Books for Gender-Diverse Folks, their Families, and Our Allies
Books for Gender-Diverse Folks, their
Families, and Our Allies
This list of books on transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid identities come highly recommended from our experienced therapist team. Ranging from gender identity explorations, to self-improvement, couple’s guides, and skill-building workbooks—we hope you find the comfort in knowing that you’re not alone, and help is available throughout your journey with gender.

Books on Gender Diversity in the Family
The Reflective Workbook for Parents and Families of Transgender and Non-Binary Children: Your Transition as Your Child Transitions
By D. M. Maynard
This innovative workbook discusses the unique needs of parents and families as they navigate their child’s gender exploration. Providing a safe space for them to work through their own uncertainties and necessities, it gives specifically tailored guidance and support, with sections on school life, language and terminology, finding a therapist, possible grief, social/medical intervention options and more. Personal anecdotes from parents and other family members offer insight and understanding, alongside reflective activities, quizzes and positive affirmations throughout.
My Child Is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support
By BEN V. GREENE

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.
The Reflective Workbook for Parents and Families of Transgender and Non-Binary Children: Your Transition as Your Child Transitions
By D. M. Maynard
This innovative workbook discusses the unique needs of parents and families as they navigate their child’s gender exploration. Providing a safe space for them to work through their own uncertainties and necessities, it gives specifically tailored guidance and support, with sections on school life, language and terminology, finding a therapist, possible grief, social/medical intervention options and more. Personal anecdotes from parents and other family members offer insight and understanding, alongside reflective activities, quizzes and positive affirmations throughout.
Found in Transition: A Mother’s Evolution During Her Child’s Gender Change
BY Paria Hassouri, M.D.
In this wonderfully frank, loving, and practical account of parenting a transgender teen, Paria chronicles what amounts to a dual transition: as her child transitions from male to female, she navigates through anger, denial, and grief to eventually arrive at acceptance. Despite her experience advising other parents in her work as a pediatrician, she was blindsided by her child’s gender identity. Paria is also forced to examine how she still carries insecurities from her past of growing up as an Iranian-American immigrant in a predominantly white neighborhood, and how her life experience is causing her to parent with fear instead of love. Paria discovers her capacity to evolve, as well as what it really means to parent and the deepest nature of unconditional love.
Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This
BY rebecca minor, licsw

Raising Trans Kids is the essential guide for parents, families, and educators committed to creating a world where transgender and nonbinary youth can thrive. With compassionate insights, evidence-based research, and practical advice, this groundbreaking book provides the clarity and reassurance needed to navigate the complex journey of raising trans and gender-expansive children.
At a time when trans youth face unprecedented legislative attacks and alarming mental health challenges, Raising Trans Kids is more than a guide—it’s a lifeline. By addressing fears and misconceptions, it helps families move past uncertainty and fear into pride, joy, and unconditional love for their child’s authentic self.
Found in Transition: A Mother’s Evolution During Her Child’s Gender Change
BY Paria Hassouri, M.D.
In this wonderfully frank, loving, and practical account of parenting a transgender teen, Paria chronicles what amounts to a dual transition: as her child transitions from male to female, she navigates through anger, denial, and grief to eventually arrive at acceptance. Despite her experience advising other parents in her work as a pediatrician, she was blindsided by her child’s gender identity. Paria is also forced to examine how she still carries insecurities from her past of growing up as an Iranian-American immigrant in a predominantly white neighborhood, and how her life experience is causing her to parent with fear instead of love. Paria discovers her capacity to evolve, as well as what it really means to parent and the deepest nature of unconditional love.
Love Makes a Family
By Sophie Beer
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
American Teenager
By NICO LANG
For their groundbreaking new book, journalist Nico Lang spent a year traveling the country to document the lives of transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid teens and their families. Drawing on hundreds of hours of on-the-ground interviews with them and the people in their communities, American Teenager paints a vivid portrait of what it’s actually like to grow up trans today.
My Child Is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support
By BEN V. GREENE

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.
Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This
BY rebecca minor, licsw

