Perhaps now more than any time in recent history, Americans are debating issues around and trying to understand The Gay Child, Transgender kids, and gender expression. With the banning of books, and random laws meant to control teaching and the knowledge children seek to understand themselves and feel supported; truth and discussion around personal identity, equality, and the right to exist have become daily battles. LGBTQIA+ adults have a responsibility to speak and fight for those too young to have a voice, personal agency, and self-understanding. Silas Scott was an introverted, overly-religious, child of the 70s; growing up in the fading era of the free love culture. Isolated in a small town, he tried (perhaps in vain) to hide the fact that he was Gay from his large and loving but dogmatically conservative family. He turned to animals, books, TV, and a few female family elders for understanding and slow self-discovery. His imagination and exploration lead to writing, drawing, singing, and other creative endeavors. Wild years of partying and awkward socialization with his discovered tribe and chosen family settled into quieter self-actualization and marriage in his middle years. He now tries to find justice and authenticity for his troubled past lives by protecting and helping those in the current world. This book is an attempt to provide insight for all those parents, siblings, friends, and other family members seeking to understand what it's like to be a Gay child. The content isn't appropriate for young children, but hopefully will assist Gay teens and adults to recognize the feelings and experiences many of us share in common. Some of Mr. Scott's story is likely unique to him, but stereotypes exist for a reason, and there things about being a Gay child in our society that are mostly universal. This book is meant to expand empathy and remind readers that love is love.
