Coming Out Stories: Personal Experiences of Coming Out from Across the LGBTQ+ Spectrum

by Emma Goswell (Editor), Sam Walker (Editor), Tim Sigsworth MBE (Foreword by)

Overview

'Uplifting and triumphant' JUNO DAWSON
'This book is vital' RUSSELL T DAVIES
'A brilliant resource' LADY PHYLL
'A must-read for anyone grappling with coming out' RIYADH KHALAF
'Inspirational' PETER TATCHELL

"He told me being gay was nothing to be ashamed of." - Bill
"I put my hands over my eyes as I told her, as I couldn't bear to see her reaction." - Olivia

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 life as your most authentic self. Welcome to the family!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787754959
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	01/21/2021
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.43(h) x 0.87(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Emma Goswell and Sam Walker host and produce the Coming Out Stories podcast and have over 20 years' broadcasting experience.

Emma has co presented both the breakfast and drive time shows on Gaydio - the world's biggest LGBTQ+ radio station - and has been published by DIVA and Gay Star News. She has featured on BBC Radio London, BBC Wales, BBC Scotland and BBC 5 Live to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. Emma currently lives with her family in Wales, where she is a carer for her sister.

Sam is a writer and a broadcaster and founder and MD of What Goes on Media, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organisations tell their stories through audio. She was previously a presenter for Radio 5 Live and now lives in Arizona, USA.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Tim Sigsworth; Intro; Prologue; Contributions; Glossary; Resources

Editorial Reviews

For many in our communities, coming out is a transformative and liberating experience, but one that can only be truly enjoyed when the world around them embraces them. From chosen family to friendships forged in solidarity, these coming out stories offer real-life insight and wisdom to those who've yet to take that next step in sharing themselves with the world. These stories are also a brilliant resource for parents and families who underestimate the power of acceptance and love to counter a world that can often be so cruel. Enjoy these stories, share these stories and revel in the vulnerability and honesty assembled here.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah aka Lady Phyll

None of us are born with prejudice, sadly it's something that is learned - with more books like this usualising queer people there is hope for a future of inclusion and social justice where we simply become part of the fabric of our comunities and coming out becomes a thing of the past.

Dr Elly Barnes MBE

This is written with so much heart. It's full of love and hope and liberation. Even the tougher stories are told with strength and the potential for change. From Stonewall to Jamaica to Canal Street, the writers speak with such honestly and insight, it's thrilling. And they're hilarious too! This book is so vital, it'll be a talisman for so many, a beacon, a path out of the shadows. It should be in every school and home, to reach out to those in need, or those remembering their own journey. It made me cry, it made me hoot, it made me rage, and it made me think. I think, really, I learnt from this. The book contains so many voices from the next wave of queer identity, it taught me better ways to talk and react and help. That's wonderful!

Russell T Davies

'Coming out' is something that most LGBTQ+ people face at some point in their lives, whether it be small, personal experiences, or in a larger context. Whilst every story is different, there are common threads to be found. The fear of rejection or violence, the knowledge that life after coming out is an undiscovered country but also, in many cases, the liberation and life-affirming experience that it often creates. This new book is a collection of stories about the process of coming out, from a diverse selection of LGBTQ+ people. They are, in turn, funny, heart-breaking and empowering. A spotlight shone upon a pivotal moment in the the lives of those within the LGBTQ+ community, from all backgrounds. Each is a mini-biography, full of those nervous first steps and the hopes and fears of the person involved, with which many of us, having gone through similar experiences, can readily identify. It's also a history lesson in many ways; describing things that happened in the past which today would seem extreme. Yes, progress continues to be made, but as the more recent stories reveal, there's still a long way to go. I'm sure this book will be an inspiration to those still in the proverbial closet, and to perhaps take a leap into the wider world, and one which waits to welcome them with open arms and open hearts.

Annie Wallace

Coming out can be the most terrifying yet liberating moments in a queer person's life. This book perfectly captures the highs and lows of this life-changing process. Reading the authentic and vulnerable stories of people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum in this book reminds us that our struggle towards ultimate freedom is a collective one. Our stories are as diverse and unique as our community is but one thing is true in all of them - the powerful desire to overcome one's shame in the pursuit of a life worth living. This is a must-read for anyone grappling with the concept of coming out and for those close to a queer person who want to understand what that journey must feel like.

Riyadh Khalaf

Uplifting and triumphant, each story is a feat of bravery and courage.

Juno Dawson

The stories here are rich and vivid - there is much for all of us to learn from this book.

Joe Lycett

These 27 inspirational personal stories reveal the breadth and diversity of coming out experiences from people of different ages, eras and cultural backgrounds, including both their triumphs and the tribulations. But the common thread is courage, honesty, self-acceptance and dignity. This book is a must read for LGBT+ teens and their families and teachers.

Peter Tatchell

This book is something I could have done with a long time ago. As the book says so eloquently, we all just want to be loved by those we love for exactly who we are. But in 2020, homophobia is still rife and we still need to stand up and come out, which can be a daunting experience! This book is something I would have liked to give 16 year old me as I was figuring out who I was! It shows that you're not alone and that every story is different and there is no right or wrong way to come out. I loved it.

Stephen Bailey. comedian

Emma's book is something I could have done with a long time ago. As she says so eloquently, we all just want to be loved by those we love for exactly who we are. But in 2020, homophobia is still rife and we still need to stand up and come out, which can be a daunting experience! This book is something I would have liked to give 16 year old me as I was figuring out who I was! It shows that you're not alone and that every story is different and there is no right or wrong way to come out. I loved it'

Stephen Bailey