Raising the Transgender Child

by Michele Angello, Ali Bowman

Written by top experts in the field, Raising the Transgender Child offers much-needed answers to all the questions parents and other adults ask about raising and caring for transgender and gender diverse Is this just a phase? Did I do something to cause this? How do we protect these children? Who should I tell, and how? Will anyone love my child? Written by Dr. Michele Angello , a leading therapist and go-to expert in the field of transgender parenting, and Ali Bowman , bestselling writer and parent advocate, Raising the Transgender Child helps readers champion and celebrate gender diverse children while at the same time shedding fear, anger, sadness, and embarrassment.

With specific and actionable advice including coming-out letters, identity challenges, school and caregiver communications, and more, this comprehensive guide provides a wealth of science-backed information alongside friendly and practical wisdom that is sure to comfort, guide, and inspire the family and friends of transgender and gender diverse children.

Genres: Parenting, LGBT, Nonfiction, Gender

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2016

Reviews

[Shannon Wyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good exploration of how to parent a trans child or teen. Easy to read. Appropriate also for non-parent relatives, teachers, neighbors, family friends, and allies. The chapters are logically organized and easy to follow.

I do think the authors need to work on their conceptualization of non-binary/genderqueer identities. It doesn't seem like they are as steeped in non-binary-ness as they are in binary trans identities. For instance, they repeatedly in the initial chapters characterize those of us who are non-binary as being in the middle of a spectrum between cisgender and transgender people. And while that make work for some non-binary people, many of us see ourselves as as completely outside of any binary or spectrum. I think that Diane Ehrensaft did a better job with "The Gender Creative Child," although i haven't read that book in a couple years. So i could be disremembering.

However, overall, this is a good book that's worth checking out. It's one tool in our tool belt for helping parents and other adults support, love, and affirm the trans and gender non-conforming children and teens in their lives.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, thorough, and reassuring resource for parents. This book allays fears, clears up misinformation, and is a great way to research the topic without encountering the hate that is (sadly) found on the internet.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really helpful and reassuring book about raising a trans or gender non-conforming child. It also has information for others in the child's life (teachers, grandparents, etc.) There were excellent sections on grief, navigating relationships with family members, and other tricky subjects.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainly reads as a 101; a guide for parents whose child recently came out. But even those of us who have been through the initial discovery phase can learn from the book.

I do take issue with the “conversion/reparative therapy” terminology. In the book, the word conversion was in quotes while the word reparative was not. I worry that may lead some readers to believe that “reparative” is the appropriate word for this misguided practice. I would have added more to the section to make it clear that this practice is not “therapy”, it does not “convert” anyone, and it certainly does nothing to “repair” any transgender person.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, if you are raising a transgender child, or wonder if you might be, read this book.

But also if you are a teacher at any age level, infancy through adulthood, read this book. If you work with children in any capacity, read this book. If you know someone whose child is transgender, read this book. If you wonder what the bathroom stuff is about read this book. If you think that parents with Trans children are making the wrong choices and that you know better than they do, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.

Really just read this book.

[Marleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are raising or know a transgender child, you need to read this book. This has been such a taboo topic in the past. Nowadays people are much more open about their sexuality. The important message from this book is that we need to honor and respect people's feelings about their sexuality. This is not an easy road to follow but people need to follow their hearts; not what others think they should do. Not being true to yourself, causes unnecessary heartache.

[Jus · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important resource for anyone who is currently raising a transgender child or wants to be a well informed ally. An easy read for anyone who does not know where to start - differentiating between sex and gender and the importance of pronouns and bathrooms.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought this was a comprehensive guide for parents and families. It addressed several questions parents might think of -- but not know where to ask.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

very thorough yet concise!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

More recent examination of the issues, acknowledging that there are many ways to be gender nonconforming. Covers legal, medical, educational, family, and other issues.

[Vicki Fishman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent to help me understand gender identity.

[Susa Schwalbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy, accessible and very informative read for parents of trans kids.

[Mills College Library]

306.874 A583 2016