TS FAQ

This FAQ is based on the frequently asked questions that we field on the help line together with a FAQ written and compiled by Bill Stuart (ah787@FreeNet.Carleton.CA) and published some years ago in alt.transgendered newsgroup. Bill states: "Due to the unavailability of transgendered materials, some information in this FAQ is inaccurate, misquoted, misguided, incomplete, or out of date. Please feel free to e-mail the author with any addition or subtraction to the contents. This FAQ was written from a North American viewpoint, and social attitudes/statistics may be different in other parts of the world. "

The Irish specific answers have been compiled by Ciara MacMullan and others.

What does transgendered mean?
Transgendered was a term put into general usage by an American writer, Virginia Price. It originally meant a pre-operative transsexual who has no desire to have the SRS. It later became a catchword for transvestites, transsexuals, female and male impersonators, drag queens/kings, intersexuals, gender dysphorics, and those that do not fit any gender label.

What is a Gender Dysphoria?
Gender Dysphoria is unhappiness with your given sex or sexual identity. There are mild to severe cases of Gender dysphoria. Many people will experience some form of Gender Dysphoria at some point in their lives.

What is a Pre/post/non-op transsexual?
These are all transsexuals in various stages of the procedure.
A pre-op transsexual is someone who has begun the procedure to reassign the sex, but has not had the surgery. This covers people who have just begun the procedure to those who are very close to the actual surgery.
A post-operative transsexual is someone who has had the actual genital surgery done. It is difficult to tell a m-f post op transsexual from a genetic female. Up to very recently, female-male transsexuals had no effective surgical technique to create a penis. There are penile implants and grafts, but these are often easy to spot. Many workers feel that the term "post-op transsexual" is a misnomer and should not be used.
A non-op transsexual is a person who either has no desire to proceed with the surgery, or who cannot proceed due to financial or other constraints. It is also used in cases where the person has had all the hormonal/surgical treatments, except the genital surgery, and cannot proceed any further though in this case it is difficult to distinguish from a "shemale". Gender Identity Disorder, adolescent or Adult onset, Non transsexual is a term which has also been applied to this condition in the US.

What is a Transvestite/Cross-dresser?
This word has a few different meanings. In it's purest form, transvestism means "Cross-dressing". However, many people make a distinction between dressing for sexual stimulation (cross dressing) and dressing for stress relief (transvestism). Psychiatrists and psychologists would refer to the first category as fetishistic transvestites, though this term is also used for transvestites who are stimulated only by certain objects. Many people use the terms cross dresser and transvestite interchangeably. There are many different categories of transvestism. There are fe/male impersonators, who dress as members of the opposite sex for a show; there are drag queens/kings, who dress with the intent to amuse or offend; there are shaman who cross-dress during religious/spiritual ceremonies; there are transvestites who dress only for an hour a week; there are transvestites who live almost full time as women or men. There are people who present extreme clashing male/female characteristics such as a bearded man in a miniskirt and heels which is called "Genderfuck" in the US. Extreme gender clashes are used by females quite often and it is not frowned upon.

What is a "tranny"?
This is a derogatory term coined by the Australian gay community and applied to crossdressers who while maintaining that they are straight, use (and abuse) the hospitality of the gay community and resources. Unfortunately the term has crept into England where it is being used by many crossdressers mainly in the North of England unaware of its pejorative sense. If they chose to apply the term to themselves there would be little objection but they also apply it to others who object to the term.

What is a "transgenderist"?
This is an American term which seems to mean anything and nothing. It was coined by the American writer, Virginia Prince, to describe her own facet of transvestism where she dresses fulltime as a woman but insists that she is not a non-op transsexual.

What is an intersexual?
An intersexual is a person who is born between (inter) sexes, having partially or fully developed pairs of female and male sex organs. There are roughly 80 types of intersexuality known. Intersexual is preferred over the word "Hermaphrodite".

What are "shemales"?
This is a difficult question to answer as the term has been applied pejoratively to all types of transgendered people. The most correct application is to males, generally gay, who have had alterations made to their bodies to make them more feminine while at the same time deliberately retaining many male characteristics. Generally they will take hormones to promote bust development. In many cases they are castrated and in some cases have also had the scrotum removed leaving only the penis.

What is a eunuch?
A eunuch is a man who has either had his testicles physically removed or made non-functional, and sometimes his penis is removed too, or who is on drugs to stop the production of testosterone. The term is not applied to transsexuals.

What are the sexual aspects of transgenderism as distinct from sexuality?
We are advised that this topic is adult material not suitable for an open site. Further information on this subject is available on another site. Click here.

