by Ben V. Greene
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
5/7/2024, hardcover
SKU: 9781538186459
A powerful book for readers aiming to support trans youth that Booklist calls a "warm and generous book [that] will help a wide range of readers" and Publishers Weekly says is "a pragmatic program for parenting beyond the gender binary."
As a full-time public speaker specializing in spreading awareness and understanding of the transgender community, what Ben Greene hears most from parents and loved ones is the phrase "I'm sorry." They're sorry for using the wrong word, sorry for asking an offensive question, sorry for not knowing this already, sorry for asking a question at all. The combination of exhaustion from trans people who have become their community's designated educator and the growing trend of "canceling" anyone who says anything wrong has created a culture where people who have good hearts and minimal access to information are so afraid to make a mistake they don't even try.
In My Child is Trans, Now What? A Joy-Centered Approach to Support, Greene breaks the mold by offering a judgement-free guide to people across generations, from millennial parents to members of older generations who may not have had previous positive exposure to the trans community. Greene focuses on providing two key resources in this book: information and emotional support. He explains what to expect, what systems exist to support trans youth, and what loved ones can do to help.
Using a combination of personal stories and experiences, definitions, and additional resources, My Child is Trans, Now What? is an essential guide for anyone looking to help trans youth thrive.
Reviews:
"Ben Greene's compassionate guide for parents of trans kids is a welcome salve in these wounding times. If you are concerned or confused about a young loved one's prospective transition, this book is a great place to start a truly transformative journey." -- Susan Stryker, PhD, author of Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution
"Amidst these dark and troubling times for trans youth and their families in America, Greene's book is a beacon of light and hope. Bursting with love and compassion, this guidebook offers practical and user-friendly advice about how to support the transgender loved one in your life." -- Jeannie Gainsburg, author of The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate
About the Author:
Ben V. Greene is a public speaker, LGBTQ+ inclusion consultant, and openly transgender man. Ben has dedicated his career to spreading empathy, awareness, and understanding about the transgender community. He is active on the speaking circuit, with audiences ranging from the UK's Diversity Live! to NASA. Ben is a guest lecturer on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cornell University in addition to serving on the board of the Tufts Master's Degree in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri.