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Traversing Gender: Understanding Transgender Realities
In the current age of gender identity and transgender awareness, many questions are coming to light for everyone. Whether brought about by media and cultural attention or personal journeys, individuals who have never heard of transgender, transsexual, or gender variant people can feel lost or confused. Information can be hard to find, and is often fragmented or biased. Meanwhile, trans people are getting a chance to dialogue with each other and finally be heard by the world at large. In Traversing Understanding Transgender Realities , author Lee Harrington helps make the intimate discussions of gender available for everyone to understand. Topics - Understanding the terms “trans� and “transgender� - Differences (and crossovers) between sex, gender, and orientation - The wide array and types of trans experiences - Social networking and emotional support systems for trans people - Navigating medical care, from the common cold to gender-specific procedures - What “transitioning� looks like, from a variety of different approaches - How legal systems interplay with gender and trans issues - Extra challenges based on gender, race, class, age and disability - Skills and information on being successful a trans ally Bringing these personal matters into the light of day, this reader-friendly resource is written for students, professionals, friends, and family members, as well as members of the transgender community itself. It is here for you and those in your life, helping create an opportunity for overcoming the challenges trans people face through awareness and action, making the world a better place one life at a time.
276 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Lee Harrington
22books110followersLee Harrington is an internationally known sexuality, relationships, and personal authenticity educator. Having taught in all 50 states and across 6 countries, he brings a combination of playful engagement and thoughtful academic dialogue to a broad audience. An award-winning author and editor on human gender, sexual, and sacred experience, his books include “Traversing Gender: Understanding Transgender Journeys,� “Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM and Beyond,� and “Shibari You Can Use: Japanese Rope Bondage and Erotic Macramé,� among many other titles. He has been blogging online since 1998, and been teaching worldwide since 2001. You can check out Lee’s adventures, as well as his regular podcast, tour schedule, free essays, videos, and more, over at .
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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March 13, 2020This is a very slightly dated but otherwise excellent primer on the state of gender, gender transformation, and allied topics in the early 21st century, quite suitable as a starting point for those who are still in the "WTF, it's just male and female" stage. The often-bewildering array of terminology, old and new, is pretty thoroughly covered, including how some of the older terms have morphed into slurs in certain contexts, and where and among whom they might remain in use.
Starting from "What is Transgender?" to an overview of the distinction between sex and gender, the various ways people are engaging the issue with and without medical interventions, historical and contemporary comparisons to cultures that have acknowledged such variants for ages, this serves well as a resource for those questioning their own gender identity, those who discover themselves among such people without understanding the issues at play, and those who are simply curious what all the hubbub is about. Sources are relatively well cited, and the back includes an extensive list of resources for more information and supporting organizations, though this is likely the most dated part as URLs shift and organizations rise and fail.
All that said, I have to take one star off for the editing. Too much of the text seems too obviously to have been worded one way at first, and then a phrase was shifted without checking to see if the rest of the sentence still makes sense. A few parts were rendered unintelligible, while other were simply jarring or confusing. For example:
Like, I get the point, and I agree, I think, but I had to read that like three times. Nevertheless, if there is ever to be an updated and perhaps expanded edition, I find this to be such a useful and non-preachy resource that I would happily offer the author my editing services free just to support the project.
Starting from "What is Transgender?" to an overview of the distinction between sex and gender, the various ways people are engaging the issue with and without medical interventions, historical and contemporary comparisons to cultures that have acknowledged such variants for ages, this serves well as a resource for those questioning their own gender identity, those who discover themselves among such people without understanding the issues at play, and those who are simply curious what all the hubbub is about. Sources are relatively well cited, and the back includes an extensive list of resources for more information and supporting organizations, though this is likely the most dated part as URLs shift and organizations rise and fail.
All that said, I have to take one star off for the editing. Too much of the text seems too obviously to have been worded one way at first, and then a phrase was shifted without checking to see if the rest of the sentence still makes sense. A few parts were rendered unintelligible, while other were simply jarring or confusing. For example:
Examining these issues creates an opportunity to craft a world where people of any gender expression to explore everything they are passionate about, engage with their emotions, and express themselves fully; a world transformed for our children to live without abuse, regardless of our path in life.
Like, I get the point, and I agree, I think, but I had to read that like three times. Nevertheless, if there is ever to be an updated and perhaps expanded edition, I find this to be such a useful and non-preachy resource that I would happily offer the author my editing services free just to support the project.
February 16, 2017
Lee does a very complete into to gender and its many forms but concentrating on transgender. All questions seem to be answered. Well cited, glossary, and updated resources. Somewhat dry in presentation.
November 22, 2016
So many typos!
December 25, 2017
Really poorly written book, which had one side in mind and did not engage with the issue of transgender at all - instead it came in with an agenda and hammered you over the head with it. Enormous amount of footnotes, which mostly were not foot notes at all, but obvious statements, The author often sought to clarify obvious statements, and was over cautious about causing any one offence, so much that he does cause offence with this weakly written book. Even if you come down on one side of the discussion, you need to engage with all sides of it and inform why you believe a certain way. This is not worth reading, there are hopefully better alternatives to this one to get a full discussion on the issue.
