BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.– Like thousands of parents, Jane Baker was left in shock and disbelief when she learned that her adult child was transgender. In her new memoir, Baker tells the story of supporting her adult child through gender transition while struggling to overcome deep personal anguish about it. According to one critic, the book is “an honest portrayal of a difficult time and a wonderful account of an adult’s ability to grow even when one isn’t particularly ready for it.”
Trading Places is a comprehensive mix of both emotional and educational aspects of a mother’s journey. In addition to its rich and detailed narrative, this book also features clear descriptions of key terms related to trans issues and details of the transition process. Unique chapters share the reactions of friends and family, cognitive strategies the author found useful for improving her ability to cope, and a frank discussion of religious and political issues as they affected her family. Appendices provide theories about the biological causes of gender dissonance, and discuss the prevalence of transgender people.
Baker explains: “Transgender people are among the most mistreated and misunderstood people in American society. By putting human faces on the people in my family I hope to engage an expanding readership, establish common ground with them, and demystify a highly stigmatized medical condition.”
“Trans people and their loved ones often travel a very complex and lonely journey. I think it is key to acknowledge the psychological challenges that many family members face when a loved one undergoes gender transition. I believe this approach can engage some people who are struggling to cope—because that is what worked for me. Understanding that my emotions were part of a normal grief process really helped me to get through it. Once family members are on board, they can help change the mindset of a hundred other people they know.”
Most therapists today believe family unity is the most important element needed to ensure a happy outcome for everyone—especially trans people themselves.
The story also stands out because of the rich, engaging dialogue between mother and daughter in several of the book’s chapters. Trans people see many issues differently than their loved ones do, and these conversations add to the value of the book. An afterword, written by the author’s daughter, describes her own impression of the value of the book.
‘Trading Places: When Our Son Became a Daughter–A Mother’s Story of a Family’s Transition’, from Braefield Press, is available now: http://amzn.to/1EHPdfB.
For more information and resources, visit the book’s official web site: http://www.tradingplacesbook.com.
