Chelmsford Schools' Dr. Christy Whittlesey Releases Second Book

CHELMSFORD, MA — Dr. Christy Whittlesey, the Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator at Chelmsford Public Schools, has released her second book, titled "The Beginner's Guide to Being a Trans Ally."

The new book builds on Whittlesey's first full-length publication, "It’s OK To Say They: Tips for Educator Allies of Transgender and Nonbinary Students," and offers tools for those who wish to learn more about creating more inclusive, equitable communities.

“I think the biggest takeaway is that diversity enriches our communities,” said Whittlesey in a statement. “Sometimes people may be nervous talking about situations new to them. This is designed for the person who wants to be an ally of the transgender and nonbinary population and needs the tools. I interviewed a number of trans and nonbinary folks and the people they described as allies in their lives and collected their stories and perspectives on allyship.”

Whittlesey became interested in this topic several years ago, when she noticed students were increasingly sharing their transgender or nonbinary gender status. The topic became her dissertation, earning the UMass Lowell Education Department’s Outstanding Dissertation Award.

“A few years ago, I noticed that in our district, districts around the state and through discussions at the national level, an increasing number of students were sharing their gender status as trans or nonbinary within school communities,” said Whittlesey. “At the same time, I also observed that often very good educators and well-intentioned educators did not always have the knowledge and training required to adequately support these students.”

Dr. Whittlesey has been an educator at Chelmsford Public Schools since 2007 and completed her Ph.D. in Educational Research and Evaluation in 2019. During that process, she worked with transgender and nonbinary students in Massachusetts to learn what they were experiencing in schools and what changes they thought were necessary. Whittlesey never planned to release a follow-up to "It’s OK To Say They," but was encouraged by Jessica Kingsley Publishers to delve deeper into the subject.

Proceeds from both Whittlesey's books go towards programs that benefit the trans community, including San Diego LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Youth Outreach Programs and The Gender Reveal Podcast Grant and Mutual Aid Program.

"The Beginner’s Guide to Being a Trans Ally" is now available for pre-order from Jessica Kingsley Publishers and anywhere books are sold online.