What is "Passing" and "Reading"?
Passing is going out in public crossdressed and being accepted as a member of that sex. a lot of people are trying to get rid of the term as they feel it implies a success/failure in the RLT. Reading is noticing that a person is transgendered. It is easiest to pass around middle aged and older people. Children and teenagers often read a transgendered person. Women are more likely to read a TG than a male is but it should be pointed out that males are more likely to make an issue of it. The most important part of passing is called "Deportment" which is how a member of the opposite sex behaves in society. To improve deportment, go to a shopping mall or public place and watch the people as they shop. There is a distinct difference between male and female behaviour patterns. There are several dozen books on passing and Deportment available from IFGE (see resource list) and several other sources.

What is SRS?
SRS stands for Sex Reassignment Surgery, the final stage in the sex-reassignment procedure.  In North America, genetic women are more likely to consider SRS than genetic men are, but genetic men are more likely to go through with SRS. The term GRS Gender Reassignment Surgery is more usually used outside America.

What is RLT?
RLT stands for Real Life Training or Real Life Test. It means you live as a member of the desired sex for a period of time while still having the genitalia of the former sex. This is to help the prospective transsexual determine if becoming a total member of that sex is right for him or her.

What is transition?
Transition is the period of time between when the individual first starts the sex-reassignment procedure and when the individual is living totally as a member of the opposite sex

What causes the urge to crossdress or to change your sex?
There is a great deal of debate in the medical community as to what causes transsexualism and transvestism. Transsexualism is thought by some to be caused by a area in the brain called the "Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus". Others claim that it is caused by a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. Some types of transsexualism (xxxy syndrome) are genetic. The two main types of Transsexuality are called "Primary" and "Secondary" transsexualism by many workers. The preferred terms outside America are "Late-onset" and "Early-onset" as it is felt that the other terms suggest a "pecking order". Primary transsexualism occurs in young adults who are gender dysphoric from very early childhood. Secondary transsexualism occurs between the ages of 12 and 20 and is thought to be linked to hormone changes in the body at that time.
There are also cases where people are forced into alternative sex roles due to religious, social, or family pressures. Some men dressed as women to avoid being drafted or to get out of the army. Very religious male homosexuals may feel the need to change their sex in order to correspond with their religious beliefs. Parents may dress their children in clothing of the opposite sex because they wanted a child of that sex. Transvestism has no definite cause. F-M cross dressers sometimes cross dress because it feels more comfortable than female clothing. Female cross dressers are much more accepted than male cross-dressers. M-F transvestites cross-dress for stress relief, sexual pleasure, or for entertainment. Male crossdressers are not very well accepted in society. One possible reason for this is that a crossdressing male is going down the social power scale, while a crossdressing female is going up the social power scale.

Can Transgender urges be changed?
Usually, no. Some transvestites and transsexuals (usually male) go through phrases where they throw out all their clothes, makeup, shoes, etc and refuse to dress as women anymore. This is called "Purging". These people frequently go out and purchase entire new wardrobes soon afterwards (called "Binging"). Some people do stop crossdressing altogether. Sometimes there is a physical manifestation of certain conditions that cause transgendered behaviour. Young males with XXY chromosomal structures may sometimes begin developing as females rather than as males. Many of these males are perfectly happy to be male and get on hormone shots to achieve a more masculine appearance. Sexual identity is usually set for life at a very young age. Hormone injections or other treatments cannot alter sexual identity in Adults.

Is everyone who wears opposite sex clothing transgendered?
No. Many people wear clothes of the opposite sex daily and are not considered transgendered. Men who work in very cold conditions routinely wear pantyhose, as it helps keep in the heat. This is an accepted practice in such professions. Many women wear men's clothing on a daily basis, saying that they are more comfortable and cheaper.
Some men wear silk panties because they are allergic to cotton underwear. There are many reports of men wearing the full-body wraps worn by Muslim women in the Middle East. This enables them to conceal guns and explosive devices and to smuggle them into restricted areas (Muslim women are not searched as often as men are).

What is DSM IV?
DSM is "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders". It is the guideline that the American Psychiatric Association publishes, and it details what is and is not a psychiatric illness. Transsexualism and transvestism are included in the list of Psychiatric disorders.

What are the Benjamin Standards?
The standards were created at a conference by Dr. Harry Benjamin. Today it is called the Standards of Care (SOC). It is a US/Canadian standard, not a world one, since in Europe at least there is more of a case-by-case approach. In broad terms it is followed here, but some of it, like the requirement for continuous therapy simply don't apply here and are ignored as a result Charing Cross Hospital are reported to ignore it completely.

Where can I go to get clothes, shoes, makeup, etc?
There are many sources of clothes and apparel for transgendered people. Most department stores offer catalogue shopping, which will give you the chance to purchase what you want without fear of embarrassment. Mail order firms are best left avoided. Some Transvestite mail order boutiques are grossly overpriced and prey on the transgendered community. Sometimes, a young lady will offer her services to purchase clothing, makeup etc for you for a price. Make sure she is reliable and not going to run off as soon as she gets your money. Shopping for that special someone (you) always works. If you are worried that the cashier will catch on, go during a busy time. Christmas is a great time. Makeup companies such as Avon, will be more than happy to sell to a transgendered person. Again, this depends on the area, but most salespeople will put sales ahead of their own feelings towards transgenderism.

