Transitions of the Heart

Stories of love, struggle and acceptance by mothers of transgender and gender variant children.

Transitions of the Heart is the first collection to invite mothers of transgender and gender variant children to tell their own stories. Often 'transitioning' socially and emotionally alongside their children, parents have their own parallel process to work through, and few resources to depend on.

Editor Rachel Pepper has gathered voices of women from all walks of life, with children ranging in age from six to sixty, to share their experiences. These mothers have learned how to advocate for their children and themselves.

By speaking out here, they are blazing a brave trail for others to follow.

Praise for Transitions of the Heart:

'Whether you are a parent, educator, health-care professional, or just generally interested in the topic, be prepared for these stories to change your heart' Kim Pearson, Director and Co-founder of TransYouth Family Allies

'[A] heartwarming collection...This deeply personal book should prove an invaluable, inspiring resource'—Publishers Weekly

'For many transgender or gender nonconforming people, our life journey is riddled with struggle, solitude, and a long road toward self-acceptance. The love from a mother is a treasured gift. Transitions of the Heart captures the complexity and depth of a mother's journey to understand and support her child—a child who, confronted with questions, fear and self-doubt, is sometimes the one who leads the mother to understand the true meaning of unconditional love. The stories told in Transitions of the Heart are are brave, honest, compelling and timely. They represent a powerful tool that can guide a parent from struggle to acceptance'—The Jim Collins Foundation

'These honest, deeply felt testimonies of parents discovering and grappling with the unexpected difference of their trans child exemplify the grace of parental love. I am moved to tears reading these stories, amazed continually by the insight, tender reflection, and courageous love that each parent exhibits in their struggle to understand their trans child, and to parent responsibly and with inspiration. The book, Transitions of the Heart, restores my faith in the world'—Max Wolf Valerio, author of The Testosterone Files