Gender Identity: The Ultimate Teen Guide (It Happened to Me) - Hardcover

Winfield, Cynthia L.

3.5

8 ratings by Goodreads

9780810849075: Gender Identity: The Ultimate Teen Guide (It Happened to Me)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810849070 ISBN 13: 9780810849075

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2006

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Contrary to popular education, gender is no longer an either "male" or "female" proposition. Today, it is increasingly important, especially for those coming into adulthood, to go beyond the concepts of gay, lesbian, straight, and bisexual when examining gender: the way we feel about ourselves and our roles in society. Gender Identity: The Ultimate Teen Guide examines what is meant by "sex" and "gender"―from typical gender roles and stereotypes, through those who transcend the usual categories of "male" and "female."

Author Cynthia Winfield encourages readers to "think outside the box," to recognize places where they cross gender lines, and to consider whether the time has come to change expectations or definitions within popular culture. The book also addresses:

� Differences between biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
� The quandary of persons who identify as a gender other than the biological sex assigned them at birth
� Intersex children and the current research
� The public debate and rapidly changing legal protections for those outside the narrowly defined gender norm
� Ways readers can make society more cognizant and inclusive of gender variant individuals

In addition to historical and factual information and the popular media's depictions of genders issues, the book allows contemporary teens and young adults to voice their experiences through poetry and prose. Questions for teens to consider and places teens can explore such questions in a safe space are also included.

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About the Author:

Cynthia L. Winfield is a licensed educator in Massachusetts. She teaches eight grade reading, writing, and language arts. She is also a book reviewer for VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) magazine.

Review:

From linguistics to biology, from religious belief to postmodern theory and political action, there's no other book that I know of that covers all the bases of gender like this excellent, meticulously compiled introductory text. (Kate Bornstein, Author of Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws)

As part of a series that treats sensitive issues for adolescents, this book begins with Dr. John Money's well-known case of sex/gender reassignment for a baby boy due to a botched circumcision. Winfield, a Massachusetts educator, presents a history of transgender issues, teens' personal reflections, resources, photos, and a glossary. She advocates that all students get involved in education and activism about gender issues and rights. The text is complemented by cartoons by Erin Lindsey, known for the transgender comic strip Venus Envy. (Scitech Books News)

This topic is quite welcome in the young adult world. Information is power, and those interested in gender identity have had a difficult time finding information. For that reason alone, this book should appear on every library's shelf. (VOYA, June 2007)

This book will rock your world. If you are a person of gender; if you identify as human; if you have a brain and a heart and want to expand both, plan to have children, wish you knew how to make a difference or live a more compassionate life, you need this book. Astounding, essential, illuminating information for every person of every age. (Julie Anne Peters, author of Luna and Keeping You a Secret)

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