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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book felt like a blast from the past and I felt like I got a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes of a show that was cutting edge during my developmental years. It was such a lovely nostalgic throwback. I loved seeing the journey Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig went on to get to the L Word and beyond.

This let me take a step back in time to the first time I watched the l word! It was so fun to take a look inside the cast. It was funny and hopeful and made me want more!!

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.

I knew I had to read this memoir the moment I saw it.

The L Word played a pivotal role in my life growing up. It was the first time I had watched a show with lesbian characters (and so many of them at that!) I wasn't out yet when I started watching, and I remember sitting in my bedroom with the door locked so that my mom wouldn't accidentally walk in (if she tried to come in I always used the excuse that I was "changing"). I was absolutely hooked on the show and the characters.

I had a feeling reading So Gay For You would be nostalgic. I didn't expect to feel so much warmth, love, and frank honesty. Each chapter contained both Kate and Leisha's narratives (sometimes swapping a few times). They cover the events prior to, during, and after The L Word.. Reading through I could practically hear their voices in my head (especially Leisha's humor). There was so much fondness and nostalgia from both of them. I loved seeing how strong their friendship was and continues to be. And not only with them but the rest of the cast. I could tell how much love they have for The L Word and how much fun everyone had together.

I also appreciated that they did not hesitate to discuss the aspects of The L Word that haven't aged so well. The problematic parts of the show were not swept under the rug. I appreciated their candidness when discussing Next Gen (it seems that their sentiments were similar to mine).

I loved being able to see snippets into their lives and the growth that's happened over the years and how The L Word was a part of that. I felt particularly empathetic to Kate's perspective. Being young when I watched the show, I saw Kate's character Shane as being cool and confident. I was envious of the way she appeared so at ease with her sexuality. I did not know Kate's personal background. As I got a lot of comfort from Shane during that time, I get a lot of comfort now as an adult to her own experiences and some of the similarities to my own.

Overall, I found So Gay for You to be nostalgic, cathartic, and full of joy. It highlights queer friendship that stands the test of time. It truly feels like a love letter to The L Word but also to all those that were part of the show and made it what it was to so many queer individuals during that time. To me, the show will always hold a spot of importance in queer media.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. This review was left voluntarily and contains only my honest opinions.

This was a great read! As they mentioned in the book, I was part of the second generation to discover the show when it was on Netflix. One of my coworkers had watched the original run when it was airing so this show has a special place in my heart, not just for the show itself but for the community it created throughout a couple generations now.

Reading about Leisha and Kate's upbringing was insightful and gave us different perspectives on mid-west/east coast growing pains as LGBTQIA+ individuals. I didn't know anything about Leisha and Kate's past or personal life before this so everything was new to me and I'm interested in listening to their podcast as well.

This book is definitely a memoir of the two of them. If you're looking for insights into any of the other cast members viewpoints including their storylines and perspectives, they're not in here very much except for the ways in which they interacted with Kate and Leisha. That's not a bad thing, it's just that sometimes they'd mention a co-star and in my brain I'm thinking of that co-star's storyline at that point in the show and expecting them to discuss that but that wasn't the case since they weren't directly involved with that.

I loved the way the authors explored their personal relationships with the cast, especially learning more about Erin, Mia, and Sarah. I think Mia was the most surprising and I loved whenever they talked about her varied interests and pot-stirring antics.

This was a fun memoir and a great trip down memory lane with Kate and Leisha. It definitely made me want to rewatch the show with a new perspective on what it has done for represention throughout the LGBTQIA+ community.

So good! I have loved Kate and Leisha since I was 15 and it’s no different now, 20 years later. I will buying a hard copy to keep as a trophy because I loved this book!

This is a love letter to fans of The L Word. I found myself smiling as they mentioned stories surrounding some of my favorite moments from the show. I loved having a look into the lives of two of my favorite actresses!


Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for my opinion!

I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I started reading this book. So Gay for You is like a perfect pair of pants. It’s comfortable, hugs you in all the right places, and covers you in warmth. This perfect mix of heartfelt, joyous, and informational thrums throughout the book as the chapters move from Leisha’s to Kate’s perspective or Kate’s to Leisha’s perspective. The editing here is masterful and the book itself feels more like a conversation between two best friends with the reader being welcomed into their world as if they were also part of Hailey’s and Moennig’s found family. Highly recommend.

I’ve been smitten with Kate Moennig since Young Americans and, although I’ve only watched a handful of episodes of The L Word, Alice and Shane were by far my favorite characters, so I was excited to read about so I was excited to read about the actresses’ real life friendship. This was a wonderful mix of their personal journeys, romantic ups and downs, on-set experiences, and the found family they forged with the cast. I loved how their friendship has continued to flourish, even after the show and the reboot ended. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves the actors, The L Word, or the PANTS podcast.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

This is an incredibly well-written book with a lot of very interesting anecdotes. It's so fun to hear about their lives, friendships, and some behind the scenes stories from the show. Their voices work really well together and the whole book had a great flow.

Grab your bestie and hop on your bike, this book is taking you for a ride.

Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig don't just take readers behind the scenes of their hit show The L Word, they reveal little slices of their queer history from times that many people only hear about as sweeping generalizations of what that time was like. They welcome us into their childhoods and formative years in New York City, and show us what The L Word really meant to them.

As someone who watched The L Word in secret when it was on Netflix, watching a few episodes and then discreetly deleting it from the watch history (Because I'm still old enough to have watched this on Netflix before profiles were a thing) I could not wait to pick this book up. A warning for readers: if you're precious about your opinions about this show, be prepared for Hailey and Moennig to disagree with you. They talk about the show with a lot of care, fondness, and love, but if something doesn't sit right with them now, they do not pull punches about how they feel. They provide and honest yet nostalgic take on what it was like working up in Canada in their Gay Camp filming this beloved show.

This books is raw and heartbreaking at times while it manages to keep you gripped by the behind the scenes stories and opening up more about what it was really like to create such a groundbreaking show. It's so much more than a book about a show. It's about what that experience meant to these women, and that's the best thing of all.

This was such a blast to read! I didn’t know much about Leisha and Kate outside of them being on The L Word, I loved getting to learn about their separate lives and their friendship. And of course many stories about the TV show. The book alternates between Leisha and Kate’s perspectives, I really appreciated how their different voices shone through in the writing.

I’ve never read a memoir quite like this one before. It was interesting going back and forth between their different childhoods, experiences growing up, and being young, struggling artists before meeting on The L Word. The bulk of the book is definitely spent on the show, talking about their experiences shooting it, thoughts on different storylines, ways it was groundbreaking, and also ways it missed the mark on certain issues (especially when it came to trans characters and bisexuality). I loved hearing about how much of a found family vibe there was with the cast and crew. It was also interesting and frustrating to read about how they fought so hard for the show’s reboot only to end up being disappointed with the eventual outcome.

Leisha and Kate’s friendship is just so beautiful to read about. Definitely check out this memoir if you’re a fan of The L Word. But I also feel like it could be enjoyed by people who are interested in the history of queer media, queer friendships, or found family stories.