What are the steps in SRS?
The first step is to remove the testicles. The penis is then inverted, creating a vagina-like opening. The scrotum is then used to line the new vagina and create labia. Some of the penile tissue is used to create a clitoris. The nerve endings in the penis are still intact, so hopefully orgasm will be possible. There are other, optional surgeries such as removal of the Adam's Apple, jaw scraping, breast implants, cheek implants, collagen injections, liposuction.

Where can I go to get referrals, counselling or surgery done?
Republic of Ireland
The operation is not carried out in Ireland. Contact TGI by e-mail for information of a doctor/psychiatrist specialising in this area.

Netherlands
Gender Team Amsterdam Prof. Dr L.J.G. Gooren, internist/endocrinologist, Dept of endocrinology/androgeny Free University Hospital, PO box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam Netherlands. Tel (31)(20)548 9111 ext 199 Fax (31)(20)548 7502 Treats gender dysphorics. Currently treating 1100 patients, covers everything including surgery

Scotland
Trans-Trap 53/6 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AH tel 031-228 2231 (Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm) Helps CD's and their families cope with transgenderism.

How can I hide my penis or breasts?
To hide the penis, wear a skirt or a dress. Avoid tight pants or pants designed in the female fashion. Skirts and dresses are very good at concealing a light erection. There are also devices available that will restrain the penis and prevent erections. These can sometimes be painful if an erection does occur, however. To hide excess breast tissue, wear loose fitting t-shirts.

I don't want to have the full operation but would like real breasts but without the problem of hormones.
It is possible to have implants to give the illusion of breasts. Transform, Northbrook Clinic, Northbrook Rd., Ranelagh, Dublin 6 tel. 4976564 will perform this service for males. It is however expensive!

How about castration?
Human castration is prohibited in Ireland under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and consequently no reputable doctor will perform the operation unless for medical reasons such as prostate or testicular cancer.
Further information on this subject is available on another site. Click here.

What does not work?
There are many companies and people that prey on transvestites and transsexuals. Here are some things you should avoid:

1. Tablets made of "raw ovary" or other glands. The idea of eating animal parts in order to promote characteristics of that animal has been around for thousands of years, and it didn't work any better back then. It is possible to get estrogen from the glands of female animals, but you would have to have a fresh gland once per day. There was a court case in England where a dealer of such tablets was arrested.
2. Creams that you rub onto your breasts in order to stimulate growth. These products do not contain enough estrogen to bother with.
3. Injectable silicon. Injected silicon can either kill you or permanently disfigure you (elephant man style). It's not worth it.

I'm about to give a loved one "the talk". What should I expect?
You should expect "The fit". In most cases, the news that a spouse or companion is transgendered is met with negative emotions. Shock, anger, and fear are three of the more common reactions. In some cases, the wife will be accepting of the males cross-dressing and support him. Wives of Transsexuals often have difficulty accepting their husband's condition. Many M-F transsexuals can tell stories about how they were beaten severely by their boyfriends after "the talk". This can be avoided by telling him over the phone, leaving him a note, etc. Another way of reducing the risk is to tell him in a secluded public place, such as a restaurant booth. Lesbians are sometimes accepting of transsexuals. Many bisexual females are attracted to transsexuals. Some lesbians are transphobic. Teenagers should beware. Many TG youth are tossed out onto the street after "Coming out". Make sure you have a place to stay before you announce that you are transgendered. This applies to intersexual youth as well, if the parents are unaware of their child's condition. Some intersexual youth are dumped into the hands of social service agencies or thrown into the street. Children of transgendered people react differently. Very small children (1, 2 yrs) will most likely not object to any change in the parent's behaviour. Children around kindergarten age will have a few questions. Teenaged children will not be accepting at first. If it is public, such a fact could make the child feel embarrassed to be around the parent. There are many groups that help relatives and friends of transsexuals deal with the transition and their feelings towards their Transgendered relative.

How long has transgenderism been around?
The idea of a being having characteristics of both sexes predates the human race. Cave paintings and artefacts found in Cro-Magnon and early homo sapiens settlements show transgendered figurines representing deities. Cross dressing was/is an important part of many religious ceremonies around the world, such as the East Indian Hijra, the North American Indian Beradarche, and in harvest rituals such as the "Burial of carnival" in Lechrain. Transgendered behaviours stretch back almost as far as man has been civilized. The pharaoh Hapchetsut, who ruled Egypt from 1504 BC to 1484 BC was a female who cross dressed as a male. The first documented sex change operation was performed in Germany in the year 1930. It was a Male to Female operation, and the patient was Lili Elbe.

