Sensitive depiction of a misunderstood condition ,
Those who cross the divide (from male to female or female to male) are called transsexuals or transgendered by many, but, sadly, are called freaks by some.
Estimated at affecting 1 of 30,000 individuals, gender dysphoria is certainly not common, but neither is it unknown. Currently transsexuals are the staple of tv talk shows and Leno jokes, but these people are simply attempting to life within society on society's terms.
Dr Randi Ettner is a psychologist who has devoted her life to counseling those with gender dysphoria, helping them to adjust to society's rigid rules when possible and, when not possible, helping them to cross the rigid barrier we call gender. She has written a sensitive, caring book about her experiences, humorous at times, heart breaking at others.
Ettner's book is a wonderful antidote to the cruelty of talk tv, but, more importantly, will provide an important window on this condition that, unless addressed can easily result in mutilation, victimization or suicide.
Kristin Hayward www.umeais.maine.edu/~hayward
Confessions of a Gender Defender : A Psychologist's Reflections on Life Among the Transgendered
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