This 2nd edition includes a new Introduction by the author, which discusses his sexual transition to the male gender which occurred between the two editions. Other than in the short introduction (which follows the long Preface chapter), there are no autobiographical references. Sex Changes is a political analysis of many topics as related to transsexuality. Two chapters cover the earliest period of transsexual autobiography and then more current ones, comparing their differences and their impacts on the mainstream community. There is history of Gender Identity Clinics and their function, of surgery and of feminist backlash. Hard to find, but present, are a chapter on partners of transsexuals and one on the growing activism seen stemming from the community itself. Although the title uses the word "transgender" the majority of the book is focused on full gender change: transsexuality. In most chapters and topics, the author keeps his personal perspective aside, and neutral academic criticism is leveled at research methods and resultant findings. However, in a couple chapters, especially Chapter 4, "The Berdache Wars and 'Passing Women' Follies: Transphobia in Gay Academia," Califia makes no attempt to be neutral and is quite adamant about his own negative opinion of prior academic analytical reports. Throughout the book, footnotes and references are extensive, as is a detailed index.
