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Coming Out Stories
Based on the hugely popular Coming Out Stories podcast, this empowering, humorous and deeply honest book invites you to share one of the most important moments in many LGBTQ+ people's lives.
From JP coming out to his reflection in the mirror, to Jacob coming out to their Mum over email, from Christine knowing she was trans as a young child, to Kerry coming out as a lesbian in her late thirties, all of the real life stories in this book show you there is no right or wrong way to come out, whatever your age and whatever your background.
Whether you're gay, pan, queer, bi, trans, non-binary, or an ally, this uplifting go-to resource is filled with helpful advice and tips on what to expect, and inspirational quotes from leading LGBTQ+ figures, to help you live your very best self. Welcome to the family!
From JP coming out to his reflection in the mirror, to Jacob coming out to their Mum over email, from Christine knowing she was trans as a young child, to Kerry coming out as a lesbian in her late thirties, all of the real life stories in this book show you there is no right or wrong way to come out, whatever your age and whatever your background.
Whether you're gay, pan, queer, bi, trans, non-binary, or an ally, this uplifting go-to resource is filled with helpful advice and tips on what to expect, and inspirational quotes from leading LGBTQ+ figures, to help you live your very best self. Welcome to the family!
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2021
13 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 17, 2021
A little disclaimer - I haven’t had the opportunity to finish all of the stories in this book, but it’s actually one of the beauties of the book - it doesn’t need to be read from start to finish, you can read as much or as little as you want to in one sitting and it doesn’t diminish the effect.
I have to say I wish this book had existed at all the points of my life when I was thinking about coming out. The stories aren’t all positive to start with, but the ones I’ve read so far do demonstrate that no matter what happens in the initial moment, things do get better. They might not look how we hoped but it will be okay.
I liked the acknowledgement by one of the editors that as LGBTQ+ people, we never actually stop coming out, it isn’t just that one big moment and it’s all over and done with, it happens on a semi-regular basis, in the little things and situations we often encounter. There’s also an acknowledgement that life changes, just because we come out as one thing doesn’t mean we won’t change as people in the future.
I particularly think this book would be of benefit to parents and other allies of LGBTQ+ people, who may benefit from the insights in these stories.
Somehow I’ve never come across the phrase ‘logical family’ (an Armistead Maupin phrase) before, I’ve always used ‘chosen family’, but I find I quite like it, so that’s another small takeaway for me too.
I’ll definitely finish this over the next few weeks.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say I wish this book had existed at all the points of my life when I was thinking about coming out. The stories aren’t all positive to start with, but the ones I’ve read so far do demonstrate that no matter what happens in the initial moment, things do get better. They might not look how we hoped but it will be okay.
I liked the acknowledgement by one of the editors that as LGBTQ+ people, we never actually stop coming out, it isn’t just that one big moment and it’s all over and done with, it happens on a semi-regular basis, in the little things and situations we often encounter. There’s also an acknowledgement that life changes, just because we come out as one thing doesn’t mean we won’t change as people in the future.
I particularly think this book would be of benefit to parents and other allies of LGBTQ+ people, who may benefit from the insights in these stories.
Somehow I’ve never come across the phrase ‘logical family’ (an Armistead Maupin phrase) before, I’ve always used ‘chosen family’, but I find I quite like it, so that’s another small takeaway for me too.
I’ll definitely finish this over the next few weeks.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 3, 2023I didn't realise it was aimed at children/teenagers/young adults, hence all the stories being very... inspiring, I guess? All happy endings all around, anyway. It's interesting enough, though I'm definitely the wrong audience for it. I did really enjoy the stories of older activists and elders, though, especially one from a gay man who was at the Stonewall Inn the night of the riot. He talks about the riot, but also about growing up in seventies New York in a very traditional Sicilian family who didn't know what to make of him but weren't necessarily unaccepting. In her last years, his Sicilian grandmother had drag queens come to the house and sing her to sleep. That image alone is worth the price of admission.
April 15, 2021
An incredibly wide range of stories which makes me truly appreciate how incredible and varied the LGBT+ community is. I also love how this book included people who had conflicting thoughts and feelings about different aspects of gay culture, because it again shows how varied this community is - we don’t all think the same thing because we are not all the same.
