Okay. So this photo of me jumping in the air was actually taken last summer. But it’s the closest I could come in recent snapshots to how excited and proud I am to see a positive review of My Son Wears Heels in this week’s issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR).
“Tarney does an exceptional job of tracing the zigzagging line of Harry’s self-identity and recalling the inevitable questions asked along the way.” –NYTBR
The review, by Meghan Daum, is titled, ‘Inside My Head I’m a Girl’: Three Ways of Growing Up Gay. My book is featured along with those of two writers I hold in high esteem: Garrard Conley and Steven Gaines.
It hardly seems a coincidence that I’m in the middle of reading Conley’s heart-wrenching memoir, Boy Erased. (When finished, you can expect a blog post on the damaging and horrifying dark arts of “conversion therapy.”) Steven Gaines’ One of These Things First, is next in queue on my nightstand. I’ve been eager to read about his experiences as a gay teen since hearing about the book last spring. And I’m thrilled to be on the program bill with him at a book festival in Naples, Florida in February.
Sandwiched between the two of them in the review, I feel a little bit like the peanut butter and jelly between two slices of designer gourmet breads. I only wish Garrard and Steven’s parents had been able to read My Son Wears Heels when their sons were young. But now I’m hopeful my story will help the thousands of parents and families out there that I know are just beginning this journey.
“Tarney…turns supportive parenting into an extreme sport.” –NYTBR
You can read the full review here: ‘Inside My Head I’m a Girl’: Three Ways of Growing Up Gay.
I also want to thank you for reading and sharing my book. Being able to contribute to the community of support for gender creative children and LGBTQ youth means the world to me. I’m so appreciative of all the loving parents who are on this journey too!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU’LL PROBABLY ALSO LIKE THESE:
“The gender angel for gender-nonconforming kids.”
Wow congratulations!!
Thank you, Michael! I so feel that wow. Now will you play WWF with me again? xo
Jules, all there is to say is CONGRATS!!!
Thanks, Sweetie! You’ve been my steady companion along the way, and I so appreciate that. See you soon! Jxo
From a very proud Tarney to another—well done dear cousin. The review is terrific and so are you!
MAZEL TOV!!!!!!! My copy of the book is on the way.
From the Russian Steppes to the bottom of my heart, your encouragement and comments have been a joy. Thanks a megabazillion, Rickshala, dahlink! Jxo
Wonderful!!!!!!
Thank you, Deb! Will always appreciate how much I got out of your Salon LGBTQ conference. xo
Beautifully done and now expressed to all. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, ChloeAlexa, for such a lovely comment. xo
Congratulations Julie! That is awesome and Harry must be so proud of you♥️
Thanks so much for your congrats, Debi! And, yes, Harry is really proud of me. Tables turned for a change. 🙂 xo
Amazing review and right on target!!!
Thank you, Leslee!! xox
Congratulations Julie. This is so great.
I so appreciate your congrats, Greg. Thank you! Jxo
Hey Julie! “Looks like you made it!!!” as Barry Manilow might have said! I didn’t realize you had written a book about yours and Harry’s experiences. I’m glad you’ve synthesized your columns into a book. Harry is fortunate that you’ve been so patient. I may have told you, I had to submit to an exorcism when I was 10 or 11. It didn’t “cure” me. I came out as an adult, long independent from my parents. Dad never did approve but, in his old world mentality, family was family.
As I’ve said, some young people’s sexuality is relatively fluid while others know from a very early age they’re “different”–be it Gay/Lesbian or Trans. I think we all need to be more patient and open to what they’re telling us. My dear friend Rachel, a Social Worker in NYC who works with transgender folks, herself male to female transgender, assumes nothing when she meets a client for the first time. She will help clarify, discuss what something means, but never urges the person one way or the other.
Irony of ironies, Julie. I moved your last 2 columns to my “urgent” folder so I’d reread them and comment; forgot they were there! Tim says, with a very deep sigh, “PK will live forever. He will forget to die as he’s forgotten everything else!” 🙂
Peace,
PK Miller and Tim Montgomery
Tarnette! This is so fantastic. xoxo
Thanks so much, PZ! xo
Tarnette, those of us who are old enough to remember still miss you around here. I’m just so happy for you to have accomplished this important work at such a high level. Not a bit surprised, by the way. You’re an important voice in a world that needs to evolve towards compassion, understanding and trust. Your story will only help all of us celebrate our differences.
Oh, Steve, thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. You do have a way with words. 🙂 I know a lot of creativity rubbed off on me from my years at LC. How could it not?! Thanks again for cheering me on. I hope to run into you and Marge out here one of these days. Love, Txo
O! M! G! Could not be more excited or proud! Can’t wait to dig into this one, and read it, but wow, wow, wow! NYTimes book review! Such wonderful praise for your work, and such a lovely post by Harry on FB. Crow baby, crow!! xoxo
OMG is right! I’m still pinching myself. Thank you, dear Dawn, for all of your props and good wishes. And, yes, Harry’s FB post — so loving! So rewarding being a mom, as you know. 🙂 xo
Hey Julie,
What a book!! What a story! I knew it would be delightful after all, you could always tell a good story. I am proud so of you.
Aw, thank you, Jim! I’m so very happy that you liked it. You’ve been waiting long enough! 🙂 Jxo
Julie
You are a talented and inspirational storyteller and parent. I am proud to have you as a friend and Harry is lucky to have you as a parent.
Such a lovely comment, Sharon. Thank you! Your friendship and your words means so much to me. <3 Jxo