Gender transition is different for everyone—get the support you need for your unique journey
Gender Transition For Dummies is an essential resource for transgender and non-binary readers who are considering the various elements of what is often called gender transition. It starts at the beginning, answering questions like, “What is transgender and what is non-binary?” and, “How Do I Know If I’m Transgender?” Learn to navigate social transition, prepare for gender-affirming surgery, tell loved ones about your transition plans, find a supportive community, and take care of your mental health.
Undertaking any of these steps is a big decision, and it isn’t always easy. With this Dummies guide, you’ll know that you aren’t alone, and you’ll get tips from experts on advocating for yourself.
- Manage gender dysphoria, find supportive care providers, and protect your mental health
- Know what to expect with hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery
- Learn how to change your legal documents and ask people to use the name and pronouns that feel right for you
Gender Transition For Dummies is here to support and guide the transgender and gender-diverse community—and their loved ones—and help them to thrive.
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Familiar with Gender Transition 5
Chapter 1: Exploring Gender Transition Elements and Common Questions 7
Chapter 2: Looking More Closely at Gender Transition 25
Chapter 3: Planning for and Adapting with Gender Transition 37
Part 2: Managing Social Transition 57
Chapter 4: Changing Your Style and Appearance 59
Chapter 5: Changing Legal Documents 71
Chapter 6: Planning for the Future 83
Part 3: Navigating Medical Transition 93
Chapter 7: Considering Primary Healthcare 95
Chapter 8: Opting for Hormone Therapy 115
Chapter 9: Deciding to Undergo Surgery 135
Chapter 10: Changing Your Tune with Voice and Speech Therapy 155
Chapter 11: Planning a Family 165
Part 4: Finding Support for Your Journey 175
Chapter 12: Reaching Out for Transition Support 177
Chapter 13: Obtaining Mental Health Support 185
Part 5: The Part of Tens 195
Chapter 14: Ten (or So) Famous Transgender and Non-Binary People 197
Chapter 15: Ten Essential Topics to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider 201
Chapter 16: Ten (or So) Trans-Friendly Organizations 209
Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Support Transgender and Non-Binary People 215
Index 223
About the author
Adrien Lawyer co-founded the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM) in 2007 to provide services, education, and advocacy for the transgender community.
T. Michael Trimm is the Executive Director at TGRCNM.
Erik Wolf is the Director of Operations at TGRCNM.
Molly Mc Clain MD MPH MS is a board certified Family and Community Medicine physician who has been providing gender care for people of all ages for many years in New Mexico.