We are deeply grateful to all the wonderful authors who contributed to this book. We asked for your stories, and you didn’t hold back.
Many thanks to Trena Keating and Lily Kosner at Dutton; Richard Abate, Kate Lee, and Colin Graham at ICM; and Jorge Valencia, Joel Wyatt, James Lecesne, and everyone at The Trevor Project for all their support, enthusiasm, and effort on behalf of this book.
We would also like to thank our families and friends for all their love and support.
Melissa would especially like to thank “The Gang:” Tristan, Tyler, Andy, and Peter for their steadfast and loyal friendship that inspired this book. Big kisses and big love from their own “Melvina.”
And Tom sends love and thanks to the main girls in his life—Antonia, Katie, Marissa, Mary Clare, Sarah, and Tina—who are always there for him, in good times and bad.