The ONE thing I wish the editors had done is include asexual or intersex people. There was so many stories in there it would have been so easy to include one or two. I feel it’s a bit cheeky to advertise yourself as an LGBTQ+ book and then never address any of the +. But! Maybe for a book two!
The ONE thing I wish the editors had done is include asexual or intersex people. There was so many stories in there it would have been so easy to include one or two. I feel it’s a bit cheeky to advertise yourself as an LGBTQ+ book and then never address any of the +. But! Maybe for a book two!
June 17, 2021
interesting book as experiences of people coming out with both hostility and joy and how they reacted to and without support but overall makes you think about societies attitude to sexuality
August 26, 2020
This is such a lovely and honest book. I am a big supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, so a few of the stories reminded me of other things I have read/heard/seen.
Several people share their experience coming out as lesbian, gay, bi, non-binary etc. I think it is a really good book to recommend for parents and families with children that are in the LGBTQ+ community. And for anyone who want to learn from an honest and vulnerable perspective. I am glad Emma put this together. Would def read a second book if it came out.
Several people share their experience coming out as lesbian, gay, bi, non-binary etc. I think it is a really good book to recommend for parents and families with children that are in the LGBTQ+ community. And for anyone who want to learn from an honest and vulnerable perspective. I am glad Emma put this together. Would def read a second book if it came out.
July 23, 2023
Brilliant book - full of a diverse range of people telling their coming out stories in 3-4 pages each, always ending with a bit of advice for anyone in a similar position to theirs. Read this for solidarity, read this to gain understanding. Read this!
June 19, 2022
I so wish I had this book when I was younger.
January 21, 2021
Coming Out Stories is a collection of different coming out experiences from people of varying genders and sexualities. The book features a wide range of different life experiences, including but not limited to a diverse selection of different races and cultures. It's based on a podcast, which is not one I'd ever listened to. Now that I know about it, and after reading this book, it's definitely going on my list to listen to in the future.
Some of the stories in this collection are heartbreaking. Others have a more happy or hopeful feel to them. Each story has a distinctive voice, and each one is unique. Across the whole book, the message is one of self acceptance, and the importance of finding supportive friends and chosen family, especially if your family has let you down. There is a definite 'it gets better' vibe, showing stories of people surviving tough experiences and finding love, happiness and acceptance on the other side. And also, many of the stories show that sometimes, people can surprise us in the best of ways.
This book is important for LGBTQ+ people to read, especially young and/or closeted people. It gives advice, inspiration, comfort, and the knowledge that you're not alone. There is a community of people out there waiting for you. For cishet family members and friends, the book is also an important read, because it can give you insight into how your loved one might feel, and why coming out can be so hard for some people.
I also want to note that the glossary at the back of the book is one of the better ones I've seen, and very thorough.
Read this book, and don't be surprised if it makes you cry both tears of sadness and tears of joy.
Some of the stories in this collection are heartbreaking. Others have a more happy or hopeful feel to them. Each story has a distinctive voice, and each one is unique. Across the whole book, the message is one of self acceptance, and the importance of finding supportive friends and chosen family, especially if your family has let you down. There is a definite 'it gets better' vibe, showing stories of people surviving tough experiences and finding love, happiness and acceptance on the other side. And also, many of the stories show that sometimes, people can surprise us in the best of ways.
This book is important for LGBTQ+ people to read, especially young and/or closeted people. It gives advice, inspiration, comfort, and the knowledge that you're not alone. There is a community of people out there waiting for you. For cishet family members and friends, the book is also an important read, because it can give you insight into how your loved one might feel, and why coming out can be so hard for some people.
I also want to note that the glossary at the back of the book is one of the better ones I've seen, and very thorough.
Read this book, and don't be surprised if it makes you cry both tears of sadness and tears of joy.
January 15, 2023
A bit of a dip in and out book, with a variety of different short "stories" of people's experiences. The stories do cover a vast range of different LGBTQ+ experiences, targeted in my mind for a younger teen audience or someone very inexperienced with the community and wanting to learn more. Maybe suitable for parents or carers of someone who has just come out?! Enjoyable but
July 20, 2023
Wonderful book! ♥️ I so love reading LGBTQ+ biographies, and between the covers of this gem are dozen of voices and experiences! I wish everyone would read this, from both within the community and out.
