This guide is designed to be used as a companion to the Weinstein Company movie, TRANSAMERICA. It presents a unique and entertaining learning opportunity for both mental health professionals and those who are not trained in mental health. It brings to life the issues transgender people face with its scene-by-scene information about the movie. For mental health professionals it serves as an entertaining up-to-date course with an opportunity to earn continuing education credits. For non-mental health professionals it allows the movie to be an entertaining vehicle that educates readers to recognize and understand transgenderism; know the potential risks to individuals, relationships with families, friends, co-workers and fellow students; and to know about resources for a safe and productive life.
It will explain, demonstrate and guide participants in the application of knowledge about transgenderism, including definitions, assessment, DSM diagnosistic issues, gender reassignment surgery, standards of care, trauma, victimization, medical and mental health treatment addressing family, parenting, vocational, substance abuse and HIV issues. The movie portrays a textbook example of a person who is transitioning from a male to a female and is valuable for learning about transgenderedism. It should be emphasized that the "Hollywood effect" may tend to over/under exaggerate the issues.