Raising Trans Kids is the essential guide for parents, families, and educators committed to creating a world where transgender and nonbinary youth can thrive. With compassionate insights, evidence-based research, and practical advice, this groundbreaking book provides the clarity and reassurance needed to navigate the complex journey of raising trans and gender-expansive children.
At a time when trans youth face unprecedented legislative attacks and alarming mental health challenges, Raising Trans Kids is more than a guide—it’s a lifeline. By addressing fears and misconceptions, it helps families move past uncertainty and fear into pride, joy, and unconditional love for their child’s authentic self.
Books on Nonbinary Identity
Nonbinary: Memoirs of Gender and Identity
By Micah Rajunov and A. Scott Duane
Even mundane interactions like filling out a form or using a public bathroom can be a struggle when these designations prove inadequate. In this groundbreaking book, thirty authors highlight how our experiences are shaped by a deeply entrenched gender binary. The powerful first-person narratives of this collection show us a world where gender exists along a spectrum, a web, a multidimensional space. Nuanced storytellers break away from mainstream portrayals of gender diversity, cutting across lines of age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, religion, family, and relationships.
Nonbinary: Memoirs of Gender and Identity
By Micah Rajunov and A. Scott Duane
Even mundane interactions like filling out a form or using a public bathroom can be a struggle when these designations prove inadequate. In this groundbreaking book, thirty authors highlight how our experiences are shaped by a deeply entrenched gender binary. The powerful first-person narratives of this collection show us a world where gender exists along a spectrum, a web, a multidimensional space. Nuanced storytellers break away from mainstream portrayals of gender diversity, cutting across lines of age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, religion, family, and relationships.
Beyond the Gender Binary: Pocket Change Collective
BY Alok Vaid-Menon
Winner of the 2021 “In The Margins” Award, Beyond the Gender Binary challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression. The only limit is your imagination. Billy Porter, Emmy award-winning actor, singer, and Broadway theater performer says “Thank God we have Alok. And I’m learning a thing or two myself.” Sam Smith, Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer and songwriter says “When reading this book, all I feel is kindness.”
Beyond the Gender Binary: Pocket Change Collective
BY Alok Vaid-Menon
Winner of the 2021 “In The Margins” Award, Beyond the Gender Binary challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression. The only limit is your imagination. Billy Porter, Emmy award-winning actor, singer, and Broadway theater performer says “Thank God we have Alok. And I’m learning a thing or two myself.” Sam Smith, Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer and songwriter chimes in “When reading this book, all I feel is kindness.
Nonbinary for Beginners: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask About Gender, Pronouns, Being an Ally, and Black & White Thinking
By Ocean Atlas
Whether you are exploring gender, you want to support a loved one or be an ally, or you have heard about LGBTQ folks on the news, your curiosity about non-binary, genderqueer and transgender identities suggests that you are a caring and open-minded person. This book is for nonbinary folks and for allies — to read, to get validation and talking points, and to pass this book on to your neighbors, your community, your acquaintances, and anyone who would like to better understand and empathize with others.
Books that Explore and Reflect on Gender Identity
He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters
By SCHUYLER BAILAR

From a trans rights activist and athlete, an urgent guide that changes the conversation about gender identity. He/She/They compassionately addresses fundamental topics, from why being transgender is not a choice and why pronouns are important, to more complex issues including how gender-affirming healthcare can be lifesaving. With a relatable narrative rooted in science, and history, Schuyler helps restore common sense and humanity to a discussion that continues to be divisively coopted and deceptively politicized. He/She/They is more than a book on allyship; it also speaks to trans folks directly, celebrating radical trans joy.
You and Your Gender Identity:
A Guide to Discovery
By Dara Hoffman-Fox, LPC
A guide to help you navigate your journey of self-discovery in three approachable stages: preparation, reflection, and exploration. In You and Your Gender Identity, you will learn why understanding your gender identity is core to embracing your full being; how to sustain the highs and lows of your journey with resources, connection, and self-care; why it’s important to examine your past through the lens of gender exploration; how to discover and begin living as your authentic self — and much more.
He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters
By SCHUYLER BAILAR