June 29, 2020
This anthology is very eye opening for me, a straight woman. It contains very diverse stories on the LGBTQ+ spectrum (mostly set in the UK) and people of colour and different religions. I would recommend this if you are looking for something to help you understand different experiences, some hard, some easier, but all so important.
August 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the digital ARC!
3.5/5 stars. Read all the way to the end for a content warning.
I'm glad this book exists. Many of the resources currently available to LGBTQIA2S+ folks are aimed at younger people; which makes sense, as starting the learning at a young age is very important, but it is just as important to have that learning as adults. This book explores the stories of different people across the spectrum, from many different backgrounds, which allows for a great diversity in stories. It even has a helpful glossary at the end! It's really cool how the book overall helps to instill the crucial idea that gender and sexuality are both fluid, and not at all fixed the way that heteronormativity would have you believe. This book can be a good resource for folks looking to learn more about the experiences of those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, about language, and about how to support people you may know who fit these identities. It can also be extremely validating for folks who are learning about their identity and struggling with what to do and where to go. Even with the stories in which folks are not accepted by the people closest to them, there is beauty in how these people found homes and families of their own, that DID accept them. I feel that this is a wonderful thing to expose everyone to - those who are LGBTQIA2S+ as well as allies.
HOWEVER. As a book that purports to be said resource, and as being one of the first of its kind (meaning a book that is written in an accessible way), it can also be extremely invalidating that asexual, aromantic, intersex, two spirit, and other stories are not included in this anthology. There is a lot of erasure within the LGBTQIA2S+ community with certain identities, and while I am not in any way claiming the the editors of this book intentionally overlooked these stories, I do think it is an unfortunate oversight, and it frankly leaves a bad taste in my mouth (especially as a queer person, who knows people who identify in those ways). As such, I hope that there will be a future installment of this book that includes stories from those folks. I kept waiting and hoping that the next chapter would include one such story, or the one after that. And when I finished the book and found that that would not be the case, I was extremely disappointed.
Regardless of this fact, I am still glad that this book is being published. There is much to be said about the lack easy-to-access and easily-understood materials about the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and this book helps diminish the scarcity of such resources. I think it will help lots of people learn more about the community, and help validate other people.
Content Warning: homophobic/heteronormative comments, pressure by others to come out, guilt and shame, "passing" , substance use, substance abuse/addiction (+from a young age), homelessness, difficulty with mental health, being outed, lobotomy suggested as "treatment" for being gay, mention of Magdalene Homes/Laundries, being shamed or not accepted as a result of being LGBT+, suggested institutionalization resulting in being LGBT+, idea being "cured", running away as a child, discussion of youth and adult suicide, substance abuse, youth going missing, mention of misgendering, stigma around being fat, mention of TERFs, stigma around bisexuality, unaccepting family, divorce, conversion therapy, being kicked out of school, being disowned, meeting people who believe being gay is a mental illness, sexual abuse, bullying
3.5/5 stars. Read all the way to the end for a content warning.
I'm glad this book exists. Many of the resources currently available to LGBTQIA2S+ folks are aimed at younger people; which makes sense, as starting the learning at a young age is very important, but it is just as important to have that learning as adults. This book explores the stories of different people across the spectrum, from many different backgrounds, which allows for a great diversity in stories. It even has a helpful glossary at the end! It's really cool how the book overall helps to instill the crucial idea that gender and sexuality are both fluid, and not at all fixed the way that heteronormativity would have you believe. This book can be a good resource for folks looking to learn more about the experiences of those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, about language, and about how to support people you may know who fit these identities. It can also be extremely validating for folks who are learning about their identity and struggling with what to do and where to go. Even with the stories in which folks are not accepted by the people closest to them, there is beauty in how these people found homes and families of their own, that DID accept them. I feel that this is a wonderful thing to expose everyone to - those who are LGBTQIA2S+ as well as allies.
HOWEVER. As a book that purports to be said resource, and as being one of the first of its kind (meaning a book that is written in an accessible way), it can also be extremely invalidating that asexual, aromantic, intersex, two spirit, and other stories are not included in this anthology. There is a lot of erasure within the LGBTQIA2S+ community with certain identities, and while I am not in any way claiming the the editors of this book intentionally overlooked these stories, I do think it is an unfortunate oversight, and it frankly leaves a bad taste in my mouth (especially as a queer person, who knows people who identify in those ways). As such, I hope that there will be a future installment of this book that includes stories from those folks. I kept waiting and hoping that the next chapter would include one such story, or the one after that. And when I finished the book and found that that would not be the case, I was extremely disappointed.