How many TGs are there?
There are no actual statistics on the numbers of transvestites, transsexuals, or intersexuals in the world at large. Due to the nature of transgenderism, a accurate count cannot be made. The estimated ratio of M-F TS and genetic males is between 1:2000 and 1:80 000. Researchers estimate that the percentage of men who have cross-dressed is quite high, perhaps as high as 50 percent. There are numerous other unverified statistics floating around in the world, such as: less than 1% of all people saying they are transsexual ever have SRS; 7-12 thousand sex changes have been performed in the USA, half of them m-f; There are four times as many female transsexuals in Europe as there are in America; 90 percent of all transvestites and transsexuals live in large cities.

Are all Transvestites gay? Are all Transsexuals gay?
Tapistry magazine did a survey on the sexual orientation of its transvestite readers, and found that 75 percent of them were heterosexual. Since Tapistry attracts a lot of heterosexual readers this test may not be accurate. There are several groups exclusively for heterosexual transvestites that have very large memberships (Tri-Ess, etc). Many psychologists say that transvestites are no more gay or straight than the non-transvestite segment of the male population.

My Significant Other is transgendered, what should I do?
There are several support groups that can help you deal with a cross dressing male spouse, a transsexual/intersexual spouse, or a transgendered girlfriend/boyfriend. If your spouse's transgendered activities are interfering with your sex life, a marriage counsellor might help you. Transsexuals and transvestites in married situations sometimes remain with their wives as sort of a "Sister" figure. In some cases, a transsexual spouse spells the end of a relationship. Hetero males involved in relationships with m-f transsexuals or gay transvestites may feel that their manhood is at stake. Some may get angry at their girlfriends, yelling and sometimes hitting them, and then feel guilty about it afterwards. Being in a relationship with a m-f transsexual does not mean that you are gay in any sense of the word, nor does it mean you are somehow "less straight". In a sense, your girlfriend was born with a birth deformity. Children of transsexuals often feel upset over a parent's decision to change his or her sex. Children may feel guilty, neglected, or hostile towards the parent. Sometimes, the transsexual parent will leave the family altogether. This does not mean that the parent has stopped loving you. Sometimes, especially at the beginning of a sex-change, a person will feel very guilty and have a lot of self-hatred. They will feel "unworthy" to be a family member and may feel obligated to leave. The parent still loves you, but he or she cannot bring himself to face you. Eventually, the guilt will fade. It is important to maintain a relationship with your parent and let him or her know you are interested in maintaining a relationship. Parents of Transsexuals and transvestites feel a range of emotions towards their children, ranging from disbelief ("It's just a phrase") to anger and disgust. Some parents will be upset at the prospect of no grandchildren. Many parents who cannot deal with their children simply tell the child to leave the household. You should remember that your child is going through an incredibly rough time, and needs your support now more than ever. Above all else, remember that you are not alone. Many other people have gone through what you are going through right now. It is okay to feel angry, disgusted, or sad; those are natural emotions to feel. It is not okay to feel guilty, unworthy, or ashamed. You have done nothing to justify such feelings. There are support groups for children of TGs, spouses of TGs, girlfriends and boyfriends of TGs, and parents of transgendered youths.

Are all male gender dysphorics effeminate?
Not at all. Many male transsexuals are captains of the football team types. Some males with xxy or xxxy genetic patterns may look somewhat feminine.

What are the religious aspects of transgenderism?
Almost every religion in the world has a hermaphroditic character or principle. The word "Hermaphrodite" comes from the union of two Greek gods, Hermes and Aphrodite. The Hermaphrodite myth reappears in many other religions and belief systems. Generally, male and female are assigned to contradictory phenomena, such as night and day, water and fire, etc.

Are there any special risks that Transsexuals should know about?
Yes. Estrogen will destroy many of the vitamin B complex vitamins. This may lead to vitamin B deficiency diseases, even though the diet is "adequate". Taking a time release vitamin B pill should counter this effect. A possible side effect of estrogen usage is that alcohol may have a stronger effect than before (vitamin B helps to lessen the effects of alcohol). All transsexuals taking injected hormones should be very careful to use clean needles and follow medical procedure if they are self-administering the shots.
The biggest danger is Deep Veinous Thrombosis, DVT, ie a clot forming in a leg vein and travelling towards the heart or the lungs. This condition is very dangerous. Warning signs are persistent pains in the lower calf or if you notice an increase in circumference of the calf. A doctor should be consulted immediately. Aspirin is an effective countermeasure.
Androcur can cause liver problems so you need three monthly Liver Function Tests. If you are on Spiro you need to watch out for potassium levels.

Are there any transgendered organizations in my area?
Here is a list of transgendered organizations.
Ireland
Transgender Ireland, Dublin 087 9969977. Maintains a helpline for TGs Thurs 1900-2200. Will arrange a private meeting if necessary.

