TRANS+

A comprehensive guide for transgender teens.

Without access to resources, growing up as a transgender person can feel isolating. However, the authors emphasize that transgender people exist as “part of a strong, important global history.” In this handbook for navigating young adulthood as a transgender person, debut author Gonzales and Rayne (Girl, 2017, etc.) organize the chapters into six sections: an introduction to gender, dysphoria, and coming out; body development and reproduction; paths for transitioning; strategies for dating, building healthy relationships, and identifying unhealthy patterns; sexual activity and health; and confronting challenges in other aspects of life like school and work. Each chapter includes diary entries from trans people of varying identities and backgrounds. The authors also chime in with their own personal reflections. Quirky portraits of each contributor accompany the diary entries and author reflections. A conversational tone makes the content more engaging and approachable. Along the way, Gonzales and Rayne stress that certain topics may be triggering or exacerbate dysphoria for readers, so they encourage skipping parts or replacing terminology that feels uncomfortable with more affirming words as a means of self-care. Every chapter ends with additional trans-centered resources. While the guide covers a broad range of topics, a central theme unites them: Transgender people of all identities have their own valuable narratives to share that are deserving of respect.

Honest, inclusive, and essential.