Abstract

Bronze Winner for the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the category of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Non-Fiction

Foregrounding the voices of transgender and non-binary people, this honest and insightful book is a compilation of the voices of those who have decided to undergo transition - both male-to-female and female-to-male. Drawing on over one hundred interviews with individuals, the book details the diverse experiences and challenges faced by those who transition, exploring a range of topics such as hormone treatments; reassignment surgeries; coming out; sex and sexuality; physical, emotional and mental health; transphobia; discrimination; and hate crime, as well as highlighting the lives of non-binary individuals and those who cross-dress to form a wider understanding of the varied ways in which people experience gender.

This powerful book is an ideal introduction to those keen to understand more about contemporary trans issues as well as those questioning their own gender identity.

This book gives an important, valuable platform to many diverse trans voices. We must listen and learn from their experiences and concerns; and act in solidarity with their human rights struggle.
Peter Tatchell, Director, Peter Tatchell Foundation
Declan Henry starts the book with a refreshingly honest confession that at one point he knew very little about the T in LGBT. With complete earnestness he sets out to give an overview of the transgender community in simple and very readable sections. He has packed this small book full of information, snippets of enlightening interviews and his thoughts about transgender equality and equality in its widest sense. A must read for anyone wishing to be an ally who realises that only with knowledge and understanding can you change hearts and minds.
Juno Roche, Writer, campaigner and Patron of cliniQ

What comes across well, and is refreshing to read, is the range and variety of experiences: that there isn't one way to be trans or to experience gender variance.
Any counsellor working (or likely to work) with trans and gender-variant clients would do well to read it. It may also be useful for clients who are family and friends, and are looking for information and understanding.

Alex Sanderson-Shortt MA, MBACP, relationship and LGBTQ+ specialist counsellor in private practice
Therapy Today
Declan Henry's 'Trans Voices' captures the diversity of the breadth of the transgender experience through personal stories that make the topic accessible and understandable for any reader and give the book heart that many other books on the subject lack.
Charlie Craggs, Founder of Nail Transphobia
We congratulate Declan Henry on developing this perceptive account of trans experiences, richly illustrated with a wide array of authentic personal narratives. It is a timely reminder of the diversity of trans individuals and the many barriers to equal treatment they still face. We commend the book to everyone who is in a position to improve their lives.
Bernard Reed OBE, Trustee, Gender and Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
Whether you're just coming out, have been out for years or whether you just know someone who's trans, this book is a great read. It highlights the breadth of differences within the trans community and relays the authentic experiences of those interviewed. If you are in the process of coming out and know people around you who are struggling with the concept, recommend this book.
Daniel Zagorski
Trans*Action Magazine
Declan Henry is a creative non-fiction writer with a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Social Work and a BA in Education and Community Studies. Declan is a registered social worker and has worked in the profession since 1993. Declan has written four books and is published in a collection of journals. He lives in Kent.