Transforming Practice: Life Stories of Transgender Men that Change How Health Providers Work - Paperback

by Marcus Greatheart (Author)

Transforming Practice is an exploration of life satisfaction, health and wellness among transgender men, as told in their own words. While many focus on what is wrong with trans people, trans-ally Marcus Greatheart asked satisfied, post-transition trans men what worked well in order that health providers might better support those questioning or struggling with gender transition. Grounded in a strengths-based model, he explores the contexts and implications of both social and medical transition in the lives of trans guys from the US and Canada. They discuss how peers and service providers alike perpetuate a "negative transition story" that falsely assumes all trans men struggle with mental health problems, life-long gender dysphoria, and endure endless healthcare waitlists to conform with normative gender standards to eventually become heterosexual. Despite these challenges the men describe having positive, even enjoyable, transition experiences while demonstrating resilience and self-efficacy. Coping strategies and impacts on mental health and substance use are discussed, as well as implications for mental health practice. Greatheart also proposes a new assessment tool for health providers to assist trans clients unpack and process potential transgender-related stress and trauma.

Author Biography

Marcus Greatheart is a trans ally, author, speaker and social worker in private practice. He provides counselling, workshops and conference presentations with a focus on sexuality and gender. This includes individuals and couples on the lesbian, gay and bisexual spectrum; trans people and those questioning their gender; kinky people, and those who are in alternative and polyamorous relationships. Marcus has more than 20 years' experience in community health, particularly sexual health and HIV. He has a BA (History in Art) from the University of Victoria, BC, and a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. He currently attends the Michael de Groote School of Medicine at McMaster University and lives in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Find him online at www.greatheart.ca.