This work investigates the social, medical, and cultural frameworks surrounding individuals who engage in gender blending and transgender practices. Richard Ekins, a sociologist specializing in gender identity, compiles a series of contributions that examine how individuals navigate the boundaries of gender roles. The text challenges the traditional medicalization of gender non-conformity by centering the lived experiences of those who cross-dress or undergo sex reassignment. By analyzing both private identity and public perception, the book provides a comprehensive look at the spectrum of gender expression.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational sociological study that helped shift the academic discourse toward a more nuanced understanding of gender identity. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a significant resource for students and researchers in the field of gender studies.