Publisher Description

What does cisgender mean? What are people saying when they refer to "assigned" gender? Why is it not OK to say 'preferred pronouns'? What is cis privilege? If you're curious about the answers to these questions and want to learn more, this book is for you.

This easy-to-read guide offers information and advice to anyone wanting to understand more about trans experiences. It explains what gender identity is and arms you with the correct terminology to use. Filled with real-life examples and FAQs, it offers helpful strategies to navigate respectful conversations, speak up against transphobia and create inclusive relationships and spaces. It's the ideal tool for anyone wanting to become a better ally to transgender and/or nonbinary people.

Author Biography

Christy Whittlesey is an author, educator, public speaker and consultant who has worked in educational settings for over 17 years. She regularly collaborates with school districts and organizations to update policies and offer professional development to create gender-friendly learning environments and her first book, It's OK to Say "They": Tips for Educator Allies of Transgender and Non-Binary Students, was a 2020 finalist for the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Program. It was also a 2021 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist (First Horizon Award, Eric Hoffer Grand Prize Short List) and Honorable Mention recipient, Culture Category.

Table of Contents

What is Being a True Ally?
What is Allyship?
Getting Comfortable with Language
Thinking About Gender
How Can I Strive to be a True Ally?
Conclusion: The Future of Gender
Book Study/Discussion Questions
Resources

Review

This is a well-written, well-researched book that is very informative for the general reader, like me. Excellent recommendations for navigating this changing world and being supportive of trans friends and family members. -- Don M., Boston, MA
Christy Whittlesey has written a must-have guide for anyone seeking to understand and learn what it means to be an ally of the transgender community. She encourages readers to continue to listen, disrupt the system, and be a voice when others can't. It is full of important information like the power of pronouns and the significance of intersectionality. Whittlesey empowers readers to embrace individuals in their workplace, family, and community. -- Dr. Rayna L. Freedman, 5th grade teacher, MassCUE President, and Accomplice to the LBGTQIA+ community
Impressive introductory guide to being an ally to a person who is transgender or non-binary. There are helpful tips related to the importance of language, use of listening skills, and normalizing gender neutral practices in our daily lives. The contents of this book ultimately reminds us to be mindful of the humanity of every person we encounter. -- Latosha Dixon (she/her) Vice-Chair of the Chelmsford Diversity Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee, '20-
Christy provides information that every parent should know about being a trans or non-binary ally, including resources on where to find out more. She gets you thinking from a different perspective and shows that trans people just want to be heard, affirmed, and feel safe. Being a trans ally means taking small, everyday actions. We can all think about our environments and consider how we might make them more gender-inclusive. -- Kathy Sheedy, mother and volunteer for The Ryan Home Project (home for homeless teens)
I am once again thankful to Christy Whittlesey for tackling this nuanced and important topic with such care and grace. As a gender educator, I'll be recommending The Beginner's Guide to Being a Trans Ally far and wide. -- Tuck Woodstock, Gender Reveal podcast
Christy Whittlesey's The Beginner's Guide to Being a Trans Ally provides an easy-to-access entry point into allyship for anyone who is ready to learn...read this book if you are an educator or a healthcare provider who is new to the conversation. -- Stacy Agee Szczesiul, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell & proud parent of a transgender child
This book unpacks gender diversity by centering the trans voices we hope to become allies for. Through reading these narratives we learn that becoming an ally is moving from ignorance or complicity to a continuum of continual action that affirms and celebrates our trans students, family members, friends, co-workers, and community members. This resource also serves as a user-friendly toolkit with clear techniques for more inclusive allyship. It is a must-read for educators and families alike. -- Anthony Beatrice, Executive Director for the Arts, Boston Public Schools

Promotional

An essential guide for anyone who wants to be an ally to trans and/or nonbinary people

Long Description

What does cisgender mean? What are people saying when they refer to "assigned" gender? Why is it not OK to say preferred pronouns? What is cis privilege? If youre curious about the answers to these questions and want to learn more, this book is for you. This easy-to-read guide offers information and advice to anyone wanting to understand more about trans experiences. It explains what gender identity is and arms you with the correct terminology to use. Filled with real-life examples and FAQs, it offers helpful strategies to navigate respectful conversations, speak up against transphobia and create inclusive relationships and spaces. Its the ideal tool for anyone wanting to become a better ally to transgender and/or nonbinary people.

Review Quote

This is a well-written, well-researched book that is very informative for the general reader, like me. Excellent recommendations for navigating this changing world and being supportive of trans friends and family members.

Promotional "Headline"

An essential guide for anyone who wants to be an ally to trans and/or nonbinary people

Description for Sales People

Acts as an accessible overview on trans allyship for the general reader, following an easy-to-read guide format.

Details