"Written by a social worker, popular educator, and member of the transgender community, this resource combines a portrait of transgenderism with a history of transgender life and its unique experiences of discrimination. Chapters introduce transgenderism and its psychological, physical, and social processes; describe the coming out process and its effect on family and friends; discuss the relationship between sexual orientation and gender; and explore the differences between transsexualism and lesser-known types of transgenderism. Each chapter explains how transgender individuals handle their gender identity, how others view it within the context of non-transgender society, and how the transitioning of genders is made possible. Featuring men who become women, women who become men, and those who live in between and beyond traditional classifications, this book is written for students, professionals, friends, and family members"--Cover.