England
Beaumont Society, BM, Box 3084, London, WC1N-3XX. Social group for heterosexual transvestites. Also counsels and provides legal assistance

WOBS the BS partners group, BM, WOBS London WC1N 3XX. A support group for partners and families of transsexuals

Seahorse Society, BM Seahorse, Box 6093, London WC1N 3XX. A social organization for hetero TV's and transsexuals.

Beaumont Trust, BM Charity, London, WC1N 3XX. Assists those who are gender dysphoric

FTM network, FTM, BM Network, London, WC1N 3XX. Social support group for F-M transsexuals

The TV/Ts Support Group, 2 French Place, Shoreditch, London E1 6JB. Telephone/helpline London 071-729-1466 8-10 pm Support group for tv/ts, families, and friends.

Partners Support Group, London 081-204-4187 11 am - 11 pm for female SO's of transgendered persons.

The Gender Trust, BM Gentrust, London, WC1N 3XX. Helpline London 071-730-7453 7-10 Thurs for TS, 7-10 Tues for TV. A help group for those that are TG.

The Gender Dysphoria Trust, BM, Box 7624, London, WC1N 3XX. Helpline London 0323 641100. A self-help group for transsexuals

New Transessex P.O. Box 3, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1PT 0268-583761. Wed and Sun evenings 7:00-10:00 Tv/Ts social club.

Liverbirds, Merseyside TV/TS Group, C/O Friend Merseyside, 36 Bolton Street, Liverpool L3 5LX, 051 709 4745. A TS/TV group being run out of the Merseyside's place Fri 8-10 pm

International Gender Transient Affinity IGTAm c/o Miss Phaedra Kelly, Director, 1, Bank Building, School Green Road, Freshwater, Isle Of Wight, P040 9AJ. For educational, research, and information exchange. Not a support group.

The Northern Concord Jenny Baker The Northern Concord, P.O Box 258, Manchester, M60 1LN. A support group for tv's, ts's, and their significant others.

Rose's P.O. Box 339, Sheffield, S1 3SX 0742 342870. A Private house for tv's and cd's and their SO's to dress and socialize.

Scotland
Grampian Gender Group Aberdeen. For cd'ers and tv's. Wives are welcome.

The Scottish TV/TS group Address not known. TV/TS support group

Crosslynx tv/ts group Crosslynx, c/o slgs, PO Box 38, Glasgow, G2 2QF. Provides help and support to tv/ts/tg people, their families, and friends.

Northern Ireland
Belfast Butterfly Club, P.O box 210, Belfast, BT1 1BG. Social support group for TV/TS and friends.

What computer-oriented services are available for the transgendered community?
There are many networks and mailing lists available. Networks: TGnet is a large TG-oriented network with many different echoes on a variety of topics such as m-f and f-m support echoes, SO echoes, transvestite echoes, and others. It was founded by Beverly Copeland and believe it or not, the entire net is run off of her boat. FIDO has a very good echo called "Gender". It is a non-sexual forum for discussions of all gender issues. Moderated by Heather James. Compuserve and Genie both offer transgender related forums. There are numerous adult-oriented tg echoes around as well.

Apart from these, are there any sites where you can get information on hormones etc?
Two excellent sites are: The TS site run by Ciara MacMullan. This contains a number of links for further information.

A very good site on TS medical issues is The International Journal of Transgenderism.

Are there any Transgendered publications available?
Magazines:
United States:
Tapistry, IFGE inc, P.O. Box 367, Wayland Massachusetts, 01778 (617) 889-5703 Subscription info: 4 issues yearly, $40 us, $55 1st class/can/overseas surface, $65 overseas airmail. Sample issue $12 dollars. Deals with issues of concern to M-f and F-m transsexuals, transvestites, CDers, SO's, etc. The premier magazine for the TG community. Non-sexual content.

Petticoat Junction Magazine, P.J Publications, PO box 30413, San Angelo, TX 76903-0413 Sub info: 12 issues yearly, $20 US, $29 Canadian and Mexican, and $44 overseas. Sample issue $2. Monthly magazine, also publishes Texas T party photo annual.

The Journal Of Gender Studies, Outreach Institute, 405 Western Avenue, Suite 345, South Portland ME 04106 Sub info: $16 a year (Can/Mex overseas ?) Published twice a year, official publication of the Human outreach and Achievement institute.

Rosebuds, TCNE inc, PO box 2283, Woburn MA 01888-0483 (508) 358-2305 Sub info: $25/year, $4 per sample issue. Monthly newsletter of the Tiffany club of New England.

Transformations, Joy Helms PO box 1355, Princeton, NJ 08542 Sub Info: None available A quarterly newsletter dealing with the religious/spiritual aspects of transgenderism

Feminique, 12423 Hedges Run Drive Suite 144, Lake Ridge VA 22192 Sub info: $5 for sample issue, $35 per year. A bi-monthly newsletter dedicated to all aspects of transgenderism.

