Trans Generation

Winner, 2019 PROSE Award for Anthropology, Criminology and Sociology, presented by the Association of American Publishers A groundbreaking look at the lives of transgender children and their families Some “boys” will only wear dresses; some “girls” refuse to wear dresses; in both cases, as Ann Travers shows in this fascinating account of the lives of transgender kids, these are often more than just wardrobe choices. Travers shows that from very early ages, some at two and three years old, these kids find themselves to be different from the sex category that was assigned to them at birth. How they make their voices heard—to their parents and friends, in schools, in public spaces, and through the courts—is the focus of this remarkable and groundbreaking book. Based on interviews with transgender kids, ranging in age from 4 to 20, and their parents, and over five years of research in the US and Canada, The Trans Generation offers a rare look into what it is like to grow up as a trans child. From daycare to birthday parties and from the playground to the school bathroom, Travers takes the reader inside the day-to-day realities of trans kids who regularly experience crisis as a result of the restrictive ways in which sex categories regulate their lives and put pressure on them to deny their internal sense of who they are in gendered terms. As a transgender activist and as an advocate for trans kids, Travers is able to document from first-hand experience the difficulties of growing up trans and the challenges that parents can face. The book shows the incredible time, energy, and love that these parents give to their children, even in the face of, at times, unsupportive communities, schools, courts, health systems, and government laws. Keeping in mind that all trans kids are among the most vulnerable to bullying, violent attacks, self-harm, and suicide, and that those who struggle with poverty, racism, lack of parental support, learning differences, etc, are extremely at risk, Travers offers ways to support all trans kids through policy recommendations and activist interventions. Ultimately, the book is meant to open up options for kids’ own gender self-determination, to question the need for the sex binary, and to highlight ways that cultural and material resources can be redistributed more equitably. The Trans Generation offers an essential and important new understanding of childhood.

Ann Traverss The Trans Generation is an astounding and essential qualitative study that collects heartfelt, honest anecdotes from a variety of transgender children and their parents., Given that trans children are subjected to harassment, bullying, and systemic lack of support, theres no better time than now to have this book as a resource., Walks readers through challenges that transgender children face in schools, in public spaces, with their parents, and navigating health care...A useful text., In this insightful evaluation of the lives of transgender kids, the author closely examines schools, spaces (especially bathrooms and locker rooms), parents, and healthcare. The book is...an important addition to the growing body of transgender literature., Whether due to a general lack of understanding or consistent misinterpretations of definitions, gender and identity can be challenging topics for many individuals. Travers helps combat this confusion by exploring aspects of gender and identity research that are often perplexing for students. Travers presents an innovative exploration of the experiences of transgender children, offering concrete definitions of terminology and fresh approaches to discussing gender, sex, and identity. To some, these definitions and explanations might seem inconsequential, but they can be invaluable to those less informed about gender research. The text goes beyond simply discussing issues related to gender and children by listing resources for children, parents, lawmakers, and educators as well as providing policy recommendations for healthcare and education professionals … This illuminating text will be an appreciated addition to any library collection, especially those supporting sociology, psychology, gender studies, or criminology and criminal justice programs.

Ann Travers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Simon Fraser University. They live in Vancouver with their partner, three kids and a dog named Thunder.