Regardless of this fact, I am still glad that this book is being published. There is much to be said about the lack easy-to-access and easily-understood materials about the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and this book helps diminish the scarcity of such resources. I think it will help lots of people learn more about the community, and help validate other people.
Content Warning: homophobic/heteronormative comments, pressure by others to come out, guilt and shame, "passing" , substance use, substance abuse/addiction (+from a young age), homelessness, difficulty with mental health, being outed, lobotomy suggested as "treatment" for being gay, mention of Magdalene Homes/Laundries, being shamed or not accepted as a result of being LGBT+, suggested institutionalization resulting in being LGBT+, idea being "cured", running away as a child, discussion of youth and adult suicide, substance abuse, youth going missing, mention of misgendering, stigma around being fat, mention of TERFs, stigma around bisexuality, unaccepting family, divorce, conversion therapy, being kicked out of school, being disowned, meeting people who believe being gay is a mental illness, sexual abuse, bullying
November 14, 2020
I absolutely adore this book! I've read a number of great books this year, but this one has to be my favourite. Diverse and inclusive, Coming Out Stories provides a platform for an array of successful individuals across the rainbow to share their unique personal experiences of coming out and being a LGBTQIA+ identifying person.
There were stories from a number of countries, told by individuals at all stages of their lives. Some reflected on their coming out journeys as teenagers in the 1960s and 70s, while some had only come out much more recently. Some of the stories told explored their writers' experiences of coming out in casual, informal ways, while other stories detailed coming out in meticulously planned, more dramatic ways. Some individuals faced immense prejudice and discrimination, even from loved ones. Some were accepted much more readily. In the end, I think what really stuck with me was that none of the individuals' coming out stories were completely seamless, neat or bump-free. They all faced challenges, whether those were external, or from within themselves. Further, I think the collection did an amazing job in promoting the idea that all stories are valid, that everyone's coming out journeys are worthy of being told, and that the lived experiences of all LGBT+ people deserve to be heard, respected and celebrated. It was, altogether, an incredibly wholesome read that made me feel warm and goey inside. It was truly such a celebration of love - self love, familial love, platonic love, romantic love... love in all its forms.
All of the stories were equally engaging and enjoyable. All had candid, insightful moments that made me sit up and think deeply. I took something valuable away from all of them. The quotes in between stories were also a great addition - they were noteworthy and at times even humorous. I also love the cover!!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is LGBT+ or questioning their sexual or gender identity. As someone who has recently come to accept my own sexuality, I found this book such a comfort to read. It made me feel validated, at ease within myself and much more connected to the community.
I would also highly recommend this book to anyone who is straight and cisgender. I believe it would be valuable resource for people wanting to glean a deeper understanding of the experiences of people in the LGBT+ community and an appreciation of what it means to come out. Read this book if you want to learn how to better support your LGBT+ friends and family members, and perhaps even how to respond to someone coming out to you.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of their sexual or gender identity! There's something for everyone to learn from this book. I only hope it becomes as popular as it deserves to become.
A definite 5/5 stars :) .
There were stories from a number of countries, told by individuals at all stages of their lives. Some reflected on their coming out journeys as teenagers in the 1960s and 70s, while some had only come out much more recently. Some of the stories told explored their writers' experiences of coming out in casual, informal ways, while other stories detailed coming out in meticulously planned, more dramatic ways. Some individuals faced immense prejudice and discrimination, even from loved ones. Some were accepted much more readily. In the end, I think what really stuck with me was that none of the individuals' coming out stories were completely seamless, neat or bump-free. They all faced challenges, whether those were external, or from within themselves. Further, I think the collection did an amazing job in promoting the idea that all stories are valid, that everyone's coming out journeys are worthy of being told, and that the lived experiences of all LGBT+ people deserve to be heard, respected and celebrated. It was, altogether, an incredibly wholesome read that made me feel warm and goey inside. It was truly such a celebration of love - self love, familial love, platonic love, romantic love... love in all its forms.
