PRAISE FOR
GENDER BORN, GENDER MADE

“This is an outstanding reference—an indispensible guide for those providing care for gender-nonconforming youth. Dr. Ehrensaft eloquently presents evidence to support her enlightened and impassioned plea to advocate for the ‘true gender self’ of all children.”

—STEPHEN M. ROSENTHAL, MD, professor of pediatrics, director, Pediatric Endocrine Clinics, University of California, San Francisco

“Courageous and clear, this book tells gender like it is—with real advice for those brave parents who are helping their transgender children to lead the 21st-century world toward an understanding of what it means to be fully human. Gender Born, Gender Made is a must-read for anyone who wants to comprehend the function and importance of gender in American culture, and learn how we can break gender’s irrational stranglehold on the human spirit.”

—JAMISON GREEN, PhD, educator, policy consultant, and author of Becoming a Visible Man

“Dr. Ehrensaft uses her own experience and the narratives of her patients to provide a glimpse into the obstacles that children with gender dysphoria and their families face. Their strengths are reflected in their stories. This provocative book will be helpful for parents, teachers, and clinicians working with children along the continuum of gender expression. These are children who, like all children, do not want to adapt to the expectations of others, but wish to be embraced for who they are.”

—CYNTHIA J. TELINGATOR, MD, child and adult psychiatrist; faculty member, Cambridge Health Alliance; and assistant professor, Harvard Medical School

“This book provides a creative approach in the evolution of our understanding of gender-nonconforming children, a thoughtful way forward from oppression towards affirmation. There is important information here for all who care about the quality of life for all children and their families.”

—CATHERINE TUERK, APRN, cofounder and senior consultant, Gender and Sexual Advocacy and Education Program, Children’s National Medical Center

“Dr. Ehrensaft has written a seminal and informative book that fills what has been a gaping abyss in the literature for parents rearing gender-nonconforming children. There have been few resources available for parents with children whose gender expression is notably different from that of their peers, and they are often isolated and frightened . . . This is a book that is informed by scholarly advice, yet reads with a gentle advocacy—it will be read and earmarked. Finally, a book I can hand parents that guides them in this unique and rewarding journey.”

—ARLENE LEV, founder of Choices Counseling and Consulting, Albany, New York, and Rainbow Access Initiative

“In Gender Born, Gender Made, Dr. Ehrensaft issues a clear and compelling call to parents and professionals in support of children living outside of society’s narrow gender expectations. Building on her vast experience working with children, families, and professionals, she beckons all of us to expand our traditional notions of gender, challenging us to create affirming spaces in which children can discover and celebrate their authentic selves. Hers is a model of gender acceptance and inclusion, not only for children pushing the boundaries of gender, but for all children simply wishing to be themselves.”

—JOEL BAUM, MS, director of education and training, Gender Spectrum

“Parents need to make decisions now, about the children they have now, and the fact that the science can’t keep pace with the culture doesn’t diminish that need one iota. Gender Born, Gender Made speaks to this reality . . . Ehrensaft’s experience as a therapist working with gender-creative children, and her own experience as a parent of a gender-nonconforming child, make this book unique. She’s a double expert, both parent and supportive professional, and while we wait for the research to trickle in, for the science to come of age, it is people like her to whom we should listen when it comes to understanding this exquisite mystery of male and female, mind and body, love and identity.”

—BEDFORD HOPE, Accepting Dad blog

“Diane Ehrensaft is the patron saint of kids who don’t conform to traditional gender norms . . . Her book should be recommended reading for all parents-to-be . . . [and] for all parents and family members even remotely involved in the life of a gender creative child.”

—Raising My Rainbow blog

BECAUSE EVERY BOOK IS A TEST OF NEW IDEAS