Gender What Everyone Needs to Know®

The term "gender" was first distinguished from "sex" in the 1950s, when psychologists began to discuss the idea of "gender roles"--behaviors and responsibilities given to people by a society rather than flowing from their biology. Over the last two decades, transgender people have expanded our understanding of gender even further, introducing to the mainstream the concept of "gender identity," an individual's understanding of their own gender. Along the way, there have been numerous debates and controversies (i.e., what is the influence of biology on gender, how does the media impact gender and gender roles, and do transgender people reinforce gender stereotypes or help to free us from them?).

In an easy-to-read format that includes questions and short responses, Gender: What Everyone Needs to KnowR guides the reader through basic definitions; the history of gender as a concept; the role of biology, psychology, and culture on gender; and gender norms over time and across the globe.

Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA, is a psychiatrist working with LGBTQ people in New York City. She is the editor of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, an award-winning resource guide written by and for transgender people. She is a former board member of the New York County Psychiatric Society, the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists, and GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality. She has appeared on NPR's Fresh Air and On Point, and was named to Out's "OUT100" in 2014.

Benjamin Davis, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, is an art therapist and training consultant who has been working in the field of LGBTQ mental health since 2005. Having offered his expertise in a broad range of clinical settings, including clubhouses, outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities, and inpatient psychiatric units, Benjamin works dynamically with individuals across their lifespan to build agency and empower healing. He also endeavors to support individuals of transgender experience in the healthcare fields.