Although transgender people are increasingly represented in academic studies and popular culture, they rarely have the opportunity to add their own voices to the conversation. In this remarkable book, the author records the stories of more than thirty Americans who identify as transgender. They range in age from fifteen to seventy-two; come from twenty-five different states and a wide array of racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and identify across a vast spectrum of genders and sexualities.

Notes on style -- A brief time line of transgender history in the United States -- Character reference -- Introduction -- The vocabulary I had been lacking -- I've never heard of anyone's transition experience being easy -- You can't do it alone -- What happens to those of us with multiple identities? -- We don't put ourselves in vulnerable situations willingly -- Accidental activists -- Glossary of general terms -- Glossary of medical terms -- Appendix A: Summary of criteria for hormone therapy and surgeries -- Appendix B: Resources for medical and mental health-care providers -- Appendix C: Recommended reading on transgender narratives and history.