9781422275245

Introduction Somewhere between the ages of three and five, we start to discover many things about ourselves and the world around us. Many people recall that that was when they first found an interest in the very thing they ended up turning into a career. We learn how to relate to the world around us and imitate those we are close to. We also start to realize that there are two forms of people in our worlds, those called girls and those called boys . At that point, we may not understand the full implication of what it means to be either a boy or a girl, but we know which role we are drawn to. Children those ages may start to dress up in their mother’s clothing or try her makeup. Others may follow their father into the bathroom and imitate him as he shaves. We know instinctively what we are. It is around this age that a child will be able to answer the question “Are you a girl or a boy?” In the majority of cases, the answer brings smiles from the adults in their world. In a growing part of the population, however, the answer the adult receives may bring about a correction. This often happens when the gender that the world has assigned the child does not match whom that child feels like inside. These are transgendered children. In this book, we are going to talk about what it means to be transgender. If you picked up this book, you are very likely to be a young person approaching your teenage years and to feel that somewhere along the line someone misfiled some paperwork and labeled you with the incorrect body. You are seeking answers that can help you understand what you are feeling. Most of all, you want to know what this means for you and your future. Within these pages, you will meet others who feel the same as you do. You will learn what it feels like to finally realize you aren’t alone on this journey. This book won’t candy-coat things. Being transgender is not easy. You will meet opposition along the way. You will also find support. Being transgender isn’t something you must face alone. This book will help you know where to find that support and understanding that can make the journey easier.

8

Gender Fulfilled • Being Transgender