Member Reviews

As a longtime fan of The L Word, I was eager to read this book, and it did not disappoint. More than just a memoir, this book offers a compelling look at what it was like to be a queer actress on a groundbreaking queer show at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media was still met with significant resistance.

Kate Moennig, best known for her portrayal of Shane, provides fascinating insights into her experiences on the show, as well as the challenges and triumphs of working on a series that was, remarkably, staffed largely by women. The behind-the-scenes details about the production process, creative decisions, and roadblocks the cast and crew faced added depth to my understanding of The L Word's impact.

While I was previously hesitant to watch the reboot, this book’s candid discussion of the continuation—especially from the perspective of two original cast members—has encouraged me to approach it with a more informed perspective. This book is a must-read for fans of the show, but it also holds value for anyone interested in the evolution of queer representation in television.

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Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC! As far as memoirs go, this was a must-read for me. I'm a long-time, somewhat frenzied fan of The L Word (dedicated enough to watch the very divisive reboot Gen Q) and have always felt a pull to any and all media related to the show. I have a copy of Jennifer Beals photobook "The L Book" and it is a prized possession. My love for the show aside, I thought Leisha and Kate's braided narrative about how their individual lives lead up to landing roles on the show and the evolution of their friendship since then was a joy to read. I loved the inside glimpses into what went on as they made the show, and learning about them as individuals before and after it ended.

As much as I enjoyed reading it, at times the transitions between perspectives were a bit abrupt. I also would have liked to see them both go a bit further in their inspection or remembrances of the past. I would have been fine with a longer book if it meant seeing them dive beyond the surface and get more into the nitty gritty details to make a memory feel more fleshed out. I like fearless, confessional memoirs that go all out.

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Perfect for L Word fans and anyone who likes a little gay humor. These two are absolute icons in the community and are an excellent pair for podcasting and book writing

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This is exactly what you would expect it to be in the best way possible! I love they way they speak it makes it feel like conversations with old
friends, reminiscing, laughing, crying. This book was amazing and I will hand sell it to anyone who will listen!

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Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey’s *So Gay for You* is a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply insightful memoir that will captivate both longtime fans of *The L Word* and newcomers alike. Through a mix of personal stories, behind-the-scenes revelations, and a celebration of their enduring friendship, Moennig and Hailey offer an intimate glimpse into their journeys as queer artists navigating Hollywood. Their writing is candid and engaging, filled with the same wit and charm that made them beloved figures on screen. From their first meeting at auditions to their present-day adventures as actors, podcasters, and LGBTQ+ advocates, the memoir beautifully captures the transformative power of friendship and the importance of chosen family.

For fans of The L Word, this is a must-read, offering never-before-shared anecdotes that shed new light on the show’s impact both behind the scenes and in the broader cultural landscape. Moennig and Hailey’s reflections on the challenges and triumphs of queer representation in media are both poignant and inspiring, making this memoir as meaningful as it is entertaining. Whether reminiscing about their early days on set or exploring the personal milestones that shaped their lives, the duo’s bond shines through on every page. With humor, honesty, and an undeniable warmth, *So Gay for You* is a joyful and moving tribute to friendship, authenticity, and the enduring legacy of queer storytelling.

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I remember as a teen struggling that I couldn't really find lesbian representation of people that looked like me in media. As a brown skinned femme, I knew I was queer but didn't know what that really would look like when I was older. Just after I finished high school I remember finding the first season of The L Word in a bargain bin at a shop, and I bought it after reading the synopsis. I remember the way I felt watching those early episodes and how amazed I was that there was a program and community out there of queer women. It was life changing.

Flash forward nearly 20 years and although I'm no longer that die hard L word fan, I was intrigued to read more about Leisha and Kate from their own perspectives. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, but I really enjoyed it.

Kate and Leisha’s distinct voices come through strongly, and I loved the way they wrote this. It's like chatting with a friend or two while getting a sneaky behind the scenes viewpoint on their love lives, early lives and their career. Leisha's humour and honesty shone through particularly, but it's also packed full of their nostalgia of their time on the show.

I particularly liked that they don’t shy away from the show’s flaws, openly discussing the missteps while also celebrating its groundbreaking impact. Their stories about the audition process, filming, and the industry’s evolution over the years add depth beyond just reminiscing. It’s refreshing to see them be so candid, both about the show and about their own growth as individuals and friends.

At its core, So Gay For You is a love letter to queer friendship, highlighting the kind of bond that transcends time, distance, and career changes. Kate and Leisha’s relationship is so full of affection, teasing, and mutual respect that it’s impossible not to smile while reading. Whether you’re a die-hard The L Word fan or just someone who enjoys reading about strong, supportive friendships, this book is a delight from start to finish. I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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I have been an L Word fanatic since day #1 of the original series. I even went on the L Word cruise the authors discuss in this book, which made this a super fun read.

The book gave lots of insights into what the show was like behind the scenes and also gave the reader a brief bio of each of the actors, most notably, their coming out processes. I liked the she said/she said format used throughout, which gave each author a chance to give their side of each topic.

