True Selves was the first ever book I read about Transsexualism and Gender Identity. My partner suggested it shortly after she came out to me. This was a significant book not only because of the circumstances surrounding the book, but also because the book deals with Transsexualism in a gentle and honest way. It is a simple book to read that doesn’t get bogged down in the technical and scientific details (which it does refer to where it needs to).
True Selves is split into various sections covering a wide range of topics from what transsexualism is and moves through the typical presentations and problems that transsexuals have at the various life stages, and into therapy and transition issues such as coming out at home, transitioning at work and medical and surgical options.
The book is co-authered by a clinical sexologist (Mildred L. Brown) and a writer and journalist (Chloe Ann Rounsley) and is based on Brown’s decades of experience of working with transsexuals.
I found the book very insightful and although it doesn’t delve into the broader range of gender variance, it does offer a large amount of insight into what transsexualism means for transsexuals and their partners, friends and family. The book is also an American publication so it won’t offer insights into negotiating the NHS.
For those newly come out to partners, family or even co-workers, I recommend you order a few of these to pass around.
Reviewed by Jo-Anne
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