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Distributed for University Press of New England

Trans/Portraits

Voices from Transgender Communities

Although transgender people are increasingly represented in academic studies and popular culture, they rarely have the opportunity to add their own voices to the conversation. In this remarkable book, Jackson Shultz records the stories of more than thirty Americans who identify as transgender. They range in age from fifteen to seventy-two; come from twenty-five different states and a wide array of racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and identify across a vast spectrum of genders and sexualities. Giving voice to a diverse group of individuals, the book raises questions about gender, acceptance, and unconditional love. From historical descriptions of activism to personal stories of discrimination, love, and community, these touching accounts of gender transition shed light on the uncharted territories that lie beyond the gender binary. Despite encounters with familial rejection, drug addiction, and medical malpractice, each account is imbued with optimism and humor, providing a thoughtful look at the daily joys and struggles of transgender life. With an introduction and explanations from the author, this work will appeal to transgender individuals, their significant others, friends, family, and allies; health-care providers, educators, and legal professionals; and anyone questioning their own gender, considering transition, or setting out on their own transition journey.

232 pages | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | © 2015

Women's Studies


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Table of Contents

Acknowledgments • Notes on Style • A Brief Time Line of Transgender History in the United States • Character Reference • Introduction • The Vocabulary I Had Been Lacking • I’ve Never Heard of Anyone’s Transition Experience Being Easy • You Can’t Do It Alone • What Happens to Those of Us with Multiple Identities? • We Don’t Put Ourselves in Vulnerable Situations Willingly • Accidental Activists • Glossary of General Terms • Glossary of Medical Terms • Appendix A: Summary of Criteria for Hormone Therapy and Surgeries • Appendix B: Resources for Medical and Mental Health-Care Providers • Appendix C: Recommended Reading on Transgender Narratives and History

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