Becoming a Visible Man

At least two generations of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people have emerged since Becoming a Visible Man was first published in 2004, but the book remains a beloved resource for trans people and their allies. Since the first edition's publication, author Jamison Green's writings and advocacy among business and governmental organizations around the world have led to major changes in the fields of law, medicine, and social policy, and his (mostly invisible) work has had significant effects on trans people globally. This new edition captures the changes of the last two decades, while also imparting a message of self-acceptance and health. With profoundly personal and eminently practical threads, Green clarifies transgender experience for transgender people and their families, friends, and coworkers. Medical and mental health care providers, educators, business leaders, and advocates seeking information about transgender concerns can all gain from Green's integrative approach to the topic. This book candidly addresses emotional relationships that are affected by a transition, and brings refined integrity to the struggle to self-define, whether one undergoes a transition or chooses not to. Emphasizing the lives of transgender men—who are often overlooked—he elucidates the experience of masculinity in a way that is self-assured and inclusive of feminist values. Green's inspirational wisdom has informed and empowered thousands of readers. There is still no other book like Becoming a Visible Man in the transgender canon.

Table of Contents:
Preface to the Second Edition Foreword, by Aaron H. Devor Acknowledgments 1. How Do You Know? Coming Out Terminology Early Dialogues Interconnections 2. Initiation Coming of Age The World of Men Letting Go of Shame Taking Responsible Action 3. A Vision of Community Lou Sullivan and the FTM Group Unconventional Conventions Intolerance Stepping Up to the Plate 4. Body of Knowledge Access to Treatment Hormone Therapy Approaching Surgery “Top” Surgery “Bottom” Surgery Decisions, Decisions Genital Geometry 5. Transparent Feelings Denial Fear Parents and Trans Children Transpeople as Parents 6. Consummate Presence Desire versus Identity The “Threat” of Sexual Uncertainty Sex and Validation Knowing What’s Desired 7. Visibility Visibility on Screen Visibility in Print The Visibility Dilemma Academic Debates Appearances Influencing the Course of Treatment 8. Willful Destiny Physical Proof Self-Determination Validity Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Jamison Green is currently board chair of Gender Education and Advocacy, a non-profit educational corporation, and a board member of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute and the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association. He has also been featured in eight documentary films and numerous articles and books. He holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Oregon.

Review :
"The first great memoir by a trans man." —New York Times "We can all, regardless of gender, benefit from this strong and gentle book about what is really important about gender: self-acceptance and tolerance." —Archives of Sexual Behavior "Jamison Green tells, with integrity, and in a moving and thoughtful way, his story." —Dallas Denny, editor, Transgender Tapestry Journal "Becoming a Visible Man offers brilliant insight into the world of transmen, a much needed insight for the professionals who seek to serve this population or to educate others about the wide range of diversity that exists in the world of human sexuality and gender expression. Anyone with an interest in this topic should consider this book required reading." —American Journal of Sexuality Education