This groundbreaking, all-inclusive, uncensored, must-have guide is for teens who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, gender fluid, or are questioning their gender identity or how they express themselves, and for their cis-allies and advocates.
Gender is hard. Really hard, because it is made up; it's a way that humans have developed over the millennia to simplify how we see and interact with our complex and messy world and to classify and categorize all the people in it. The concept of gender has changed over time and not everyone agrees on the ways gender works or how to define it. But individuals alone are the ones who gets to determine for themselves what gender means and how to live it.
Trans+ answers hard questions about gender expression and identity; covers mental health and wellness as well as developing bodies and reproduction; transitioning medically, socially, and legally; healthy vs. unhealthy relationships; sex and pleasure; and life as a trans or nonbinary individual. It's full of essential information teens need--and want--and includes up close and personal stories from the authors and trans youth, evocatively relating their own experiences of love, sex, romance, and just being their wonderful selves.
But perhaps most importantly, Trans+ will remind readers that no matter where they may live and who they are, transgender and non-binary people have often held a revered place in their societies as shamans, healer, leaders, and esteemed rulers. And just like their ancestors, they are perfect, whole and complete beings, no less than the stars and stardust covering the entire universe.
Karen Rayne, PhD is the Executive Director of UNHUSHED. She writes comprehensive sexuality education curricula, books for children, teenagers, and parents, and trains professionals internationally. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram @karenrayne. Visit www.karenrayne.com and www.unhushed.org to learn more.
Kathryn Gonzales, MBA, is the Operations & Programs Director at Out Youth, a Co-Chair of the steering committee for the Central Texas Transgender Health Coalition, the Chair of the board of directors at HavenCon, and a commissioner on the City of Austin's LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission. She has been working in the nonprofit sector, specifically youth advocacy and organizing, for 15 years. She has facilitated state-wide youth lobby days, organized state-wide conferences on LGBTQIA+ youth leadership and empowerment, and created the Queer Youth Media Project during her time at the Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival. Kathryn's research into the evolutionary importance of storytelling in our everyday lives heavily influences her work and is always seeking out new ways for youth to share their stories with the world.
Anne Passchier, illustrator of
TRANS+: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You and
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride is an illustrator and designer from The Netherlands. They are currently living in Cleveland, Ohio.
Nyk Rayne, illustrator of
TRANS+: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You, is an illustrator and animator with a BFA from the Art Institute of Houston.