March 15, 2019
A very clear and inclusive book on gender in various forms and perspectives! This is going to go on my shelf for loaning to friends/family/beloveds who are exploring gender permutations and theory in response to someone dear to them transitioning or coming out to them. I highly recommend this book to whoever feels the need to explore, learn more, or become a better ally to trans and gender noncomforming people.
December 12, 2018
A fabulous primer on the topic of Gender journeys. Filled with content that explains the basics everyone should know, Traversing Gender also takes a step forward by providing references and resources that support continuing to discover and learn. This isn't a book about how to be Trans or cis gendered, it's a book about how to be respectful of everyone's gender diversity.
December 20, 2018
This book is incredibly thorough. I like its look at both mtf and ftm, as well as mentioning those elsewhere on the spectrum. It does a great job being honest about experiences, and brings in sources, evidence, and support. Could honestly be used as a textbook for trans/nonbinary studies. So glad I was asked if I wanted to read this.
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June 30, 2019Curious about gender? Have a transgender friend or relative and want to be a good ally? This is an excellent nonfiction resource about genders in general and transgender in particular. Harrington also has a good information list for trans and other people who want more details or have specific needs.
Designed for adults, but would be appropriate for teens
Designed for adults, but would be appropriate for teens
October 12, 2019
This was easy to read and understand, and I think would be a good resource for people without much knowledge on the topic to get an overview of starting information. I gave it four stars because I didn't feel that I personally learned very much, but I see the value this book could hold for people who are less educated on topics of gender and sexuality.
June 26, 2020
This book is in desperate need of an editor. The grammar and writing style are all over the place.
It does have some good information (nothing earth-shattering, mostly introductory stuff), but it just wasn't written well.
It does have some good information (nothing earth-shattering, mostly introductory stuff), but it just wasn't written well.
August 25, 2023
An excellent and well researched book that i wish I had while teaching.
January 25, 2017
In Search of Identity
The release of Lee Harrington’s Traversing Gender could not be more timely as the issues surrounding these members of our community grow more prominent every day � bubbling their way up into the public consciousness. Some of this growing awareness has been the result of high profile individuals sharing their gender journey � think Caitlyn Jenner. The politics of fear has also played a dramatic role in shifting attention onto aspects of the transgender awakening. The embarrassing travesty perpetrated by North Carolina brilliantly captures the cultural biases currently confronting transgender people.
North Carolina thrust itself beneath the glare of the public’s spotlight, by implementing discriminatory laws against this narrow segment of our population. Their outlier, highly prejudicial attitude has helped brand the state as intolerant and insensitive to the needs of a minority population. Their transgender bathroom laws cost Governor Pat McCrory his job, the election serving in a twisted way to demonstrate that catering to the fears of the political right can blow up in your face.
It is against this very public backdrop that Lee Harrington has published his analysis which describes in nuanced detail the composition of the transgender universe and multitude of challenges confronting them. At the beginning of his study Harrington succinctly addresses his book’s objectives. First and foremost Traversing Gender is designed to serve the trans community by providing a context for their “diverse trans experiences.� Next, he wanted to create a greater awareness of the trans journey with an appropriate new lexicon to better support those who find themselves on this journey. Finally, reaching out to the greater public, he envisioned building bridges that would encourage others “to become social, emotional, professional, and medical allies to [the] transgender community.�
For the individual who self-identifies as a participant of this culture, he or she will find Harrington’s tome a richly rewarding affirmation guide, replete with directions, suggestions and recommendations on where to go for relevant guidance. For those who are not part of this community, Harrington’s book provides a revealing glimpse and huge dose of insight into the hurdles faced by their neighbors.
Overall, Harrington hammers home a salient theme that rises above any of the specific observations he makes about the transition � care and respect are paramount. This applies to considerations about the process itself, as well as playing a meaningful role in the host of decisions a transgender person must contemplate as he or she determines how to define themselves to the world.
Harrington sums it up: “A transgender person might be bisexual, asexual, pansexual, queer, heteroflexible, homoflexible, same gender loving, curious or questioning. It is possible to be interested in a type of sexual play more than a specific gender, specific identity, or a body type � rather than what is between someone’s legs. They experience a diversity of orientations, just like everyone else on the planet.�
What is probably most difficult for those outside of the transgender sphere to grasp is the very sense of what the transgender person perceives as he or she comes to grip with who they are. It’s as if there is insufficient language to recreate the specific transformation. One thing that is certain is that this is not make-believe. “When a person is wanting their gender identity to align with their perceived and legal gender, it is not about pretending. It is about creating alignment; wanting who they see in the mirror to match the person they know themselves to be in their head and heart.�
For the transgender individual their search to identify who they really are is a trek fraught with obstacles and haunting imagery. ‘“Some people use the language of having been ‘born in the wrong body� to express this experience. Others consider themselves having been ‘born a girl,� but their parents and the doctor made a mistake. There are also people who appreciate the language of having been assigned male at birth, but they are in fact women. None is any better of a descriptor of experience than another.”� The sheer abundance of new words and phrases can be somewhat overwhelming. Yet there is a valid need for an invigorated lexicon that can assist all of us in a better understanding what is transpiring around us.
