Product Description

Combines authoritative information and humanitarian insight into the transsexual experience

Filled with wisdom and understanding, this groundbreaking book paints a vivid portrait of conflicts transsexuals face on a daily basis––and the courage they must summon as they struggle to reveal their true being to themselves and others. True Selves offers valuable guidance for those who are struggling to understand these people and their situations.

Using real life stories, actual letters, and other compelling examples, the authors give a clear understanding of what it means to be transsexual. They also give other useful advice, including how to deal compassionately with these commonly misunderstood individuals––by keeping an open heart, communicating fears, pain and support, respecting choices.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297149 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
"I would strongly recommend this book as a primer for anyone interested in this topic." (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35:2)

Review
"I would strongly recommend this book as a primer for anyone interested in this topic." (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35:2)

"It might help anyone else faced with this rather difficult situation." (Saga, April 2009)

From the Inside Flap
While transsexualism may seem a rare phenomenon, statistical data indicates that about 1% of the population is transsexual. Add to that number the friAnds, family, coworkers, and professionals who treat them, and it becomes apparent that the experience of transsexualism affects a great number of people.Mildred Brown––one of the country′s most experienced clinicians in the field of transsexualism––and journalist Chloe Rounsley have written the first book that combines authoritative information and compassionate insight into the transsexual experience. Filled with wisdom and understanding, this groundbreaking guide paints a vivid portrait of the myriad conflicts transsexuals face on a daily basis and the courage they must summon as they struggle to reveal their true essence to themselves and others. Using real–life stories, actual letters, poems, and other compelling examples, the authors give a clear understanding of what it means to be transsexual. And the book offers important recommAndations for the friAnds, families, coworkers, and professionals who treat these commonly misunderstood individuals. In addition to breaking down common misconceptions about transsexualism, the book offers important recommAndations and guidance about dealing with both the phenomena and with the transsexual person.The authors illustrate how the support of family, friends, and professionals can help ease the burden of confusion, fear, and frustration that plagues the lives of transsexuals. And, the book provides a wealth of down–to–earth information including:

• A clear explanation of the differences between transsexuals and homosexuals, lesbians, transvestites, drag queens, and female impersonators
• Basic information about the emotional and physiological components of the transsexual experience that will help to demystify this often misunderstood group
• Suggestions for friends and family to help them cope during the difficult adjustment period

Customer Reviews

Ho hum, which pigeon hole do you fancy?
Unfortunately this book is not helped by an overpowering bias towards the USA. Looking at previous reviews only enforces this fact. So anyone looking for information on how to deal with Gender Dysphoria outside the States is likely to be disappointed. I read this early in my own transition and found it to be of very little help. However I am based in the UK, I can appreciate that American Transsexuals may get much more from this book.

Also the middle of the road approach that we are all happy little things, if only we can be treated is misleading. The lack of exploration of sexuality as a distinct and seperate issue is a particular failing. Like the rest of humanity, Transsexuals are an example in diversity, no two are the same. Like a previous reviewer I am not a victim and would prefer not to be shown as such.

This book needs to be handled with care, it does not hold all the answers despite the impression you may receive from the previous reviews. However it is certainly worth looking at.

The best book of its kind.
I've read a number of books describing transsexualism, hoping to find the right one to give to people as I tell them about my own transition. When I read this one, I knew this was it, and I told my parents about myself within the week. They have since told me that this book was essential to their understanding of my condition. I believe the authors have provided an invaluable resource for anyone whose life is touched by knowing a transsexual person.

Not grateful for crumbs from the table...
This book was bought for my mother, but after reading it, I decided it wouldn't help her.

Aside from the books heavy focus on male to female transsexuals, it only appeared to pay lip service to those of us who are gay, bisexual, or queer identifed. As for trans people who still identify as trans, in-between, a-gendered, "other" etc, well, according to the author we appear not to exist at all.

I found the tone of the book somewhat patronising as well, with an element of apology on our behalf from the author. She also seemed to portay us as victims, to a degree. Well I for one am not a victim of my transgenderism, and I do not wish to be portayed as some kind of tragic figure. I don't feel it does anyone any good in the long term.