I write a lot about lesbians (as Google will attest) but I’ve never blogged so much as a sentence about transgendered individuals. Indeed, I often forget entirely about the “T” in “GLBT” — to my deep embarrassment.

The truth is, I’ve had many transgendered people in my life — coworkers, classmates, friends. Their gender identification always seemed like a “non-issue,” so I never bothered to deepen my understanding about their bodies, their feelings and the complicated choices they face.

Recently, in an effort to educate myself (and feel like less of a troglodyte), I went a trans-formative media binge.

Here are a few of the most illuminating trans-positive stories on the Interwebs:

{ Gender Rebels }

This 45-minute documentary profiles three individuals: Jill, a anti-gender lesbian who describes herself as “75% male, 25% female,” Lauren, a genderqueer person who ditches an oppressive small town for the bright lights of San Francisco, and Kim / Ryan, an FTM (female-to-male) transguy undergoing breast removal and hormone treatments. You can watch the entire show online at Logo.

{ This American Life: Somewhere Out There }

Part II of this episode tells the story of Lilly and Thomasina, two MTF (male-to-female) transgals who become BFFs after meeting at a conference. The twist? These ladies are only eight years old — but already living public lives as girls, with their parents’ full support. Listen online, and let the weeping begin.

{ A Boi’s Life }

The term “boi” is a fluid label for people whose “gender presentation” — the way they present themselves to the world — resembles that of a young man or teenage boy. Bois can be biologically female, or male. They can date women, or men. They can identify as straight, gay, bisexual, butch, femme or just plain ol’ queer. This 5-minute video podcast does a terrific job of reinforcing the fact that gender identification is not the same as sexual orientation. Check it out online, courtesy of The Current (no, not that Current).

(Image via Drachma)