The Transgender Aging Network (TAN) is pleased to announce the publication of a book chapter on trans aging, authored by TAN Executive Director Loree Cook-Daniels.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Aging: Research and Clinical Perspectives, edited by Douglas Kimmel, Tara Rose, and Steven David and published by Columbia University Press, grew out of a symposium on LGBT aging at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in 2002.

"Trans Aging" is one of 16 chapters covering topics such as the aging bisexual, LGBT physical and mental health needs, sexuality, victimization, alcohol and drug use, retirement planning, grandparenting, legal concerns, end-of-life issues, and the historical context for research on LGBT aging. There is also an extensive bibliography and three chapters that discuss specific LGBT projects or services.

The Trans Aging chapter begins and ends with the discussion of a fictional nursing home resident who may or may not be transgender or intersex. Other sections cover the importance and implications of gender transition; special features of transitioning later in life; trans individuals' unique relationship to mental health "gatekeepers"; early transitioners and nontransitioners in later years; and health care, legal, and financial issues in later life.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Aging: Research and Clinical Perspectives can be ordered from your local bookstore or directly from Columbia University Press (800-944-8648 or http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup). Cost is $45.00. A 20% discount is available to those who request a special order form from TAN by sending a mailing name and address to tan@forge-forward.org.

TAN is a project of FORGE, a 12-year-old, national, Wisconsin-based organization serving the female-to-male (FTM) spectrum and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE also sponsors a transgender sexual violence project (see www.forge-forward.org/transviolence) and is hosting a national FTM+/SOFFA conference in Milwaukee March 29-April 1, 2007. For more information or to sign up for email updates on the conference, please go to www.forge-forward.org/conference.