Education, education, education

[Amy A]

Hi all,

Since my last thread I've been doing lots of serious thinking, I've read as much as I can here and have generally been feeling super low.

A lot of the responses to my previous OP suggested I get as much information as I can together about transitioning so I'm fully informed. I've returned home today to find a letter about an appointment with a psychologist, so I've decided I need to get reading.

I'm aware of google and its powers but I would be grateful if anyone could recommend any books, blogs or websites that made a difference for them.

As ever, I'm grateful for any help.

[arbon]

Things that I found helpful -

www.tsroadmap.com

and book "True Selves"

[Rianna Humble]

I would agree with tsroadmap.com and a number of long-term members here have also found Dr Anne Vitale's website (http://www.avitale.com/) very useful

[Aprilrain]

"Shes not there" is a good book

[DaniG]

One of the first things I read was "Transition & Beyond: Observations on Gender" by Reid Vanderburgh. Reid was a long time therapist for transsexuals and a F2M himself. It's aimed mainly at therapists, but if you want to get more meat than just testimonials and history, get at the psychology, then it's a great read.

http://www.transtherapist.com/about-reid/transition-beyond-observations-on-gender-identity

[melissaK]

All of the above.

Plus: Kate Bornsteins "My Gender Workbook" really helps YOU discover where your notions of gender, what's a man, what's a woman, come from. I just finished it. It's a strong recommend.

Plus: Arlene Lev, "Transgender Emergence". Books in 3 sections. The first is TG in history (its not a modern condition). The other sections read fine too. I just gave my copy away to our public library in hopes it makes it into general circulation.

Plus: If you can handle psychology journals try: Routledge Press, "Handbook of LGBT - Affirmative Couple and Family Therapy". I've just started and don't have much opinion yet except much applies indirectly, in that issues of self acceptance and coming out are commen to all GLB and T alike.

[KellyJameson]

I also like reading personal accounts of others who have transitioned to see similarities in their feelings, stories and struggles.

It is very powerful when you read that one story that really compares to your own experience.

I agree with April that "She's Not There" By Jenny Boylan was excellant only because her words rang true for me, other than I never married or had children so did not have the additional trauma of affecting those I love.

The book has been out for a while so used book stores or Amazon usually have a copy.

Whipping Girl by Julia Serano may be another but she is an intense thinker so be forewarned

Remember there is only one of you and each person must walk this path in their own unique way.

It is a journey of many many small steps that prepares you for the big steps.

Learn to first crawl than walk and than finally to run, otherwise you will fall down and get seriously hurt.

[ReineD]

You might also want to read Helen Boyd's two books, if only to see what fits and what doesn't. Helen wrote the first, "My Husband Betty", when she thought that her husband was a crossdresser. The second book, "She's Not The Man I Married", was written as her partner was coming to terms with being transsexual. I believe that Betty has now transitioned.

This is Helen Boyd's website, who is a strong advocate for gender and trans issues: http://www.myhusbandbetty.com

I wish you all the best along your journey, Rachel, and I think it is wonderful that you are exploring and determining who you are before making life commitments as a male.

:hugs:

[Amy A]

Wow, thanks for all the replies, you're a lovely bunch :)

I'm going to order a few things on Amazon.



I wish you all the best along your journey, Rachel, and I think it is wonderful that you are exploring and determining who you are before making life commitments as a male.


Reine, I've read many of your posts here and you've been a huge help to me despite us not talking directly. My biggest fear is trying to supress this and it coming back to bite me some way down the line when I could have children depending on me. It's impossible to ignore now, so I have to come to terms with the fact that this is my life now. Thanks for your kind words :)

I told a female friend tonight. She came out as gay to me earlier this week so I thought we could help each other through all of this. She was really great about the whole thing and wants to help in anyway she can. That's three people in three weeks, so I've got a few people to help me through this now.

Thanks again to everyone for your replies :)