Coming out to herself
343170
A woman comes into her own and sees how subsurvient she allowed herself to become.
3707388
Not sure exactly how I discovered Ms. Morgann, but I soon had to acquire all of her recordings.  She has her own YouTube page with several videos out there should you want more of a preview.  A wonderful talent with a wonderful coming out journey & ethereal charm.  Listen & see what feelings stir in your soul...
1991572
While there is growing literature out there about families raising children who clearly identify as transgender, the author of this book is coming from a somewhat different place -- she has a child who (mostly) identifies as male, but who has a strong and consistent preference for girl-oriented clothes, toys, activities, and friendships.

The book covers her son CJ's preschool years. At the beginning of that period (and the book), she was familiar and comfortable with the LGB side of the rainbow, but knew relatively little about transgender, gender queer, or gender nonconforming people. There was a real learning curve for her, with some assumptions and myths to correct in her own perceptions. On one hand, it's great that she lays all of that out in the book so openly, because it's part of the journey; on the other hand, there are more than a few uncomfortable moments in the first part of the book when she's insisting that her "effeminate son" must be "fabulous" and gay. Only later on does she realize that gender identity is not the same thing as sexual orientation. And yet, even in the part of the book where she is explaining to the reader the differences between biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, she uses the word sex when describing gender.

Despite the occasional uncomfortable moments like that, though, this was definitely a book well worth reading. Perhaps the most compelling thread woven throughout the book was how all of this affected the other family members -- her older son who was bullied at school for his younger brother's differences, her mother who grieved for her parenting mistakes with her gay son, her brother who saw a happier version of himself in CJ, her in-laws who took a solid step outside of their comfort zones to be a support, and her husband who was able to be astonishingly open and honest about the struggles he had through all of this.
1751305
Great book. Talked a lot about growing up and her background. Then transitioned into the issues of homosexuality. Would have liked to hear more on how she helps them today.
3349252
I want to recommend this book to women who are wondering who they are, wondering if they realize they might be a lesbian. Figuring out and coming to terms with that isn't something everyone knows from a very young age. I was in my 40's when I started to figure out who I was. This book will help you with some of your questions. For those of you who have figured it out, you might have questions about "what now or where do I go from here?" This book will give you insight on those questions as well. You will find information on the "how" do I know if I might be gay? If I am, how do I make love to a woman? What about safe sex practices? Tracey Stevens and Kathy Wunder write with straightforward information that has humor and a gentleness about it. This book is for you if you have ever wondered about yourself. You can even share this book with friends who are supportive in your process of coming out.
3750305
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author was able to express a challenging part of her life so that others will be blessed by her testimony. It's a must read!
555748
Our Own Private Universe is a young-adult LGBT coming-of-age story. Aki is pretty sure shes bisexual and she is just starting to accept it. The only person shes told is her best friend Lori. Aki and Lori are spending the summer on a mission trip to Mexico with their church, at which Akis father is the pastor, and two other churches. Aki and Lori make a pact that they will both have summer flings while on the trip. Upon arriving in Mexico, Aki meets Christa, a cute girl from one of the other churches, and falls instantly in like. Luckily for her, Christa is bi too. Aki thinks Christa would be the perfect girl for her to have her fling with. Christa thinks Aki is cute too and soon a clandestine relationship between the two begins. After a time, Aki wants more than just a fling but there is one problem  Christa has a boyfriend back home.

I thought Our Own Private Universe was a realistic portrayal of an LGBT teenagers struggle to define her identity. Aki has so many questions. What does it mean to be bisexual? Now that shes been involved with a girl, if they break up, does her next relationship have to be with a boy? Should she come out to her parents? How do two girls have sex anyway?

Since the author is married to a woman, I assume that shes a member of the LGBT community and was able to draw from her experience to make this book authentic. In the acknowledgements she says that this book is the book she wished she had when she was a young-adult reader herself. I also think this book would be a great resource for LGBT teenagers. Even though Aki is fictional, I think it would help them to feel like they're not alone. It always feels good to be represented in a positive way in popular culture. Its also good to learn about people who are different than you so straight teens would benefit and enjoy this book as well.
3945321
she's getting her feet under herself transitioning into adult music & is finding her way pretty well. i recommend it.
146859
ALEX AS WELL is a 2013 release from Australia finally making its way to our shores.  The protagonist, Alex, was raised as a boy but has recently realized that she identifies as a girl.  Her gender identity is complicated by the fact that she's intersex and doesn't fit neatly into either category.