All of the stories were equally engaging and enjoyable. All had candid, insightful moments that made me sit up and think deeply. I took something valuable away from all of them. The quotes in between stories were also a great addition - they were noteworthy and at times even humorous. I also love the cover!!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is LGBT+ or questioning their sexual or gender identity. As someone who has recently come to accept my own sexuality, I found this book such a comfort to read. It made me feel validated, at ease within myself and much more connected to the community.
I would also highly recommend this book to anyone who is straight and cisgender. I believe it would be valuable resource for people wanting to glean a deeper understanding of the experiences of people in the LGBT+ community and an appreciation of what it means to come out. Read this book if you want to learn how to better support your LGBT+ friends and family members, and perhaps even how to respond to someone coming out to you.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of their sexual or gender identity! There's something for everyone to learn from this book. I only hope it becomes as popular as it deserves to become.
A definite 5/5 stars :) .
June 8, 2021
an amazing book filled with stories from across the world but mostly manchester, i read this as an ally and it really brought perspective (and sadly guilt) to the privilege we have, we must do more to support our LGBTQ+ friends!!!
June 17, 2021
Interessante e vibrante ma forse includere meno storie ma più approfondite avrebbe giovato. Sarebbe molto educativo per tutte le classi della scuola secondaria.
January 27, 2021
** First Things First, I would Like to Thank Netgalley for Access to The eARC in Trade for My Honest Opinion**
I will Be Giving This Book 5/5
One of the first things That I really Enjoyed About the Book Was that It was a Collection of Coming Out Stories, You definitely don’t have to read it from start to finish you could pick it up and read from where you want.
The Book Has Something For About Everything in The Spectrum LGBTQIA2S+. There were Many Stories that I related too. This is a book that I would highly recommend to any LGBTQIA2S+, Supporters or any parents of who have children in the Community. It gives So many Perspectives into coming out and different ways we all do. It also touches points about how we technically never stop coming out, which I relate to Since Mostly Every Time I get into a new friend group, it's something that i always have to touch base on.
Some stories in this book are heartbreaking. There were also so many happy ones as well. Each story has a distinctive voice, and each one is unique. So Many Messages from the book there is self acceptance, and the importance of finding supportive friends and chosen family, especially if your family has let you down. There is a definite ‘it gets better’ vibe, showing stories of people surviving tough experiences and finding love, happiness and acceptance on the other side.
I will Be Giving This Book 5/5
One of the first things That I really Enjoyed About the Book Was that It was a Collection of Coming Out Stories, You definitely don’t have to read it from start to finish you could pick it up and read from where you want.
The Book Has Something For About Everything in The Spectrum LGBTQIA2S+. There were Many Stories that I related too. This is a book that I would highly recommend to any LGBTQIA2S+, Supporters or any parents of who have children in the Community. It gives So many Perspectives into coming out and different ways we all do. It also touches points about how we technically never stop coming out, which I relate to Since Mostly Every Time I get into a new friend group, it's something that i always have to touch base on.
Some stories in this book are heartbreaking. There were also so many happy ones as well. Each story has a distinctive voice, and each one is unique. So Many Messages from the book there is self acceptance, and the importance of finding supportive friends and chosen family, especially if your family has let you down. There is a definite ‘it gets better’ vibe, showing stories of people surviving tough experiences and finding love, happiness and acceptance on the other side.
October 23, 2020
I truly loved this book with all my heart. Because I am gay myself, this book made me feel normal and loved. The layout made it easy to read and the book was well written. You can easily read one story a day and even more if you're like me because the stories may be short, but they're great to read and still tells everything you need to know. I don't really have anything negative to say about this book. I'll be sure to buy me copy when it comes out though!
I am sure this book will help others because it doesn't gloss over negative facts about coming out but also talks about the positives facts about coming out such as being yourself, loving yourself and finally being able to express yourself.
Thank you for this book, I hope it'll do well!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an advanced read*
I am sure this book will help others because it doesn't gloss over negative facts about coming out but also talks about the positives facts about coming out such as being yourself, loving yourself and finally being able to express yourself.
Thank you for this book, I hope it'll do well!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an advanced read*
September 15, 2020
First of all, let me say thank you to everyone who was a part of this book. We are always coming out it feels like... our entire lives and I think this book is invaluable. The editor has done a great job of putting together a collection that begins to reflect the diversity of queer people... and reactions to "coming out". I would love to see this series continue!