Harrington has given voice and context to this social phenomenon. Though less than half a percent of our population is deemed transgender, that does not relieve us of the obligation to treat this group with respect, care and dignity. Now, with Traversing Gender, we’ve got an excellent tool to help us along the way.
Originally published in the Anchorage Press on December 22, 2016.
The release of Lee Harrington’s Traversing Gender could not be more timely as the issues surrounding these members of our community grow more prominent every day � bubbling their way up into the public consciousness. Some of this growing awareness has been the result of high profile individuals sharing their gender journey � think Caitlyn Jenner. The politics of fear has also played a dramatic role in shifting attention onto aspects of the transgender awakening. The embarrassing travesty perpetrated by North Carolina brilliantly captures the cultural biases currently confronting transgender people.
North Carolina thrust itself beneath the glare of the public’s spotlight, by implementing discriminatory laws against this narrow segment of our population. Their outlier, highly prejudicial attitude has helped brand the state as intolerant and insensitive to the needs of a minority population. Their transgender bathroom laws cost Governor Pat McCrory his job, the election serving in a twisted way to demonstrate that catering to the fears of the political right can blow up in your face.
It is against this very public backdrop that Lee Harrington has published his analysis which describes in nuanced detail the composition of the transgender universe and multitude of challenges confronting them. At the beginning of his study Harrington succinctly addresses his book’s objectives. First and foremost Traversing Gender is designed to serve the trans community by providing a context for their “diverse trans experiences.� Next, he wanted to create a greater awareness of the trans journey with an appropriate new lexicon to better support those who find themselves on this journey. Finally, reaching out to the greater public, he envisioned building bridges that would encourage others “to become social, emotional, professional, and medical allies to [the] transgender community.�
For the individual who self-identifies as a participant of this culture, he or she will find Harrington’s tome a richly rewarding affirmation guide, replete with directions, suggestions and recommendations on where to go for relevant guidance. For those who are not part of this community, Harrington’s book provides a revealing glimpse and huge dose of insight into the hurdles faced by their neighbors.
Overall, Harrington hammers home a salient theme that rises above any of the specific observations he makes about the transition � care and respect are paramount. This applies to considerations about the process itself, as well as playing a meaningful role in the host of decisions a transgender person must contemplate as he or she determines how to define themselves to the world.
Harrington sums it up: “A transgender person might be bisexual, asexual, pansexual, queer, heteroflexible, homoflexible, same gender loving, curious or questioning. It is possible to be interested in a type of sexual play more than a specific gender, specific identity, or a body type � rather than what is between someone’s legs. They experience a diversity of orientations, just like everyone else on the planet.�
What is probably most difficult for those outside of the transgender sphere to grasp is the very sense of what the transgender person perceives as he or she comes to grip with who they are. It’s as if there is insufficient language to recreate the specific transformation. One thing that is certain is that this is not make-believe. “When a person is wanting their gender identity to align with their perceived and legal gender, it is not about pretending. It is about creating alignment; wanting who they see in the mirror to match the person they know themselves to be in their head and heart.�
For the transgender individual their search to identify who they really are is a trek fraught with obstacles and haunting imagery. ‘“Some people use the language of having been ‘born in the wrong body� to express this experience. Others consider themselves having been ‘born a girl,� but their parents and the doctor made a mistake. There are also people who appreciate the language of having been assigned male at birth, but they are in fact women. None is any better of a descriptor of experience than another.”� The sheer abundance of new words and phrases can be somewhat overwhelming. Yet there is a valid need for an invigorated lexicon that can assist all of us in a better understanding what is transpiring around us.
Harrington has given voice and context to this social phenomenon. Though less than half a percent of our population is deemed transgender, that does not relieve us of the obligation to treat this group with respect, care and dignity. Now, with Traversing Gender, we’ve got an excellent tool to help us along the way.
Originally published in the Anchorage Press on December 22, 2016.
April 25, 2021
Geared to trans allies it has covered the basic issues facing transgender people. Some etiquette and some understanding of what Trans people must contend with goes a long way with Cis folks. Most of the material is basic but it is a good primer for allies.
September 11, 2016
It is rare for a book to be both introductory and comprehensive, but this one is. It provides a good overview of the topic, and is written in an accessible way. I found that it didn't really tell me a lot of new stuff, but rather confirmed what I already knew, which was still useful.
The book is well-structured -- it starts by explaining the differences between sex, gender and orientation; gender behaviours and expressions; and defining terms like MtF, two-spirit, genderqueer, etc. It then discusses social, medical, sexual and mental health; legal issues like discrimination and hate crimes; other challenges like being part of a religious community or having a disability; passing and gender privilege; and how to be an ally and support trans, agender and gender-variant people.
The book is well-structured -- it starts by explaining the differences between sex, gender and orientation; gender behaviours and expressions; and defining terms like MtF, two-spirit, genderqueer, etc. It then discusses social, medical, sexual and mental health; legal issues like discrimination and hate crimes; other challenges like being part of a religious community or having a disability; passing and gender privilege; and how to be an ally and support trans, agender and gender-variant people.
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