I liked that ALEX AS WELL gets beyond the usual struggle focused on in books about gender dysphoria.  Alex knows she's a girl and is quite firm about it.  Her struggles are more about her relationship with her parents (especially her mother), getting her birth certificate changed, enrolling in a new school and making new relationships, and finding a job.  Honestly, everything but the relationship with her parents goes fairly easily for Alex, but that one thing is bad enough she deserves some easiness.

Interspersed throughout ALEX AS WELL are blog posts by Alex's mother Heather and the resulting comments.  The difference between the way Alex and Heather's tellings is striking - particularly the way Heather omits details like hitting Alex with a phone in a moment of passion.  By the end Heather is somewhat over the top, but I like that Alex realizes that it is abuse and she doesn't have to put up with it.  No matter what anyone tells her, she's not just a selfish teenager.

I thought there was an interesting progression in the narration in ALEX AS WELL.  In the beginning, she thinks about conversations with the boy Alex pretty frequently and relies on song lyrics to express her emotions.  She gets less reliant on both as she becomes more comfortable with her new life.

ALEX AS WELL is a short, engaging novel with a unique heroine and plenty of humor to balance  the darker family drama and one hideous instance of bullying posted on YouTube.
1905951
A moving story of how a Christian mother learned to cope, and then fully embrace the news that her son is gay. If you are a Christian parent of an LGBT child, you'll find her book relatable and encouraging.
3419169
There comes a time when one's core truth has to take precedence over the perks of one's life or career.  We're getting closer, hopefully, to a time when one's sexual orientation won't determine their success or failure in their chosen field.  Apparently, Nashville and country music have a ways to go, but Ms. Wright's courage in risking (and losing) her mainstream career to simply be true to herself is inspiring. The stories of her early awareness in her childhood are poignant and heartbreaking. This is a beautiful autobiography, and a story of a triumph over our fears and worry of how the world will judge us.
3012620
We need to have a book so M finds her true love. Yes she Straight but the rest are still gay so it can still be a LGBTQ book. We can't just leave her alone
1298949
She pours her heart into this book and I felt like I got to see and feel a little bit of herself. It spoke to me so much I think because her story sounds so like mine. I connected with it but also it was her story...her own. I love her honesty.
185828
This is a must read for anyone wanting to understand gender identity. We need to see the difference between male,
 Female, and masculine, and feminine.
3430563
Nia Vardalos is a decent writer, and it shows in most of the chapters in this book. What Nia is feeling, the reader will feel! You can see first-hand her anguish in not having a child, then her gradual step into motherhood as she leaves behind the medical methods and turns to adoption.

What was wrong with it?

Her cousin George is gay. She pulled one over on the Greek Orthodox Church in that George is married to another man, which does not have the Church's approval. WE GET IT. HE'S GAY. SHE SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE TO THE POINT WHERE HER DAUGHTER'S GODFATHER IS GAY. Every ten pages or so, she mentions something or somebody gay, and how much she supports gays. As a Libertarian, I get to the point where I think liberals mention how supportive they are of homosexuality to the point where they are beating others over the head with it. I thought, at the least, it was supposed to be a lifestyle choice, same as any other choice. Quit beating straights to death with it! Most of us just don't care what a person does in his or her bedroom with themselves or others.

Every child is different. They do not all need to be rushed off to preschool "for the socialization."

That fear she had of name-dropping too much? Yes, she did. Nia would have you believe she and her husband live in a suburb of Chicago or Winnipeg. No, they don't. She would have you believe they are just normal folks. No, they aren't. Things are different in Greater Metropolitan Los Angeles, and the rest of the world knows it. We are not yokels because we do not live there. Perhaps the people who do live there, especially those who enjoy any type of celebrity, need to realize that this is a part of their compensation for doing a good job. It's OK to be famous, especially when a person works to achieve that goal. You are who you are, after all! Try to embrace it.
1268943
I have enjoyed Kaylas blog because of her fun, honest writing style, so I am not surprised that I loved her book for the same reasons. This book encourages readers to cling to the truth of who we are in Christ instead of the lies of insecurity and inadequacy we tell ourselves as women.
85265
A delightfully written romp through Betsy's journey to discovery - of her Self, her orgasm, her joy, her womanhood. I love the candid, open and honest way in which she tells her story. Though I don't know Betsy personally I feel a natural sisterhood with her through her storytelling. She tastefully bares so much of herself and her journey that I couldn't help but see myself - what a beautiful mirror this book was. I connected more deeply with areas in my own life in which I feel the need to further explore my truth. I laughed... I cried (it's true!). Some books stick and some books don't. This was a sticker. Simply put reading this book made a huge difference to me and was a pivotal read on my own journey to self discovery.

I thoroughly enjoyed it as both a reader and a woman. Thank you, Betsy, for your sheer bravery in writing and sharing this book with us.