Introduction to Transgender Studies - by Ardel Haefele-Thomas (Paperback)

About the Book

This is the first introductory text/reader for trans, transgender, or trans* studies at all levels, from first year to graduate coursework. It can be used in programs and courses ranging from major courses to electives in LGBT/queer studies, feminist/gender studies, and other allied disciplines.

Book Synopsis

This is the first introductory textbook intended for transgender/trans studies at the undergraduate level. The book can also be used for related courses in LGBTQ, queer, and gender/feminist studies.

It encompasses and connects global contexts, intersecting identities, historic and contemporary issues, literature, history, politics, art, and culture. Ardel Haefele-Thomas embraces the richness of intersecting identities--how race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, nation, religion, and ability have cross-influenced to shape the transgender experience and trans culture across and beyond the binary. Written by an accomplished teacher with experience in a wide variety of higher learning institutions, this new text inspires readers to explore not only contemporary transgender issues and experiences but also the global history of gender diversity through the ages.

Introduction to Transgender Studies features:

-A welcoming approach that creates a safe space for a wide range of students, from those who have never thought about gender issues to those who identify as transgender, trans, nonbinary, agender, and/or gender expansive.

-Writings from the Community essays that relate the chapter theme to the lived experiences of trans and LGB people and allies from different parts of the world.

-Key concepts, film and media suggestions, topics for discussion, activities, and ideas for writing and research to engage students and serve as a review at exam time.

-Instructors' resources that will be available that include key teaching points with discussion questions, activities, research projects, tips for using the media suggestions, PowerPoint presentations, and sample syllabi for various course configurations.

Intended for introductory transgender, LGBTQ+, or gender studies courses through upper-level electives related to the expanding field of transgender studies, this text has been successfully class-tested in community colleges and public and private colleges and universities.

Review Quotes

A must-read for anyone needing an education on transgender history.-- "Advocate"

Named a top ten book of 2020 by the Over the Rainbow committee of the American Library Association-- "Over the Rainbow committee of the American Library Association"

Pragmatic, philosophical, urgent, and inclusive, Introduction to Transgender Studies is a crucial introduction to an important area of study. . . . With high-level theories that often tie into current-day examples--like bathroom discrimination and the concerning rate of violence against trans people--Introduction to Transgender Studies is a powerful work and a constant reminder that what we learn is significant to real lives, every day.-- "Foreword Reviews"

Ardel Haefele-Thomas has done a commendable job presenting what transgender has meant up to our present moment, thereby giving the rising generation a generous gift to use as they see fit for the ongoing project of creating a less straitjacketed, more expansive sense of what a human life can be. It offers a useful place to start thinking about basic concepts like sex and gender, sexual orientation, and identity.--Susan Stryker, University of Arizona, from the foreword

It makes me so honored and happy to write the introduction to Ardel Haefele-Thomas's groundbreaking and profoundly important Introduction to Transgender Studies. A book like this matters to everybody.--Jo Clifford, independent playwright, poet, and performer and former professor of theater at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland

I can't imagine a better textbook introducing students to transgender studies. Ardel Haefele-Thomas lucidly explains the complexities of gender nonconformity using clear analysis, together with rich and nuanced historical examples. These are elucidated further with the delightful details they deserve.--Paisley Currah, coeditor of Transgender Studies Quarterly

The cultural historian, queer theorist, and trans activist Ardel Haefele-Thomas has written an indispensable textbook on gender and sexuality for schools and universities. I have field-tested it with students across ethnicities and nationalities. They are invariably drawn to the well-researched multicultural histories, precise definitions of LGBTQ+, and the very personal stories of members of the community that the author has assembled. This volume will further transgender tolerance and challenge the binary as much as any single work can do.--Regenia Gagnier, University of Exeter

This is a groundbreaking textbook and significant development in transgender studies. Students will relate to all aspects of each chapter, including the personal stories, rich histories, interactive questions, inspiring trans figures, and much more. This is a must read and a truly intersectional accomplishment.--Breana Bahar Hansen, City College of San Francisco and University of San Francisco

About the Author

Ardel Haefele-Thomas is chair of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies at City College of San Francisco. Haefele-Thomas's academic work focuses on the intersections of gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, race, and class based in part on frameworks and structures of postcolonial and queer theory. They are coauthor of the forthcoming book Transgender: A Reference Text, with Aaron Devor.