Synopses & Reviews
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
Review
"Thorough and comprehensive. This is a serious and important book. If you know a transsexual, care about a transsexual or are interested in understanding transsexuality, then True Selves should be on your reading list."
"Provides a useful introduction to the transsexual phenomenon for the practicing psychiatrist who may be unfamiliar with this particular sexual minority." (Wynelle Snow, M.D., Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists)
"A useful volume to have as a reference for those trying to gain some understanding of being transexxual [or] for those desiring to understand this in a friAnd or family member." (Wynelle Snow, M.D., Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists)
Synopsis
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. It offers valuable guidance for friAnds, families, coworkers and professionals who are struggling to understand these people and their situations.Using real life stories, actual letters, and other compelling examples, Mildred Brown, one of the country's most experienced clinicians in the field of transsexualism, and journalist Chloe Rounsley, give a clear understanding of what it means to be transsexual. Then, they offer practical suggestions for dealing compassionately with these commonly misunderstood individuals--such as keeping an open heart, communicating fears, pain and support, respecting choices--and other useful advice. It is the first book of its kind to combine authoritative information and humanitarian insight into the transsexual experience.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
MILDRED L. BROWN is a clinical sexologist and therapist in private practice in Los Gatos, California. She is also professor of clinical sexology at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco. CHLOE ANN ROUNSLEY is a San Francisco based writer, journalist, and marketing consultant with her own firm, Rounsley Associates. She has done extensive writing and research on the topic of transsexualism, with articles appearing in such publications as the San Francisco Chronicle.
Table of Contents
1. The Transsexual Dilemma.
2. The Childhood Years.
3. The Teen Years.
4. The Adult Years.
5. Therapy.
6. Beginning the Transition.
7. On-The-Job Changes.
8. Bringing the News Home.
9. Medical and Surgical Options Advice and Myths.
10. In Their Own Words.