From a trans rights activist and athlete, an urgent guide that changes the conversation about gender identity. He/She/They compassionately addresses fundamental topics, from why being transgender is not a choice and why pronouns are important, to more complex issues including how gender-affirming healthcare can be lifesaving.
With a relatable narrative rooted in science, and history, Schuyler helps restore common sense and humanity to a discussion that continues to be divisively coopted and deceptively politicized. He/She/They is more than a book on allyship; it also speaks to trans folks directly, celebrating radical trans joy.
You and Your Gender Identity:
A Guide to Discovery
By Dara Hoffman-Fox, LPC
A guide to help you navigate your journey of self-discovery in three approachable stages: preparation, reflection, and exploration. In You and Your Gender Identity, you will learn why understanding your gender identity is core to embracing your full being; how to sustain the highs and lows of your journey with resources, connection, and self-care; why it’s important to examine your past through the lens of gender exploration; how to discover and begin living as your authentic self — and much more.
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook: Skills for Navigating Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression
BY Anneliese Singh, PhD, LPC
Beyond the everyday stress and major setbacks that everyone experiences, queer or gender non-conforming people can also face challenges like discrimination in housing and health care, employment barriers, homelessness, family rejection, and physical attacks or threats. This workbook discusses key components of resilience: holding a positive view of yourself and your abilities; cultivating a strong sense of self-esteem; effectively utilizing resources; creating a support community; fostering hope and growth within yourself, and finding the strength to help others.
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook: Skills for Navigating Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression
BY Anneliese Singh, PhD, LPC
Beyond the everyday stress and major setbacks that everyone experiences, queer or gender non-conforming people can also face challenges like discrimination in housing and health care, employment barriers, homelessness, family rejection, and physical attacks or threats. This workbook discusses key components of resilience: holding a positive view of yourself and your abilities; cultivating a strong sense of self-esteem; effectively utilizing resources; creating a support community; fostering hope and growth within yourself, and finding the strength to help others.
Cultural Awareness in Therapy
with Trans and Gender Non-Conforming
Adults and Older People
By Tavi Hawn
Practical advice for therapists and other professionals on developing culturally sensitive practices with trans clients regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, including older trans people. Includes case studies, tips, self-assessment checklists, and further resources.
Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman
By Abby Chava Stein

Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman
By Abby Chava Stein

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community
BY Laura Erickson-Schroth
A comprehensive, reader-friendly guide for transgender people, with each chapter written by transgender and gender expansive authors. Widely accessible to the transgender population, it provides authoritative information in an inclusive and respectful way, and and by representing the collective knowledge base of dozens of influential experts. Each chapter takes the reader through an important issue, such as race, religion, employment, medical and surgical transition, mental health, relationships, sexuality, parenthood, arts and culture, and many more. Anonymous quotes, testimonials, art and poetry from transgender people are woven throughout, adding compelling, personal voices to every page.
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community
BY Laura Erickson-Schroth
A comprehensive, reader-friendly guide for transgender people, with each chapter written by transgender and gender expansive authors. Widely accessible to the transgender population, it provides authoritative information in an inclusive and respectful way, and and by representing the collective knowledge base of dozens of influential experts. Each chapter takes the reader through an important issue, such as race, religion, employment, medical and surgical transition, mental health, relationships, sexuality, parenthood, arts and culture, and many more. Anonymous quotes, testimonials, art and poetry from transgender people are woven throughout, adding compelling, personal voices to every page.
The Real Lives of Transgender and Nonbinary Humans: A Publish Your Purpose Anthology
By Brandi Lai
This powerful collection of stories, told by transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and from all walks of life, is an inspiring tribute to the human spirit. They are our children, parents, siblings, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Many have faced daunting challenges and have overcome the hardships of poverty, racism, transphobia, and alienation from their families. Some have become activists; some are entrepreneurs; others simply want to make a difference in one person’s life. But wherever their journeys have taken them, they are so much more than their gender transitions. This book is a testament to the power of hope, determination, and the possibilities open to everyone when they learn to love and accept themselves for who they really are.
Books for Partners of Transgender Individuals
She’s Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband
BY Helen Boyd
Helen Boyd’s husband, who had long been open about being a cross-dresser, was considering living as a woman full time. Suddenly, Boyd was confronted with the reality of what it would mean if her husband were actually to become a woman socially, legally, and medically. Would Boyd love and desire her partner the same way? This book is for couples who are homosexual or heterosexual, and for readers who fall anywhere along the gender continuum. As Boyd struggles to understand the nature of marriage, passion, and love, she shares her confusion and anger, providing a fascinating observation of the ways in which relationships are gendered, and how we cope, or don’t, with the emotional and sexual pressures that gender roles can bring to our marriages and relationships.
She’s Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband
BY Helen Boyd
Helen Boyd’s husband, who had long been open about being a cross-dresser, was considering living as a woman full time. Suddenly, Boyd was confronted with the reality of what it would mean if her husband were actually to become a woman socially, legally, and medically. Would Boyd love and desire her partner the same way? This book is for couples who are homosexual or heterosexual, and for readers who fall anywhere along the gender continuum. As Boyd struggles to understand the nature of marriage, passion, and love, she shares her confusion and anger, providing a fascinating observation of the ways in which relationships are gendered, and how we cope, or don’t, with the emotional and sexual pressures that gender roles can bring to our marriages and relationships.
She’s Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband
BY Helen Boyd
Helen Boyd’s husband, who had long been open about being a cross-dresser, was considering living as a woman full time. Suddenly, Boyd was confronted with the reality of what it would mean if her husband were actually to become a woman socially, legally, and medically. Would Boyd love and desire her partner the same way? This book is for couples who are homosexual or heterosexual, and for readers who fall anywhere along the gender continuum. As Boyd struggles to understand the nature of marriage, passion, and love, she shares her confusion and anger, providing a fascinating observation of the ways in which relationships are gendered, and how we cope, or don’t, with the emotional and sexual pressures that gender roles can bring to our marriages and relationships.
The Reflective Workbook for Partners of Transgender People: Your Transition as Your Partner Transitions
BY D. M. Maynard
Partners of people in transition go through their own transitions and may or may not be conflicted as to whether they will remain in their relationship. This unique self-help workbook was created for and focuses on the partner’s perspective and own journey. By providing the support and structure needed for partners to reflect, this resource helps navigate the unexpected transition that affects both of their lives. This book gives guidance and advice specifically designed for this situation, alongside activities, quizzes, and personal anecdotes. By combining portions of the author’s self-exploration — as the partner of someone who began to transition after 17 years of being in their relationship — with the experiences shared by those who attended her workshops, this workbook examines the challenges, uncertainties, and possible grieving some partners experience throughout the transition process.
The Reflective Workbook for Partners of Transgender People: Your Transition as Your Partner Transitions
BY D. M. Maynard
Partners of people in transition go through their own transitions and may or may not be conflicted as to whether they will remain in their relationship. This unique self-help workbook was created for and focuses on the partner’s perspective and own journey. By providing the support and structure needed for partners to reflect, this resource helps navigate the unexpected transition that affects both of their lives. This book gives guidance and advice specifically designed for this situation, alongside activities, quizzes, and personal anecdotes. By combining portions of the author’s self-exploration — as the partner of someone who began to transition after 17 years of being in their relationship — with the experiences shared by those who attended her workshops, this workbook examines the challenges, uncertainties, and possible grieving some partners experience throughout the transition process.
