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This true story by a family about raising their transgender son is both a captivating read and an invaluable support source for parents facing similar issues. A warm, insightful portrait of a family that includes tips on helping young transgender people navigate their transition, it will support, educate and inspire.

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This inspiring and moving story, told from the heart of an extraordinary family, recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender son. Janna Barkin´s family has come a long way since their child, Amaya, first told them he was a boy and not a girl and this captivating memoir charts the family´s experiences of raising Amaya, from birth through to adulthood. With powerful chapters written by Amaya´s family and friends, Janna shares personal stories of the support and discoveries her family has encountered and provides a ´care package´ of advice for families facing similar issues, including a glossary of transgender terms and a list of handpicked support sources. Written with warmth and humour, He´s Always Been My Son reminds us to accept others for who they are and will support, educate and inspire anyone who reads it.

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Amaya´s Blessing. Introduction. What Does That Mean? A Glossary for This Book. Navigation Guide. Section One: The Before Years. 1. Dream Baby. 2. She Had One Job. 3. Amaya´s Name. 4. To Snip or Not to Snip? (By Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 5. Notes from a Naming Ceremony. 6. The Power of Three. Section Two: The Early Years. 7. Amazing (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 8. Girls Wear Pink, Boys Wear Blue (Or Not). 9. One of the Boys (by Tracey Klapow, a very dear friend, and "Aunt Tracey" to our children). 10. When is a Hat Not Just a Hat? 11. Best Practices Evolve (by Lisa Treadway, a very dear friend, and "Aunt Lisa" to our children). 12. Walking Through Cement (by Shawn Masia, Amaya´s Uncle). 13. I Wish to Be a Grampa. 14. Spike! 15. One in 200. 16. I Found a Friend in You. 17. Tom Boy. Section Three: The Tween Years. 18. Chick Dude. 19. "Faggots" and "Trannies" (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 20. Two Moms. 21. "I am Unique Because..." (written by Amaya when he was ten). 22. Heroes (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 23. Period Stop. 24. Holding Together While Falling Apart. 25. Halloween Scream. 26. Watching and Waiting. 27. Why Can´t My Child Just Make Up Their Mind? Section Four: Transition Years. 28. Facebook Told Me My Daughter Was My Son. 29. Bound in So Many Ways. 30. The Doctor Dilemma. 31. Finding Cristin. 32. I´ll Go With You. 33. High Hopes for High School. 34. Texas. 35. Coming Out is a Process. 36. A Letter to Our Family. 37. The Girls (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 38. "Is He Changing His Name?" 39. Top Surgery. 40. Witness (by Michael Krashes, A dear family friend). 41. Looking for Reflections. 42. Puberty, Again?! 43. Your Papers, Please! 44. The Lay of the Land: Current Medical Practices for Transgender Youth. 45. Big Sister, Little Brother (by Emily Barkin, Amaya´s sister) . Section Five: Complete. 46. The Talk (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 47. Complete, For Now: An Interview with the BBC. 48. Rock On! (by Weston Walls, a very dear family friend). 49. There He Goes! 50. Who´s "She"?! 51. College Unbound. 52. Reflections: A Letter to My Beloved (by Linda Masia, Amaya´s Maternal Grandmother). 53. My Amaya (by Elaine Barkin, Amaya´s Paternal Grandmother). Section Six: Now (and Beyond). 54. From Ally to Activist. 55. A Blog Was Born. 56. He´s So Lucky. 57. Who´s the Lucky One? (by Gabriel Barkin, Amaya´s Father). 58. Without Understanding (by Travis Owen, Amaya´s Brother, 11 years older). 59. He´s Always Been a Teacher. 60. Mistakes, I´ve Made a Few. 61. Shifted (by KB, a very dear friend, and "Aunt KB" to our children). 62. There He Goes, For Real! Postscript: I Am Worried, I am Hopeful. Resources for Transgender People and their Families. Endnotes.

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