What, if any, is your level of familiarity with the transgendered community?

There is also another book I haven't read, "My Husband Betty" by Helen Boyd as well.

That seems to be the biggest hurdle for that group and those who support them.

I think it's more of a gender identity vs. physiology idea. It's also about the struggle with one group trying to promote education of their differences so the larger group doesn't discriminate (at best) or worse against them.

Buck Angel, Sir, and Misha's Amusements have really educated me (directly and indirectly) on this. I've learned a lot and am more than happy to be wrong if I learn something new.

As the daughter of a transwoman, let me see if I can clarify this a bit. What you've described, the physiological elements, is the person's sex (female, male, etc). The way they identify is their gender (man, woman, and a whole slew of others). This is often confusing to people because, for the majority of the population, their gender and sex match up; these people are sometimes referred to as "cisgendered". People whose gender identity does not match up with their physiology are sometimes called "transgendered", "transsexual", or just "trans" (the most inclusive, least likely to offend term). Because they so often match up, most people end up using sex and gender interchangeably when they are in fact different concepts.

It's not so much a case of changing the definition of "man" or "woman" as it is being more precise in our terminology. Man and Woman refer to gender identifications, as do Boi, Grrl, and Queer. Male, female, and the intersex spectrum are some examples of sex. This can be very confusing for people used to using gender and sex interchangeably.

Here's an example to illustrate. My transgendered parent was born with a body that was physiologically male (the sex). However, she was also born with a the mind of a girl, now a woman (the gender identity). She identifies as a woman, and is undergoing a medical transition to make her body match up with who she is "inside." This does not mean that she is a man that identifies as a woman. This makes her a male-bodied person who identifies as a woman.

I hope I've been able to help clear up the confusion.

I'm so happy for you. It means a lot to me that there are families out there that keep themselves together. To me it is not right to throw someone out. If one loved someone, they love their soul first, body or presentation second. This whole orientation thing gets to me. I think people get attracted to certain people for more that their body. Geesh.

I'm also happy that your dad and mom can stay together. It is so hurtful to children when their parents part, even though sometimes it's nessesary and people do heal.

And about women having multiple orgasms, well, Men can learn how too!!
See this book-
link

I have read it, actually, and I really liked it too! The main character is not trans-, however, he's intersexed. In general, the intersex experience, however, is very similar to trans- experience, but that all depends on the personal case. Was it similar to mine personally? No, not really, but I do not think that the story was far-fetched at all.

I've had three trans male lovers. They are a gateway drug; they really are

Middlesex is one of my very favorite books of all time, too!

Sorry, I forgot to specify that the surgery to which I was referring was a "bottom" surgery. I also observed two "top" surgeries on two different patients a few weeks prior to the "bottom" surgery.

The plastic surgeon said that the patients on whom he performed these types of surgeries are his very favorite of patients. They are always so warm, gracious, and incredibly grateful, making his work very rewarding.

I know many transgendered folks and have been involved with/close friend of more than one.

I live in a city that is rather queer-friendly, and I think that raising awareness & acceptance for trans people is "the next step".