Based on a survey among nearly 3,500 transsexual women, transsexual men, crossdressers, and genderqueer individuals, and with more than 400 follow-up interviews the authors describe when and how participants noted a feeling of difference because of their gender: the issues that caused them to feel uncertain about their gender identities: the factors that encouraged them to embrace a transgender identity: and the steps they have taken to meet other transgender individuals.