The Transsexual Voice, Box 16314, Atlanta GA 30321 sub info: $2 an issue, 12 per year Newsletter written by and about Transsexuals.

Changing Men, Editorial offices and subscriptions, 306 N. Brooks St., Madison, WI, 536715 An international magazine dealing with gender and politics.

TV/TS Connection, The connection, 2197 s. K.K. Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53207 Sub info: Subscriptions only, $20 a year Monthly publication of personal listings.

TV/TS Talk, bi monthly. SCD Publishing, 1401 Melrose Ave, Minneapolis MN 55426-1843 Publishes Life Penthouse's "forum", but TG related.

Help Me....Accept Me, Dallas gay alliance centre, 2701 Regan street, Dallas TX 75219 Publication about Gender issues

Cross-Talk, PO box 944, Woodland Hills CA 91365  (818) 776-8503 sub info: $2 sample issue, $21/year, $42/2 yrs News and entertainment for the TG community

The Crossdresser's Quarterly, John Moran photo-graphics (JMPG), PO box 7217, Burbank CA 91510-7217 Sub info: $7 per issue. News, events, fetish fashions, shopping resources, personal, vendor and club profiles.

Genderflex, C/O Bille Jean Jones, 3430 Balmoral Drive 10, Sacramento CA 95821 Sub info: Given away free in person, back issues available $2 each Monthly newsletter about all kinds of gender issues

Canada:
Transsexuals in Prison, Mrs Patricia Fisher, Box 293, Cote de Neiges Post Office, 5858 Cote de Neiges Boulevard, Montreal, PQ  H3S 2S6 A newsletter by and about the TS inmate.

The Transie Times, 566 Parliament Street, Toronto, Ont M4X 1P8 sub info: $6 for a sample copy A monthly tabloid covering TG's.

The Canadian Crossdresser, 429c Dundas street East, Toronto, M5A 2A9 sub info: Send a SASE for subscription information, or $6 for sample issue Non sexual publication devoted to TG's

New Zealand:
Transcare, The Minorities Trust, PO box 2983, Wellington New Zealand Some sort of magazine?

Are there any other helpful addresses?
United States:
American Educational Gender Information Service (AEGIS), AEGIS, PO box 33724, Decatur, GA 30033-0724 Business line: (404) 939-2128 Help line(404) 939-0244 Professionally managed national clearing house for TG information, referrals, publications

South-Central Transgender Alliance Region (STAR), Connection, Po box 700042, San Antonio TX 78270-0042 Help line(512) 545-3668 (live wed 7-9 pm) Fax/BBS line (512) 545-4888 (6 am- 5pm fax, 5pm- 6am BBS) Support group for other TG support groups in Texas. Co-ordinates regional activities.

The Valley Girls c/o Crosstalk, PO box 944, Woodland Hills CA 91365 (818) 776-8503. Information on other groups and for ongoing events in LA.

San Francisco Gender Information, SFGI, PO box 423602, San Francisco CA 94142-3602. Christine Beatty Maintains lists of TG resources for SF bay area

The San Francisco Bay Gay and Lesbian Historical Society, Box 42126, San Francisco CA 94142. Reference library for lesbian, gay, tg persons.

Northern Ireland:
Transgender Archive TGA, C/o Dr Richard Ekins, Ulster University, Magee College, Northland road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland. Accepts articles, news-clippings, personal accounts, etc from all members of the TG community. Publishes "Archive news". Access to research material granted by Dr. Ekins subject to his decision

Can you recommend any books?
Books about people's transition:
A girl called Georgina, Georgina Somerset, Pub. Book Guild, 1992, ISBN 0863327850.
A tale of two sexes: the story of a transformation Carolyne Jayne Munroe, Pub. Bonden, 1993, ISBN 1898112002
April Ashley's Odyssey Duncan Fallowell, Pub. Arena, 1983, c1982, ISBN 0099315106

Conundrum Jan Morris, Pub. Coronet, 1975, pbk, ISBN 0340199962

Gender outlaw: on men, women and the rest of us Kate Bornstein. Pub. Routledge, 1994, ISBN 0415908973.

I am a woman Tula, Pub. Sphere, 1982, ISBN 0722105835

Katherines Diary Katherine Cummings. Published in Australia.

My Story, Caroline Cossey. Pub Faber and Faber, 1991, ISBN 0571129099

Uninvited Dilemma Kim Elizabeth Stuart

General Books
A guide to transsexualism, transgenderism and gender dysphoria: for those needing guidance, those seeking to understand, and those concerned with their care and treatment Purnell, A. Pub. UK Gender Trust, 1990 [No ISBN]

Bodyshock: the truth about changing sex, Liz Hodgkinson, Pub. Columbus, 1987, ISBN 0862873177.
Brainsex: the real difference between men and women, Anne Moir and David Jessel. Pub Mandarin, 1991, ISBN 0749305258.