I thought it was great that not all the stories hit the same note. Sometimes, coming out is frightening, sad, but sometimes it can be okay... just another footstep we take during the course of a day.
This is a wonderful book for people... I can see myself in some of these stories. It would also be a fantastic book for someone who has never had to come out! See the other side of life!
I thought it was great that not all the stories hit the same note. Sometimes, coming out is frightening, sad, but sometimes it can be okay... just another footstep we take during the course of a day.
This is a wonderful book for people... I can see myself in some of these stories. It would also be a fantastic book for someone who has never had to come out! See the other side of life!
October 13, 2020
I truly loved this book with all my heart. This book made me feel normal and loved. The layout made it easy to read and the book was well written. You can easily read one story a day and even more if you're like me because the stories may be short, but they're great to read and still tells everything you need to know. I don't really have anything negative to say about this book.
I am sure this book will help others because it doesn't gloss over negative facts about coming out but also talks about the positives facts about coming out such as being yourself, loving yourself and finally being able to express yourself.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an advanced read*
I am sure this book will help others because it doesn't gloss over negative facts about coming out but also talks about the positives facts about coming out such as being yourself, loving yourself and finally being able to express yourself.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an advanced read*
May 25, 2021
I once had the honor of being there when a family member came out. It was an amazing experience. I wanted to know more stories about people sharing their true self with their loved ones. This book is compilation of not just people coming out but also their stories of discovery and self reflection. It is insightful and honest. A great way to broaden an understanding of LGBTQ+ people and loved ones.
April 23, 2022
I loved reading all the stories of these individuals!! At first, I thought this book wouldn't be for me because they mention that it's a book to help those who are coming out and their families. However, it was very eye-opening. My heart loved each of those individuals who shared their stories. I also learned new terminology and definitions.
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
August 16, 2021
A touching collection of people's experiences of coming out.
April 23, 2022
Couldn’t put this down!
Beautiful and heart warming.
I would buy this for my children x
Beautiful and heart warming.
I would buy this for my children x
March 4, 2025
3.5⭐(book 2/25 - 2025)
The stories are about the LGBT, but not the +. That's fine for me as a bisexual, but not everyone is bi.
The stories are about the LGBT, but not the +. That's fine for me as a bisexual, but not everyone is bi.
July 20, 2025
Recently it feels like we are going back to the 40s in the UK and so I thought I would post on facebook to ask people to share their coming out stories. Last time I did people had been open but this time no one responded. I felt like I'd done something wrong, something truly awful, but then I realised I was asking people to speak up about something very personal that they might not want to share on a public platform or on Facebook. So I went around the local libraries and I found this book.
I struggled for a long time with my gender identity and recently unfortunately, had to cut ties with many family members who just see it as being mentally ill. I thought they would be accepting but that for me was- well. If you wouldn't show up to my wedding, and if you just think I'm mentally ill- you aren't that supportive.
So to see this book in one of my local libraries was a breath of fresh air because it literally answered the question I had earlier put on Facebook. Please can you share your coming out stories? I was scared going into it because I didn't know what stories would be in here. Coming out is a deeply personal story for everyone, and there's no one way of doing it. You never know how someone is going to react, or how people around you are going to treat you. I found peace in these pages. Seeing that some beliefs and reactions never really went away was sad but it was a relief to know that I'm not alone. So I'm thankful for this book.
I struggled for a long time with my gender identity and recently unfortunately, had to cut ties with many family members who just see it as being mentally ill. I thought they would be accepting but that for me was- well. If you wouldn't show up to my wedding, and if you just think I'm mentally ill- you aren't that supportive.
So to see this book in one of my local libraries was a breath of fresh air because it literally answered the question I had earlier put on Facebook. Please can you share your coming out stories? I was scared going into it because I didn't know what stories would be in here. Coming out is a deeply personal story for everyone, and there's no one way of doing it. You never know how someone is going to react, or how people around you are going to treat you. I found peace in these pages. Seeing that some beliefs and reactions never really went away was sad but it was a relief to know that I'm not alone. So I'm thankful for this book.
March 21, 2024
My rating is for the structure of this compilation, not the stories inside of it! This book is a great concept, getting these conversations written down and preserved as a resource for those who need guidance. It is incredibly valuable to hear others' stories and I admire the editors of this project for putting this together. I do think that various editing errors could have been easily caught with another read. It's also important to note that these stories are geared towards a reader who has not yet come out, so much of the compilation focuses on advice specific to that ongoing process!