I wish someone had thought of a book like this sooner! It really makes me miss the show.

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I absolutely devoured I’m So Gay for You! Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig have this effortless, chaotic chemistry that translates perfectly to the page. It’s hilarious, unfiltered, and full of the kind of banter that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on two best friends who are just a little too comfortable oversharing. The stories are ridiculous in the best way—equal parts endearing and unhinged—and I laughed out loud more times than I can count. If you love them, you’ll love this book. If you don’t know them yet, you’re about to fall in love.

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If you are or were a fan of the show The L Word, you must read this book!
I loved the show and reading this book( by two of the women who were in the show), made me want to watch all the seasons in the show!
I would highly recommend this for all those who loved The L Word!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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If you're a fan of the L Word, then this is the book for you. Full of interesting commentary on both Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey's lives as well as behind the scenes looks at both the L Word and it's reboot.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

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I loved this! The L Word will always be in my top 10 favorite TV shows, and even though I haven’t rewatched it in a couple of years, this book brought me right back. Leisha & Kate’s stories and words complement each other exceedingly well, and I loved getting an inside scoop into their journey. My only complaint is that the timelines were a little wonky so sometimes it was a little hard to follow what year it was, but otherwise it was a really wonderful read.


Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!

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Before I get into my review of “So Gay For You”, I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

As a longtime fan of “The L Word” and a listener of “Pants” the podcast, I was beyond excited when “So Gay For You” was announced. Before beginning this book, I had extremely high expectations and all of those expectations were met.

Listening to Kate and Leisha’s stories of growing up gay and discovering their identities was very inspiring and intriguing to read about. The stories of “The L Word” both on and off screen had me feeling a multitude of different emotions with every page. This inspiring memoir made me feel emotions I haven’t felt in years.

I’ve already recommended this book to many friends of mine, some gay, some straight, some long time followers of Leisha and Kate, and some that have never seen the show at all.

This was a beautiful read and I cannot wait to see what Kate and Leisha do next.

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I am a big fan of the tv series The L Word. If you loved the show, you will love this book.

Reading this book was like catching up with old friends. Kate & Leisha not only give an in-depth behind-the-scenes account of the show but how this show changed their lives. They met by chance during auditions, bonded during filming & became lifelong friends after the show.

Kate & Leisha share their childhood stories & career paths so freely that it becomes instantly relatable despite being a very Hollywood story. Their easy rapport makes you feel like you are participating in their conversation.

I really enjoyed this book & I think fans of the show will enjoy it as well.

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My little queer heart ❤️

The L Word was my gay awakening. Carmen and Shane. Carmen specifically. Really helped me with coming out and accepting my sexuality. I watched it at such a young age, and I’d love to watch it back again as I’ve aged and grown.

This book is special, getting to know the ins and outs of Leishas and Kate’s life. Before during and after the show.
Finding out little secrets -like I didn’t know it was filmed in my hometown!

It was just super cool to learn new things about them and about the show and I really enjoyed my time reading it.
Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this in advanced in exchange for my honest opinion

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Reading this book was like being wrapped up in a warm hug. Moennig & Hailey do a great job of balancing their personal back story's and behind the scenes look at The L Word. These two humans have has such a hand in my coming out and it was great to get to know them beyond Alice & Shane. Overall, this books boils down to joy and friendship, it is fresh, nostalgic, and SO hard to put down.

Thank you so much for this arc, easily was my most anticipated read of the year! 5 stars.

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Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

This was a fun read! If you are a fan of The L Word and like the actresses who played Shane and Alice, you will really enjoy this book. Written from both of their perspectives, alternating back and forth, you learn much about these two actresses: their childhoods, their audition process, their experiences on The L Word, their experiences with the reboot, their relationships, their life-long every evolving friendship, and finally their podcast.

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I solid book with both funny and inspiring life lessons. It was nice to see behind the scenes and anyone who loves the show and podcast will love this one.

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I saw this book and immediately needed to read it! It didn’t disappoint. It was funny and heartwarming, 2 of my favorite characters from the L Word. It was great getting a peak inside their life before the show. I love their podcast and this book is perfection!

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good life experiences of the girls on the show the l word and their rise to stardom and their failed relationships and their friendship over the years. loved the different point of views and how much they enjoyed the experiences on the show and the friendships that they made with cast members.

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This book is a must-read for fans of The L Word. Told by Leisha Hailey (Alice) and Kate Moennig (Shane) , who are dear friends in real life, they share their upbringings and early life stories but mostly focus on their years shooting The L Word. For both of them, it provided family each never had and was instumental in their own growth as women.

Leisha was a musician before an actress, and always yearned to play more music once her commitment to the series began. The series was mostly filmed in Vancouver B.C., so much of each woman's life during those years was spent commuting and living a personal life at home in LA and a Company life in Vancouver. It sounds like most of the actors got along famously and spent most of their down time together.

There are breakups, deaths, hard decisions to be made by both throughout the book but Leisha and Kate always have each others' backs. The soul searching the questions left unanswered are poignant.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

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