IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT OUR LIVES ARE INHERENTLY relational. Nothing we accomplish, that’s worth accomplishing, happens in a vacuum. While I might be able to “screw up” my life on my own, anything positive I accomplish not only rests on my own abilities and gifts but also is grounded in the support of those I am blessed to acknowledge as partners in this journey.
My spouse, Alexandra, witnessed the evolution of this book from start to finish. She has steadfastly been her generous, thoughtful, optimistic self, willing to listen to my ruminations, cheer me on when the end seemed far off, and provide the space I needed to be immersed in this endeavor.
Several colleagues and friends provided support in critical moments: Monica McGoldrick illuminated a path forward at a time when I was so far behind and overwhelmed that giving up seemed like a logical solution; Robin Gorsline stepped in toward the end and carried my share of responsibilities in an endeavor that we cochair; and the unwavering Anne Stockwell kept me focused on what I could “pack into the stream of life” rather than my own limited ends.
While I am fully responsible for the content, I want to thank my colleagues John B. Steever, M.D., and M. Dru Levasseur, Esq., for their willingness to review the medical transition chapter and legal appendix, respectively.
Two of my students, Jason Cassese and Shari O’Reilly, scoured the Internet to find and annotate relevant listings for the resource appendix.
My intelligent, creative new colleagues at USJ have embraced me, checked in with me, and kept me focused on the importance of this work.
My editor at W. W. Norton & Company, Deborah Malmud, envisioned the possible value of my contribution from the onset and held fast to that belief throughout the challenges of writing my first professional book. The creativity she brought to help me shape my ideas and insights was invaluable. My appreciation also goes out to the other staff members at Norton who helped move this book to fruition.
I am immensely grateful for the transgender youth and their families with whom I have been privileged to work. Sharing this journey toward increased authenticity and wholeness has been an incredible blessing in my own life. Their vulnerability has taught me to be more courageous; their commitment to connection has impelled me to more fully hold love as the most important thing.
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
[I Corinthians 13:13, NRSV]