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No Offense: A Memoir in Essays
When Jackie “came out” in 2014, right as the Trump era was revving up, she began paying closer attention to the inappropriate questions, uncomfortable reactions, and pointed assumptions about sexuality and gender she was witnessing and now experiencing firsthand. No Offense: A Memoir in Essays takes a magnifying glass to subtle moments that many people don’t recognize as homophobic or transphobic, exploring the impact of microaggressions on LGBTQ+ folks. Blending personal essay and cultural critique, the collection confronts society’s representation of and reactions to queerness at poignant moments in Jackie’s life, from wedding planning to OBGYN appointments to the Pulse Nightclub Massacre, and beyond. Revealing the complex and tender moments that sculpted their identity from a tomboy adolescence to gender exploration as an adult, No Offense analyzes the loaded conversations queer and trans folks face every day on topics like labels, haircuts, Halloween costumes, and more.
“A deeply honest, open-eyed, and at times, disarmingly funny exploration of the journey toward selfhood, of the language that can harm us and set us free.” -Melissa Faliveno, author of Tomboyland
“A smart and deeply inspiring celebration of queer identity.” -Edgar Gomez, author of Alligator Tears
“An ode to owning your story, to the fluidness of identity and self-discovery. This book cracked me open.” -Marisa Crane, author of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself
“Equal parts humor and heartbreak. Refreshingly frank.” -Sabrina Imbler, author of How Far the Light Reaches
“A deeply honest, open-eyed, and at times, disarmingly funny exploration of the journey toward selfhood, of the language that can harm us and set us free.” -Melissa Faliveno, author of Tomboyland
“A smart and deeply inspiring celebration of queer identity.” -Edgar Gomez, author of Alligator Tears
“An ode to owning your story, to the fluidness of identity and self-discovery. This book cracked me open.” -Marisa Crane, author of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself
“Equal parts humor and heartbreak. Refreshingly frank.” -Sabrina Imbler, author of How Far the Light Reaches
- GenresNonfiction
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2025
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 28, 2025
The idea that queer people have to come out every day is reinforced in this collection, which is a barrage of microaggressions posed in ways sometimes humorous, sometimes bleak, sometimes with whimsy and sometimes with extreme clarity. Domenus's craft decision offer novel ways to incorporate the reader into a life, but their strengths in this collection are the moments of lucid transparency, presenting a prism of queerness that recognizes both strength and vulnerability.
June 9, 2025
I deeply appreciated this collection of essays from a new-to-me writer. The collection mixes social commentary with vulnerable personal narrative. I read this book not only for me, to check the ways that I'm living and interacting with the queer community, but also for my loved ones. I want to make sure I'm loving them the best way that I can. Jackie's essays gave me moments to ponder - moments that cis-het folks might not otherwise even think about (a wedding vs. a gay wedding, for example). But pondering these moments is important for everyone, especially straight people who may be (knowingly or unknowingly) perpetuating the conditions that make these moments challenging for our LGBTQ friends.
Beyond that, the collection is smartly constructed, well written and easy to read. This is an important book not only for its subject matter but also because it's written by a young person who is saying things that other young people like her will want to read. I already have a list of people I want to share this book with.
Beyond that, the collection is smartly constructed, well written and easy to read. This is an important book not only for its subject matter but also because it's written by a young person who is saying things that other young people like her will want to read. I already have a list of people I want to share this book with.
March 2, 2025
Book Review: No Offense: A Memoir in Essays
In a world where subtle discrimination often goes unchecked, No Offense shines a necessary light on the microaggressions faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This book is both eye-opening and deeply affirming, dissecting the everyday language and behaviors that contribute to homophobia—often in ways many don’t even realize.
What makes this work truly stellar is its blend of research, personal narratives, and actionable insights. It doesn’t just highlight the problem; it provides tools for awareness, allyship, and change. The writing is clear, compelling, and filled with empathy, making it accessible to both those who have experienced these microaggressions and those who need to recognize their impact.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and dignity continue to be challenged, this book is not just important—it’s essential. Highly recommended for educators, allies, and anyone committed to fostering a more inclusive world.
In a world where subtle discrimination often goes unchecked, No Offense shines a necessary light on the microaggressions faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This book is both eye-opening and deeply affirming, dissecting the everyday language and behaviors that contribute to homophobia—often in ways many don’t even realize.
What makes this work truly stellar is its blend of research, personal narratives, and actionable insights. It doesn’t just highlight the problem; it provides tools for awareness, allyship, and change. The writing is clear, compelling, and filled with empathy, making it accessible to both those who have experienced these microaggressions and those who need to recognize their impact.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and dignity continue to be challenged, this book is not just important—it’s essential. Highly recommended for educators, allies, and anyone committed to fostering a more inclusive world.
