How to Understand Your Gender - by Alex Iantaffi & Meg-John Barker (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 288
Genre: Social Science
Sub-Genre: LGBT Studies
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: General
Author: Alex Iantaffi & Meg-John Barker
Language: English

About the Book

This helpful guide presents ways we can all better understand gender, and how people can change and express their gender identity. Considering biological and cultural understandings of gender, gender expression, and relationships and sexuality, this is an excellent starting point for anybody thinking about what gender means to them.

Book Synopsis

'For anyone who's ever wished they had a smart, kind, friend with whom they could calmly and safely discuss gender issues: this most excellent book is that kind of friend'. - Kate Bornstein, author of Gender Outlaw

Have you ever questioned your own gender identity? Do you know somebody who is transgender or who identifies as non-binary? Do you ever feel confused when people talk about gender diversity?

This down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. It looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.

Review Quotes

How to Understand Your Gender is a thoughtful, intersectional, embodied invitation to reflect on gender. It has something to offer to readers at every stage of their gender journey, and is a valuable tool for educators and clinicians.--Zena Sharman, PhD, editor of The Remedy: Queer and Trans Voices on Health and Health Care and Persistence: All Ways Butch and Femme

How to Understand Your Gender is a practical entry level guidebook for people who wish to challenge gender binarism, and should contribute to binarism's ongoing evolution.--Jane Haile "New York Journal of Books "

As a trans masculine person [...] I identified with so much, over and over again. Not only did this validate my own journey but it offered me access to the joys and difficulties of others and I felt less alone. This book will travel with me, it's not a one off read, but a guide I can dip in and out of whenever I feel the need.--Wenn Lawson, author of Transitioning Together

For anyone who's ever wished they had a smart, kind, friend with whom they could calmly and safely discuss gender issues: this most excellent book is that kind of friend.--Kate Bornstein, author of Gender Outlaw

If you want to finally discard the narrow confines of gender and sexuality and explore the vast landscapes of gender and sexual imagination, this is your book!--Jayashree George, Lecturer, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The authors have made adequate time for Indigenous and Two Spirit identities and people. Talking about decolonizing the gender narrative in a way that traces back to the very roots of the first peoples in a place is something that is crucial in providing understanding, but is often ignored or overlooked. Hands down, I will recommend this book for anybody looking to learn more about gender and sexuality. It's an amazing resource for ALL, regardless of identity, experience or knowledge. I fell head over heels with this book, and I can't wait to shout it from the rooftops!--Katrina Werchouski, Director of Indigenous Cultures Center, Northland College

Wherever you are on your gender adventure, this book will be helpful to you. Beyond the headlines, gender is a personal journey - and for anyone struggling to find their way, this is the compassionate, accessible manual the world has been waiting for.--Laurie Penny, journalist, activist and author of Unspeakable Things

About the Author

Alex Iantaffi is a licensed marriage and family therapist, supervisor, sex therapist, scholar and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy. He is also adjunct faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a parent and active community organizer. @xtaffi on Twitter

Meg-John Barker is a writer, therapist, and activist-academic specialising in sex, gender and relationships. They are a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University. @megjohnbarker on Twitter.