I loved this book! Allen does such a great job of marrying her background as an investigative reporter to her personal experiences. I think this really presented a more fair view of how different (conservative) parts of the country are less homogeneous than perhaps most believe, and that so many queer people have been born into or created homes in spaces that we often believe are just straight white people. I think this is a great book for both queer people and allies who want to gain a better understanding and perspective of how queer people create safe spaces/communities. I learned a lot from this one!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a lot different than I was expecting. The author takes an autobiographical road trip though a few red states. The book begins in Utah, travels to Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, and Texas. In each state the author offers grass roots reporting on what is being done in these red states to make LGBT people feel safe and accepted, esp the younger generation. You will meet bar/cafe owners, political activists, social workers, counselors, and ordinary citizens working hard to make the places they live better for everyone. The writing is very good and I really enjoyed arm chair traveling and reading about all the varied places and people. This is a fun book to read but it is also an important book. Enjoy

I enjoyed reading about people that are out of their comfort zone and yet are able to seek out and find people and societies that allow them to be themselves no matter what.

An important addition to the LGBTQ genre. The author visits Red States and visits with transgender individuals who are living- sometimes quietly, sometimes more loudly- in traditionally conservative cities and towns. Many have deeply religious backgrounds and have forged families of choice with similar souls. The most engaging sections of the book are the author's interactions with these people, as she and her travel partner embark on an extended road trip and befriend many. The book is also informative regarding the history of same-sex and transgender acceptance in the US.