Joan Roughgarden
In this book, the author, who also wrote “Evolution’s Rainbow,” focuses her critique of Darwin’s theories on how that influences the interpretation of Biblical scriptures.
Gender: Your Guide, 240 pg
Lee Airton, PhD
A guide to how gender works in everyday life; how to use accurate terminology to refer to transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender-nonconforming individuals.
The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals, 242 pg
Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper
This is a great book that covers many of the areas involved in supporting a child who is gender-variant. Excellent advice.
* One note – since it was published in 2008, it still uses the term “Gender Identity Disorder” which was the old DSM-IV term. That has been changed to “Gender Dysphoria Condition” in DSM-V
Trans Medicine: The Emergence and Practice of Treating Gender, 235 pg
stef m. shuster
shuster, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Michigan State U., examines the history and evolution of how the medical, psychological and psychiatric professions have evolved in their views and treatment of transgender patients, and how they still have a ways to go in this evolution.
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships, 224 pg
Matthew Vines
While this book only touches briefly on the issue of transgender people, I feel it is worth including here because many trans people who see themselves as Christian do struggle with issues of faith. Vines, a gay Christian man, has done an exceptional job of studying scripture, particularly in placing it in the perspective of language as it was used at the time. His conclusion is that a committed gay relationship can be as Christ-centered as a heterosexual one.
Gender: A Graphic Guide, 176 pg
Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele
This book looks at gender from a more intersectional perspective, i.e., a more contemporary one. I don’t agree with the authors on the significance of Capitalism on gender roles, but that may be my own bias. Gender roles predate Capitalism by a few millennia. Nonetheless, this is a thought-provoking book that is worth a read.
Before We Were Trans: A New History Of Gender, 352 pg
Dr. Kit Heyam, PhD
A re-examination of a number of people throughout history whose gender expressions have defied the binary definition. The chapter on Two-Spirit and Hijra people is particularly interesting.
Web Articles
How science is helping us understand gender
10 Myths About Non-Binary People It’s Time to Unlearn
Transgender 101: A Guide to Gender and Identity to Help You Keep Up with the Conversation
Transgender people: 10 common myths
Beyond the binary: how teaching children about gender could help reduce sexism
We asked 14 trans activists how cis people can be better allies
Breaking through the binary: Gender explained using continuums
Having no gender: Non-binary youth in MetroWest increasing
LGBTQ and You – an Introductory Glossary of Terms and Usage
Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators
The Trump Administration Wants to Define a Person’s Sex at Birth. It’s Just Not That Simple
‘Gender-friendly’ Tips For a Nonbinary World
Transgender Men See Sexism From Both Sides
Well-intentioned statements that hurt trans people: an ally’s guide
Portraits of Gender and Sexual Identities in the Hawaiian Community
In the Quick Start Guide I mention the Mahu in Polynesian culture. This article gives a very good explanation of the complexity of Mahu.
9 Things People Get Wrong About Being Non-Binary
Really good article in Teen Vogue magazine, which has consistently provided excellent coverage of Trans/Non-Binary issues.
The Eight Genders in the Talmud
Web Sites
TransgenderFacts.org
Good site with explanations of the most common questions people ask.
Nonbinary Wiki
Really good resource for all different definitions of being nonbinary.
Transgender Medicine Made Simple
This is an excellent YouTube channel hosted by Linda Gromko, M.D. Dr. Gromko is the author of one of the very first books focused on transgender youth, “Where’s My Book?”