In search of Eve Anne Bolin, Pub. Bergin & Garvey, 1988, pbk, ISBN 0897891155

Sex and the brain: the separate inheritance, Jo Durden-Smith and Diane deSimone. Pub. Arbor House, c1983. ISBN 0877954844.

The Empire Strikes Back: A posttranssexual manifesto Sandy Stone. A good reply to Janice Raymonds "The Transsexual Empire"
Transsexualism and sex reassignment, ed. William A.W. Walters, Michael W. Ross, Pub.Oxford University Press, 1986, ISBN 0195544625.
Trans-X-U-All Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox

More medically orientated:
Feminising Hormones, Sheila Kirk MD. Everything you want to know about HRT

Transsexualism Candid Answers to Personal Questions
Transsexualim in Society

The following list is from the TGS PFLAG mailing list, and contains books that are not recommended for the hostile or potentially hostile non-T reader. It also includes books that might be of interest only to cross dressers.

Allen, Mariette Pathy, Transformations: Cross Dressers and Those Who Love Them, E. P. Dutton, 1989. Very good but only available from IFGE bookstore.

Bell-Metereau, Rebecca, Hollywood Androgeny. NY: Columbia Univ. Press, 1993. Covers only movies and not all.
Bejamin, Harry, The Transsexual Phenomenon. NY: Warner Books, 1966. For many years, the early Bible of transsexuality (may be out of print).
Bennett, Betty T. Mary Diana Dods: A Gentleman and a Scholar, William Morrow 1991.
Bolin, Anne, In Search of Eve: Transsexual Rites of Passage. MA: Bergin and Garvey Publishers, Inc., 1988. Good sociological study of small group of TG persons in 1986.
Bornstein, Kate, Gender Outlaw. Rutledge Press, 1994 (also paperback, publisher uncertain). Non-fiction; appreciated for theory, but not recommended for anyone not already pro-transgender.
Bullough, Vern L. and Bonnie, Crossdressing, Sex and Gender. Philadelphia: Univ. of Pennsylvania Press, 1993.

Coleman, Dr. Vernon, Men in Dresses. Barnstaple, Devon, England, Trinity Place publishers. Cross-dressing seen as an excellent stress reducer; safer than drinking, smoking, or taking pills.
Cossey, Caroline, The Caroline Cossey Story (or My Story). (Faber & Faber 1991) Autobiography of a British MtF who becomes an international model; maybe self-serving but also fascinating reading.

Devor, Holly, Gender Bending: Confronting the Limits of Duality. Indiana Univ. Press, 1989, $14.95.
Dixon, Jan & Diann, Wives, Partners and Others Living with Cross-dressing Wayland, MA: IFGE, 1991. Letters from wives, both accepting and non-accepting.

Elizabeth, Sister Mary, Legal Aspects of Transsexualism, 1990 edition. J2CP: San Juan Capistrano, CA, 1990. Carefully documented information about most legal hurdles.
Ettner, Randi, Confessions of a Gender Defender: A Psychologist's Reflections on Life Among the Transgendered, Evanston Pub. 1996, paperback $14.95. Excellent quick read of personal tales by a sympathetic psychologist.

Feinberg, Leslie, Stone Butch Blues. NY: Firebrand press, 1993. Highly autobiographical novel, winner of Lambda Book Award.
Feinberg, Leslie, Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to RuPaul, Beacon press, 1996. Well-illustrated chronicle of transgendered people through time and across cultures.

Garber, Marjorie, Vested Interests: Cross Dressing and Cultural Anxiety. (Harper Perennial 1993). On transvestism; no mention of personal identity or gender concerns, but fascinating from a feminist and theoretical point of view.

Hausman, Bernice L., Changing Sex, Transsexualism, Technology and the Idea of Gender. Duke Univ. Press, 1995. Misleading. Author's agenda is to prove that transsexualism is only a medical invention; denies any brain differences.

Jorgensen, Christine, Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography. NU:Paul S. Erickson, Inc., 1967. One of the early classic autobiographies.

Kessler, Suzanne J. & McKenna, Wendy, Gender: An Ethnomethodological Approach. Univ. of Chicago, 1985, (Paperback from Amazon books). "Letter from Rachel" in index especially helpful.

Laing, Alison, Speaking As a Woman (Creative Design services, 1989) About Transgender life styles.
LeVay, Simon, The Sexual Brain. MIT Press, 1994, (paperback $10.95). Asserts that human sexual feelings and behaviour can best be understood in terms of the development, structure and function of the brain circuits that produce them.
Linden, Vanessa & Kay, Life With Vanessa: Straight Talk About Transgenderism in a Caring, Loving Relationship.

