Gender Explained

This is a phenomenal book written by two experts with vast experience working in the field of child mental health. They use up-to-date research and combine it with individual's stories to provide and engaging and thought provoking discussion about a complex issue.

This is an extremely important and well-informed book on gender diversity in children and on gender-affirming care for youth. The book is so important for parents, teachers, and anyone else seeking to better understand the gender expansive youth in their lives and how to best support them. The book does a superb job of delving into our society's notions about gender, the science behind gender, understanding gender in sports, political and legal landscapes, and so much more! Highly recommend!

This book is written by experts and has a lot of insightful information. I believe it’s a good choice for parents and teachers or others who are looking to learn more about gender in today’s world, especially when it comes to kids. The book discusses a lot of interesting topics, including how adults can support kids who may be curious or questioning their gender identity in the best possible way. It also talks about the science and how it applies to gender, the issue of gender in kids and other sports, politics, and other facets. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a gender curious child or young adult you care about in your life.

This much needed book! It offers a thorough examination of gender diversity in children and gender-affirming care for youth. It was two individuals who have spent years researching this topic, so I thought it was worth a read. Drawing on current research and real-life stories, these two authors facilitate a stimulating and insightful dialogue on this delicate subject. It's one of many resources that can serve as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and individuals looking to comprehend and support gender-expansive young people. The book covers various aspects of gender, including societal perceptions, scientific foundations, gender in sports, and legal frameworks, providing a comprehensive view of the topic. Ehrensaft and Jurkiewicz navigate the complexities of gender identity with compassion and clarity, offering practical tools to empower gender-expansive individuals. Their extensive research and empathetic approach distinguish this work as both a passionate advocacy and an authoritative reference. Accessible and enlightening, this book contributes significantly to understanding and discussing gender issues, emphasizing the need for support based on lived experiences rather than political motives. This book is a great starting point for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of gender diversity and affirming care.

As an adult who has the absolute joy of being surrounded by people who express gender in a myriad of colorful ways, I've heard so many stories of their heartaches in childhood and how they wished they experienced the same acceptance & love their cisgender siblings & peers received. I've also had the pleasure of being a trusted resource of information for adult friends facing questions about their childrens' blossoming gender expressions-- and I have struggled knowing which direction to point them aside from their own heart & love for their child.... until now! This book is so thoughtful as it cuts through misinformation and provides clear data for parents who may be feeling caught off guard, confused and even scared by how their kids are talking, acting, or dressing. Even as someone who more-than-casually keeps up with gender literacy, I learned a great deal about emerging vocabulary and examples of cultural shifts I wasn't yet aware of. I'd argue that not only is this a must-read for parents of kids already displaying gender creativity, it's a must-read for ANYONE who spends time with young people in ANY capacity because there's no such thing as "too many" affirming & loving adults in a young person's life.

Extremely one-sided and unsupported by science and medical ethics. The authors advocate for treating feelings with extreme procedures and endocrine disruption early in young children that has been shown, even by Marci Bowers, to permanently damage children's bodies. They talk a lot about children growing and exploring, and yet also claim that children already somehow can know with such conviction about their identities, that they should begin altering their bodies permanently with medication and surgery.This is a very anti body positivity viewpoint. Should overweight children go on Ozempic? What about children who believe they're Therian gender? Should girls get implants or take more estrogen to feel more confident in middle school if their breasts are too small?This book is toxic and the opposite of loving and understanding approaches to bodily acceptance and child psychology.

I work in a profession where the gender issues are very apparent. I've been reading on this topic for some time and was hoping that this book might provide a balanced view of the issue in today's world, a discussion that would fairly look at both sides. However, that is not what the authors present. They clearly support the "gender creative world" and embrace all that that means. As a result, if you are looking for insight into that perspective, this book will interest you. I find that they belittle and "explain away" any conflicting opinions. They support the use of hormones and puberty blockers (at any age)-any criticism of the possible negative impact of these drugs is negated. They minimize the numbers of detransitioned people, calling the numbers insignificant. I would have liked to read a more balanced treatment of the issue. But if you want to gain some insight into the authors' positions, you can learn a good bit about that perspective.