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.

Chapter 1. Gender 101 Chapter 2. The History of Gender Chapter 3. Gender and Biology Chapter 4. Gender and Psychology Chapter 5. Gender, Society and Behavior Chapter 6. Contextualizing Gender Chapter 7. The Future of Gender

Laura Erickson-Schroth , Psychiatrist, Private Practice

Benjamin Davis , Art Therapist and Training Consultant, Private Practice

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 a psychotherapist and art therapist in New York City specializing in working with queer and trans individuals, couples, and families. In addition to private practice, Benjamin is a faculty member at New York University's Steinhardt School of Education, Culture, and Human Developement, and co-editor of Art Therapy Practices for Resilient Youth: A Strengths-Based Approach to At-Promise Children and Adolescents.

"A useful introductory text for anyone who wants to learn more about gender, providing a broad overview of a huge range of pertinent subtopics ... the book considers gender in society, evaluating everything from gendered language to gendered violence and gender-based laws." -- S. K. Fields, CHOICE