Martino, Mario, Emergence, Crown Publishers.  Autobiography of FTM who transitioned in the 1960's with no standard of care; good comparison of then and now.
Maupin, Armistead, Tales of the City. (Harper perennial 1978-1989) Series of six light-hearted books, mostly about gay issues, but includes a central transsexual character who holds the others together. Very good.
MacKenzie, Gordene Olga, Transgender Nation, Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1994. History of transgenders and an analysis of them in the U.S. today.
Miller, Rachel, The Bliss of Becoming One!: Integrating "Feminine' Feelings into the Male Psyche Mainstreaming the Gender Community. Highland City, FL, Rainbow Books, 1996.
Moir, Anne & Jessel, David, Brain Sex: The Real Difference Between Men and Women. NY: Dell Publishing/Bantam Doubleday, 1992. About the authors' theory that gender identity develops from conception with the pairing of parental chromosomes.
Morris, Jan, Conumdrum. NY: Harcourt Brace Javanovich, 1974 (also Henry Holt, 1987). Beautifully written autobiography, perhaps marred by author's homophobia.

Nettick, Gerri (as told to Beth Elliott), Mirrors: A Portrait of a Transsexual Lesbian. Unicorn books, paperback $6.95.

Pratt, Mini Bruce, S/He. (Firebrand Books, 1995) About Leslie Feinberg, a bi-gendered author.

Ramsey, Gerald, PhD, Transsexuals: Candid Answers to Private Questions. Crossing Press, 1996. Liked by some, disliked by other for too frequent use of negative terms.
Raymond, Janice, Transsexual Empire: The Making of the She-Male. Teachers College Press, revised 1994. A feminist political attack on transsexuals claiming they are reinforcing the male patriarchy.
Rees, Mark, Dear Sir or Madam: The Autobiography of a Female to Male Transsexual. London: Cassell Wellington House, 1996.
Richards, Renee (with John Ames), Second Serve: Renee Richards' Story. NY: Stein and Day, 1983, (also Scarborough House). One of the classic early autobiographies.
Roscoe, Will, Zuni Man-Woman, U. of New Mexico Press, 1992. Biography of Zuni two spirit We'wha.
Rothblatt, Martine, Apartheid of Sex: A Manifesto on the Freedom of Gender. Crown Pub. 1995.
Rounsley, Chloe Ann & Brown, Mildred L. True Selves: Understanding Transsexualism - For Families, Friends, Co-workers, and Helping Professionals. Jossey-Bass, 1996. $25.00. Excellent "first book" for loved ones and anyone who wants to understand transsexuals.
Rudd, Peggy J., EdD, Crossdressers and Those Who Share Their Lives. Katy, TX: PM Publishers 1995. Relationships, pictures, some religious considerations. Author is a genetic female married to a transgendered man.
Rudd, etc., Crossdressing With Dignity: The Case for Transcending Gender Lines Pm Publishers, 1990.
Rudd, etc., My Husband Wears My Clothes: Crossdressing from the Perspective of a Wife. PM Publishers 1994.

Stuart, Kim Elizabeth, The Univited Dilemma: A Question of Gender. Portland, OR: Metamorphosis press, 1983, 1991. Excellent primmer, terse, covers many TS/TG questions, very sympathetic.
Sullivan, Louis. From Female to Male: The Life of Jack Bee Garland, Allyson Pub. 1990. Famous f2m of 1930's.

Thompson, C.J.S., Ladies or Gentlemen? NY: Dorsett Press. 1193 History of impersonators through the ages.
Tremain, Rose, Sacred Country. Washington Square Press, 1992, also Pocket Books, 1995. Fictitious historical novel about an FTM, beginning in the 1950's in Britain and ending in the 1980's in USA.

Williams, Walter, The Spirit and the Flesh Sexual Diversity in American Culture, Beacon Press, 1992, about "berdach" in native American traditions.

Feminist Books Helpful to Some MTF Persons
Harrigan, Betty Lehan, Games Mother Never Taught You. About rules of the business world. Warner Books, 1977, reprint 1992.

LeGuin, Ursula K., Dancing At the Edge of the World: Thoughts on Words, Women, Places. Especially like the "Bryn Mawr Commencement Address" and more. Harper Collins, 1990.
Leguin, Ursala K. The Left Hand of Darkness. Ace Books, 1969. Classic science fiction about world with fluid genders.

Spretnak, Charlene, Ed., The Politics of Women's Spirituality: Essays by Founding Mothers of the Movement, Anchor Books, 1994. Excellent, empowering book on spirituality from a female perspective.

Tannen, Deborah, Talking From 9 to 5: How Women's and Men's Conversational Styles Affect Who Gets heard, Who Gets Credit, and What Gets Done at Work. William Morrow, 1994. Women's and men's communication styles in the workplace.
Tannen, Deborah, You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. Ballantine Books, 1990. Classic work on gender differences especially in the context of marriage.

For further details see the specific TS site maintained by Ciara MacMullan