Acknowledgments

First, I’d like to acknowledge the many people who’ve come before me and whose work I’ve relied upon to learn and grow as a person, psychologist, educator, and author. They are too numerous to mention though everyone is remembered in this moment. There are many LGBTQ+ people who have been my teachers, and I am grateful to you all! To Jazz Jennings, Jaden Smith, EJ Johnson, Ruby Rose, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox, Hari Nef, Manny Guttierrez, Michael Sam, Janet Mock, Glennon Doyle Melton, Feminista Jones, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Judith Butler, Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, Susan Faludi, and Howard Liebman—you’re all very important teachers to me, and your influence can be found in every aspect of this book.

My work with PESI and PESI Publishing & Media continues to be a journey of joy and delight. I am extremely grateful to many people at PESI and PESI Publishing & Media for the opportunities extended my way. Thank you to Meg Mickelson Graf for being my first business manager and for connecting me with Emily Krumenauer to serve PESI’s LGBTQ Kids and Teens Seminars. Many thank yous to Emily for co-creating the LGBTQ Seminar with me, upon which this book is based.

In creating books and products for PESI Publishing & Media, I derive great joy and personal enrichment collaborating with Karsyn Morse. She is really like my “first true love” of editors, and continues to hold a special place in my heart. Karsyn, thank you for your guidance, and for the beautiful way you turn ideas into valuable products! And thank you to Linda Jackson for your role in publishing my products, especially this book. Special thanks to Amy Rubenzer for creating a delightful cover and layout to this book. And to Michelle Nelson for catching my typos!

A special and heartfelt thank you is offered to Honor Chervin. Your love and brilliance have inspired me and every aspect of this book, in more ways than you can ever know. Thank you to Jennifer Fraser, PhD, another very brilliant woman who has lovingly contributed to this book and to my personal and professional development: Jen, you’re one of the wisest and smartest women I know and I cherish you so! Thank you!

My gratitude for my family and friends is also underscored here. I could not deliver books, products, retreats, programming, seminars, and more without the love, support, and generosity of a few very special people. These people include my special women friends: Wendy Taira and Dena Lazar. Thank you both for doing life with me; it’s definitely a better trip with you along!

My family rocks beyond belief—to my kids: Lewis, Chase, and Zoe, thank you for being my co-learners on this adventure of a lifetime! I love you, love learning with you, and love spreading the good word with you, too! To Richard, thank you for the opportunity to love you and be loved by you—this is the greatest gift I’ve received in this lifetime; it embellishes the love I share and experience everywhere else.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge all the people who may be touched by this book. Whether you are a professional reading it or the anonymous LGBTQ+ youth who benefits from the adult reading this book, I want you to know I am most thankful for you! Your presence in this world is my gift, and I love you!