The New Normal

What is it like to come out to yourself as transgender at nearly age fifty? The New Normal describes my journey through coming out, hormone therapy, gender confirmation surgery, and getting legally recognized as a woman. Thanks to my academic background, this book is not just written for transgender people and their loved ones, but also for students of gender studies, social sciences, and medical professionals. Dr. Jennifer Booker earned degrees in aerospace (BS), mechanical (MS), and biomedical engineering (PhD). She was a systems engineer for the defense and aviation industries, then taught computing for 20 years. She has pursued additional studies in psychology, feminist theory, and nursing. Her hobbies include soccer, pole dancing, figure skating, and dismantling the patriarchy. "Jennifer's candor vividly tells her story in such a captivating way. It is entirely infectious. This book takes the reader on a gripping journey. It is informative, smart and thoroughly eye-opening." - Bernadette Pleasant, Creator of Femme! "Dr. Jennifer Booker is one of the most courageous women I know. She has generously shared her comprehensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of transitioning." - Susana Mayer, PhD, Founder and Host of the Erotic Literary Salon "Jennifer Booker tells a story that is brilliantly evocative in its colorful narrative of the pedestrian aspects of everyday life. I found this presentation humanizing and compelling. With curiosity and humor, she moves us away from the often salacious portrait of transwomen presented by the media to a practical one. She's gifted us with both a memoir of a whole human with a rich life and a helpful guide for trans folks considering transitioning or allies wanting to learn what to (and not to do) to support a transgender loved one." - Jill McDevitt, PhD, Sexologist and Sexuality Educator for Adults "A straightforward, unflinching story of one person's gender transition that demystifies the process from beginning to end. The factual and academic information coupled with the personal journey reveals the complex road and basket of complicated decisions a transgender person must face." - Monica Anna Day "Dr. Jennifer Booker's captivating autobiographical account of her transformation is both earnest and informative, and at times heartbreaking. The word chutzpah was made for women like her. She chronicles how her early experiences with sexuality and disability shaped her journey, and weaves together a complex narrative of the intersectionality of these experiences that help us to understand the social construction of femininity. The resulting manuscript is appropriate for diverse audiences, people considering GCS, and people trying to understand the transgender experience, be they members of the LGBTQIA+ community, medical professionals, scholars of gender, disability and queer studies, as well as, the curious public striving to understand social change." - Jennifer Rode, Ph.D, University College London