The Transgender Guidebook: Keys to a Successful Transition

by Anne L. Boedecker

The Transgender Guidebook: Keys to a Successful Transition is a self-help book for transsexuals. It is a wise and practical guide for any transgender person considering or embarking on a gender transition. It covers everything from the beginning stages of exploration and planning through the process of transformation to life after transition. This is the first book written by an experienced professional specifically for transgender clients. It will also be of interest to family, friends, allies, clergy, teachers, helping professionals and anyone who cares about the challenges faced by those who seek to change their physical appearance to match their gender identity.

Genres: Transgender, LGBT, Self Help, Nonfiction, Gender

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2011

Reviews

[Michelle Koleva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book related to the foundations of transitioning process!

[Stephie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I feel the book is mixed. I did find parts helpful, but was disturbed by the clothing section. To have the wardrobe she suggested would be far beyond my ability to pay for. Granted I don't have to have clothes for work, or not at this present time. Somehow I felt the book was not speaking to me. That being said there is still lots of good advice in the book.

Here a some comments I have made on particular parts of the text. Numbers in brackets [] are Kindle locations.

[864] "A true Christian will not judge or reject you." What is a true Christian? In one sense there are none. One, they believe in a non-existing deity (there aren't any). Two, what Christian can possibly be true when the bar is set so high for their behavior. Plus, there are just as many types of Christians, maybe more, as there are transgender persons. Finally, what Anne L. Boedecker is making is a judgement and the rejection of all those Christians who don't meet her notion of what a "true" Christian should be. If she is a Christian herself (I have no idea about this), this would actually make her an untrue Christian.

[2497] Speaking on meeting online and dating that person, she says: ". . . take your time getting to know someone before you get together in real life." (my italics) Very good advice, but I hate the term "in real life." What chatting online is not real life. I much prefer to say "in person."

[2516] When talking about the different kinds of sexual orientation you find among transgender people, she practically leaves out transwoman to transwoman attraction. Thus, transwoman lesbians. But, she is not the only writer that has done this. I get tired of being left out of the mix. What I'm not a sexual being. [3933]. By the way, this is her only statement that refers at all to my sexual orientation, but it still is not direct: "I've also seen a shift from focusing on [sic] sexual attraction as the driving force in partner selection to affection and affiliation as the primary interest. It may be partly for this reason that transgender people often date or become involved with other transgender people." Finally, I thought a description that matches me.

As far as what's out there I feel that if you are transitioning this book could be helpful. Even if you want to understand what a transitioning transgender man or woman face it would be adequate. I left out those in the middle of the transgender spectrum (e.g. transfluid or genderqueer) because the author has.

[Mick Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be split into two main sections. First are a set of general guidelines to help someone who is thinking of transitioning along the stages of their journey. I thought this contained some good advice for the aspiring transperson, and for their family and friends. I would give this part of the book 4 stars, my only criticism being that it could have described more real life case studies, both good and bad, detailing what has actually happened to people, particularly in the early stages of their transition.
The second part of the book deals with how a transperson navigates their way through the American health care and legal systems. I would give this this section of the book one star because as a Brit this section is totally irrelevant and would have been better off in its own separate book. What is needed is an equivalent book dealing with the NHS and British legal system, but I don't think one exists at the moment.

[Cubbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading it because it made me uncomfortable. It was really outdated in terminology and general understanding of trans experiences. It was marginally helpful by giving me a sort of script to use to talk to my doctor. The author seems to think that having to wait 6+ months for your letters is good for you and shames people looking for doctors/therapists that give out letters quickly and easily, and seems to have never heard of doctors mistreating transgender patients. Other people have said this already, but it very much sticks to one narrative, even though it mentions that not everyone has the same experiences, and gives very stereotypical, gender-conforming advice.

[Paige McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been on hormones for almost five years and an out trans woman for over five years, I can say this book is a good source, and I learned a couple of things, even this late in transition. That a resource can still educate a trans woman five years into her transition says something about that resource. I like the hero's journey theme of transition. The task can indeed seem herculean, but trans people navigate it all the time. I also agree that trans people have gifts to give back if they find acceptance.

[SapphicRogue · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cis perspective on being transgender
Doesn't really explain much, just lists people you need to seek out and hire
Moreso a guide on how to be a hyperfeminine woman than just transitioning to a woman

[Sasha Wolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in 2016 and even then found it a bit dated in some of its terminology. It is mostly relevant to those transitioning from one binary gender designation to the other, despite some vague handwaving efforts at including nonbinary people.

[Lyda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's exactly what its title says, a guidebook for a successful transition with tips and instructions. It's a bit badly written but its essence is there.

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I read this book and found myself thinking, "heck, when was this written? This seems ancient!" and then was shocked to find it was published in 2011. While there were some bits and pieces I found interesting and useful the bulk seemed to be geared toward trans women with secondary information for trans men. There were very few references to non-binary or genderqueer folks, so if you're looking for information on that aspect of the spectrum I wouldn't bother.

For me the highlight of this book was in the back under the chapter "Trials and Tribulations". I thought Boedecker did a good job of capturing many emotional concerns and validating the reader, something that doesn't quite seem present through the rest of the book.

My biggest complaint would be about the language the author used. Much of Boedecker's language and tone seemed VERY judgmental, even contradictory at times. It definitely didn't feel inclusive and (as neither a trans man nor woman) I was still really alienated by it. I could have done without all of the "she"s and "he"s (really?). Oh, and while I expect it might be relevant in some parts of the country I would probably recommend skipping the chapter on fashion advice and seek information elsewhere.

[Sarah Mucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personable tone, good overview of the transition "journey". Definitely would be helpful for someone who was planning! The author sometimes said a couple things I wasn't wild about, but in the scheme of things, that didn't deter me from rating the book with 5 stars. I think this book is a fantastic companion for someone looking to transition or currently in the process of transitioning, with a great wealth of resources cited for readers to learn even more.

[Joanna Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although its written from a MTF perspective, this book does an excellent job at summarising a wide range of information into an accessible, reassuring guidebook for those who are considering transition. Well worth a look.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most helpful books about transitioning I've read. Although it was written back in 2011, the majority of it is still relevant. The author's professional background as a gender specialist helps a lot.

[Berta Briones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful guide

What to expect during your journey and also validating your feelings. A must read for those considering gender reassignment surgery.

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gender and biological essentialism
Too much space for cis tears
Often condescending
Doesn't talk much of the different experiences of enbies
Too much faith in the establishment