The Trans Partner Handbook
By Jo Green
Individuals who transition from one gender to another are often in some degree of a relationship, and over 55% of these relationships endure through the transition process. While more resources are emerging for trans people themselves, there is very little information available for their partners. Through first-hand accounts and vignettes of successful partnerships, this book presents detailed descriptions of everything involved in the transition process, with specific guidance for those supporting a partner in transition. Topics include disclosure, mental health, coming out, loss and grief, sex and sexuality, and the legal / medical / social practicalities of transitioning. In this essential guide, people whose partners are across the transgender spectrum speak out on their own experiences with personal advice and support for others.
The Trans Partner Handbook
By Jo Green
Individuals who transition from one gender to another are often in some degree of a relationship, and over 55% of these relationships endure through the transition process. While more resources are emerging for trans people themselves, there is very little information available for their partners. Through first-hand accounts and vignettes of successful partnerships, this book presents detailed descriptions of everything involved in the transition process, with specific guidance for those supporting a partner in transition. Topics include disclosure, mental health, coming out, loss and grief, sex and sexuality, and the legal / medical / social practicalities of transitioning. In this essential guide, people whose partners are across the transgender spectrum speak out on their own experiences with personal advice and support for others.
Books for Allies of Transgender and TGD Folks
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate
BY JEANNIE GAINSBURG
Easy to understand, enjoyable, and (at times) funny, The Savvy Ally is encouraging guidebook for folks who would like learn more about — and actively engage with, while supporting — the LGBTQ+ communities. It is chock full of practical and useful tools for LGBTQ+ advocacy including ways to effectively navigate difficult conversations and actions for creating more LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces — among many others. This book will be useful for teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, medical technicians, and college professors, as well as parents who want to be supportive of their LGBTQ+ child, but don’t know how. This is not a book about why to be an ally. This is a book about how to be an ally.
The Gender Workshop Book, Featuring the Gender Unicorn: Improve Your Allyship with these Reflective Questions, Infographics, and Statistics
BY MICHELLE RAINE
This Gender Unicorn activity book is a comprehensive guidebook that is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of gender and become a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s filled with insightful statistics and engaging infographics that will help readers reflect on the meaning of gender and how it relates to our everyday lives. Children ages 8 and up, as well as adults who are on their own journey of gender exploration and comprehension will benefit. This workbook will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to create safe spaces for all students to explore and express themselves.
GWLA’s Gender Affirming Care Network
Be an Inclusion Ally: ABCs of LGBTQ+
BY LISA KOENECKE, M.S.
Be an Inclusion Ally brilliantly illuminates the path to becoming the most supportive Ally you can be both personally and professionally. This book is the quintessential fast, funny, and ready resource for educating yourself and others about the LGBTQ+ community. With wit and wisdom woven throughout, it’s a goldmine for individuals who have questions, but don’t know whom to ask. This book celebrates YOU for being willing to learn more and create an inclusive workplace or school.
Books for Allies of Transgender and TGD Folks
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate
BY JEANNIE GAINSBURG
Partners of people in transition go through their own transitions and may or may not be conflicted as to whether they will remain in their relationship. This unique self-help workbook was created for and focuses on the partner’s perspective and own journey. It offers guidance and advice specifically designed for this situation, alongside activities, quizzes, and personal anecdotes. By combining portions of the author’s self-exploration as the partner of someone who began to transition, 17 years after being in their relationship along with the experiences shared by those who attended her workshops — this workbook examines the challenges some partners experience throughout the transition process.
The Gender Workshop Book, Featuring the Gender Unicorn: Improve Your Allyship with these Reflective Questions, Infographics, and Statistics
BY MICHELLE RAINE
This Gender Unicorn activity book is a comprehensive guidebook that is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of gender and become a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s filled with insightful statistics and engaging infographics that will help readers reflect on the meaning of gender and how it relates to our everyday lives. Children ages 8 and up, as well as adults who are on their own journey of gender exploration and comprehension will benefit. This workbook will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to create safe spaces for all students to explore and express themselves.
Be an Inclusion Ally: ABCs of LGBTQ+
BY LISA KOENECKE, M.S.
Partners of people in transition go through their own transitions and may or may not be conflicted as to whether they will remain in their relationship. This unique self-help workbook was created for and focuses on the partner’s perspective and own journey. It offers guidance and advice specifically designed for this situation, alongside activities, quizzes, and personal anecdotes. By combining portions of the author’s self-exploration as the partner of someone who began to transition, 17 years after being in their relationship along with the experiences shared by those who attended her workshops — this workbook examines the challenges some partners experience throughout the transition process.
The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones
By ROBYN L GOLDBERG, RDN, CEDRD-S

Searching for a trans-affirming E.D. resource? Look no further. Written by an expert with over twenty years of experience in the field of eating disorders, this book will give you the facts in a friendly and easy to read format. Get to know what you are dealing with and how it is taking a toll on your body and quality of life. Get rid of the myths “diet culture” has had you believe. Find out where to go and who to turn to for expert and compassionate care, maximizing your potential for recovery.
The journey with an eating disorder can seem like a dark maze with no way out. Allow the knowledge in this book to light the path. Recovery is possible with the right information, guidance, and treatment intervention.

