WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality announce the joint release of the groundbreaking new resource guide, Coming Out as Transgender. The new publication, available in print and online, offers step-by-step guidance in talking with friends, co-workers and family about being transgender.

"I wish that a resource like this had been available when I was coming out," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Coming out and talking with the people in your life about being transgender is a deeply personal journey this resource will help point the way."

"Making the decision to come out and be open about being transgender takes incredible courage," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "Our great hope is that this new tool will empower transgender people to begin a new dialogue with their friends and family about their lives."

A group of transgender leaders, including HRC Board of Directors member Donna Rose, Joanne Herman, Dr. Michele Angello, Jay Smith Brown and NCTE and HRC staff members, consulted on the text for the guide.

"While no one guide can provide anyone with everything they need for coming out as transgender, this resource will be an important starting point for a lot of people," said Keisling.

The Coming Out as Transgender guide helps people understand basic terminology and concepts about being transgender, an umbrella term describing a wide range of people who feel their gender differently from what other people often expect. The guide also outlines the emotional spectrum that many people experience as they begin the coming-out process. It also offers some simple steps to consider when having coming-out conversations.

"Our entire community feels the benefit from each additional GLBT American who chooses to live openly. HRC is proud to partner with NCTE on this resource to help transgender people, who often face some of the biggest challenges in coming out, tell their stories," said Solmonese.

View a PDF of the resource.

Order a copy of the guide.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation's capital and around the country. NCTE is a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, please visitwww.NCTEquality.org.