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In this first comprehensive study of transsexual "rites of passage," Anne Bolin illuminates the array of social, psychological, and physical changes experienced by people in the process of changing gender. In these stories of symbolic death and rebirth, the author illustrates how the rituals that accompany each stage of transition are integral to successful transformation. Her case studies also poignantly represent the extent to which gender roles are culturally constructed. As one transsexual comments, "Ms. Bolin places the emphasis where it should be - on the fact that the life of a pre-operative transsexual is a quest for identity not unlike anyone else's... that while my search for truth change, growth, and comfort was not taking place in a usual fashion, it was, and is, a search common to all people." "Highly stimulating, informative and at the same time a sincere and valid direction in a quest for a better understanding of transsexualism and cross-gender behaviors." - Ariadne Kane, The Human Outreach & Achievement Institute "A fascinating study, perceptive and well-written, an excellent piece of work." - Martin S. Weinberg, Indiana University |
1 - Introduction |