Some quotes that struck me, for one reason or another:
"The more I behaved in a way that was suggesting I don't have any shame, the less shame I felt."
"I think we should all look back at what people had to do to achieve what we have today. It didn't come easy. It had to be fought for on all levels."
"The first time I came out, I did it drunkenly. The second time, it was anxiously. The third time, I felt sick to my stomach. Twenty years on, I'm still coming out every day, but the moments hardly register. Now, most of the time, it's as if I'm blinking."
Some quotes that struck me, for one reason or another:
"The more I behaved in a way that was suggesting I don't have any shame, the less shame I felt."
"I think we should all look back at what people had to do to achieve what we have today. It didn't come easy. It had to be fought for on all levels."
"The first time I came out, I did it drunkenly. The second time, it was anxiously. The third time, I felt sick to my stomach. Twenty years on, I'm still coming out every day, but the moments hardly register. Now, most of the time, it's as if I'm blinking."
August 11, 2020
I received an ARC of this anthology via NetGalley.
“The thing about coming out is that every story is as individual as the person telling it”.
That's what this excels at. It’s little vignettes into the experiences of coming out. I love that this has stories both big and small and doesn’t just highlight the potential negatives that can accompany coming out. This is a solid anthology. The stories are vulnerable and informative and full of pride.
I can really see myself utilizing this in lesson plans going forward, as well as picking up a copy for our Pride Center at work.
If you are looking for more queer anthologies this one while highly specific is very good.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this and will be listening to the editors podcast going forward.
“The thing about coming out is that every story is as individual as the person telling it”.
That's what this excels at. It’s little vignettes into the experiences of coming out. I love that this has stories both big and small and doesn’t just highlight the potential negatives that can accompany coming out. This is a solid anthology. The stories are vulnerable and informative and full of pride.
I can really see myself utilizing this in lesson plans going forward, as well as picking up a copy for our Pride Center at work.
If you are looking for more queer anthologies this one while highly specific is very good.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this and will be listening to the editors podcast going forward.
October 22, 2021
This is a collection of stories from across the LGBTQ+ Spectrum about people's experience of coming out. It conveys a sense of just how broad and varied our identities are, whilst also showcasing the multitude of reactions, from the heart-warming to the heart-breaking and everything in between.
For anyone thinking of coming out, I imagine that this could be an inspiring and motivating book. While every story is different, all are hopeful and uplifting - even the ones that don't go so well.
Having LGBTQ+ people share their experience is so important for normalising queer lives. This is a book which everyone should read in order to better understand and better empathise with LGBTQ+ lives.
For anyone thinking of coming out, I imagine that this could be an inspiring and motivating book. While every story is different, all are hopeful and uplifting - even the ones that don't go so well.
Having LGBTQ+ people share their experience is so important for normalising queer lives. This is a book which everyone should read in order to better understand and better empathise with LGBTQ+ lives.
July 12, 2020
Thank you Jessica Kingsley Publishers for sending me a copy of this to read and review!
Like any stories about coming out, these are not always easy to read. The difference in coming out for one person vs someone of a different race, or gender is fascinating. There is so so much diversity shown in this book. I cried more than a few times, both from happiness and sadness. Stories on the human experience will always resonate with me, I love raw, open authenticity. This was beautiful done and captures so much humanity. Thank you for allowing me to read this.
Like any stories about coming out, these are not always easy to read. The difference in coming out for one person vs someone of a different race, or gender is fascinating. There is so so much diversity shown in this book. I cried more than a few times, both from happiness and sadness. Stories on the human experience will always resonate with me, I love raw, open authenticity. This was beautiful done and captures so much humanity. Thank you for allowing me to read this.
May 14, 2021
I am still reading the book after finally being able to read it, but absolutely love it! It is deeply personal, one of the main reasons I resonate so much with it. I am gay myself, and if I had a book like this growing up I feel I would have come to many of the conclusions about who I was so much sooner than I did. I applaud the openness of the authors, and the people who gave their stories are, as it must be immensely brave to share such a personal story to the world in this way.
It is certainly a keeper in my book shelf!
It is certainly a keeper in my book shelf!
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