June 23, 2025
Very compelling read, great essays with connecting themes of identity, queerness, existing outside of the binary, and navigating a world that doesn't feel like your own. I flew through this read, and would call this a page-turner (I don't use that phrase lightly).
However, at the end of every essay I kept running into the same problem. It was preachy, felt like a "here's what I just spent an essay trying to convey, now I'm just going to tell it to you point blank." To me, it took away from the weight of the beginning 90% of each essay. Plus, it felt "woe is me."
I'd definitely recommend this book if you can get past this, and at most points, I could. But, if hints of complaining and a "woe is me" attitude will ruin a book for you, maybe this isn't the one for you.
Excited to see what else they'll publish in the coming years!!
However, at the end of every essay I kept running into the same problem. It was preachy, felt like a "here's what I just spent an essay trying to convey, now I'm just going to tell it to you point blank." To me, it took away from the weight of the beginning 90% of each essay. Plus, it felt "woe is me."
I'd definitely recommend this book if you can get past this, and at most points, I could. But, if hints of complaining and a "woe is me" attitude will ruin a book for you, maybe this isn't the one for you.
Excited to see what else they'll publish in the coming years!!
March 7, 2025
This is an incredible debut. It's honest, vulnerable, and frank. The writing style at times feels like talking to a friend and at other times feels like holding a mirror up for self-examination. By the end you can see how the author has changed since their earlier stories and it's an act of compassion that they allow us into that process so we can grow, too.
Through personal yet relatable stories, Domenus uses tact and patience to teach the reader about microaggression recognition in their own lives, which can help us all become better humans. Selfishly, I can't wait to read whatever comes next. I was in awe that this is their first book because of the way they so deftly wove together their stories, factual information, and social commentary. Truly can't recommend this one enough!
Through personal yet relatable stories, Domenus uses tact and patience to teach the reader about microaggression recognition in their own lives, which can help us all become better humans. Selfishly, I can't wait to read whatever comes next. I was in awe that this is their first book because of the way they so deftly wove together their stories, factual information, and social commentary. Truly can't recommend this one enough!
February 15, 2025
“No Offense: A Memoir in Essays” is an outstanding debut by Jackie Domenus. Deeply personal, the memoir in essays examines society’s micro-aggressions against queer folks with questions like, “Who Will Mow the Lawn?” and “Which One of You is Getting Married?” With essays focused on pop culture, gender expression, queer relationships, and politics, this book will force the reader to look at themselves and their own internalized biases. Domenus’ writing style is sharp, funny, and reflective. My favorite essay was “The Body You Keep.” Highly recommend this debut, and I can’t wait to see what Jackie will write next!
February 16, 2025
Written in an intimate essay form, this book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the author's journey of self-discovery, love (both for themselves and others), and navigating a society that too often resists understanding. The raw honesty with which Domenus handles all the ups and downs of life makes for a deeply relatable read. “Mirror Image” especially stood out to me; I felt like I was experiencing that moment in realtime. Highly recommend!
July 19, 2025
I’m 100000000% bias because I got to read some of these essays as rough drafts, but knowing Jackie’s writing style…it’s amazing. These essays captivate you, draw you in, make you think, and intertwine personal experience with what’s happening (or happened in the world). I will forever be proud of Jackie for publishing this (because the world deserves to hear their words!), and I’m so happy to have a copy in support of my friend.
June 16, 2025
If you have not thought about broadening your way of talking about gender expectations in daily life, Jackie Domenus will show you plainly how impactful your words are. Domenus writes about coming to be their true self, amidst these microaggressions.
"To be a queer person planning a wedding is to come out a million and one times, at least." (130)
We can queer our communities fully.
"To be a queer person planning a wedding is to come out a million and one times, at least." (130)
We can queer our communities fully.
June 26, 2025
If you are a queer person or know a queer person, this is a must read. From addressing micro aggressions against themself to regretting not speaking up for someone else, Jackie Domenus’ insight into their life of being queer can lend a helping hand to anyone — queer or not. This was such a wonderful short memoir, and I loved the essay format. It made it easy to read and stay focused on.
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February 24, 2025h/t electric lit interview https://electricliterature.com/no-off...
July 19, 2025
I’m floored by this book. What an incredible memoir in essays. I laughed, I cried, I resonated, I felt validated and brought to a new awareness about my own queer self that I didn’t even realize was beneath my surface. The writing here is talented and true. I just finished so I can’t properly find accurate words to express how excellent I think this book is. Thank you to the author for bearing these truths on pages for others to read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews