Declan Henry

Trans Voices is a book with a bit of a strange pedigree, written as it is by a gay man who was ashamed of how little he knew about trans people. It is a book written both for those friends, families, and allies who are interested in better understanding trans issues, and for those of us questioning (or just exploring) our own gender identity.

The book itself is very easy to read, balancing social and psychological theories with real trans experiences. In writing the book, Henry interviewed several dozen trans individuals, and he allows them to speak in their own words throughout. As a result, we get to see all sides of the story, allowing readers to not just understand the trans experience, but truly emphasize with it.

What struck me most about the book is how inclusive it is. It opens with the mandatory chapters on Being Trans and on Transitioning, and then moves right into MTF and FTM transsexuals. Pretty standard stuff. After that, however, it devotes a chapter to Non-Binary individuals, and another to Cross-Dressers. This is not a book that is about ‘just’ one group of trans folk, it is a book that strives to embrace and positively support all gender identities and expressions.

The chapter on Sex and Sexuality is fascinating reading, and the one on Health is pretty much a must-read for anybody who has ever considered any sort of transition. At just over 200 pages, Trans Voices is a short, but powerful, read that I would love to get into the hands of friends and family. Sure, its diversity might raise as many new question as it answers, but so long as it’s a positive discussion, I am always happy to talk gender.


Originally reviewed for Frock Magazine… (més)