My memoir hits the shelves on Tuesday, May 1st, and I am SO DARNED EXCITED FOR YOU TO READ THIS BOOK! Before I sat down to write the first draft, I got myself a tattoo on the back of my left hand. It says "I must not tell lies." So, A Queer and Pleasant Danger is the truth of me. It's not theory or stagecraft, it's just me. The book is dedicated to my daughter and grandchildren—all of whom are currently members in good standing of the Church of Scientology. Since I've been excommunicated from that cult/religion, no one who's a Scientologist in good standing with the established church is allowed to speak with me.
So, that makes this book the biggest truth of me I've ever written—in hopes that my daughter and grandchildren may one day break free and have a look. But you can read it, too. If you're reading this blog, you're interested in me and/or my work, and for that I'm grateful. Well, this memoir will give you a better look at the roots of all my academic and political words. I hope it makes you laugh. And I 'm sorry—really I am—but parts of the story will likely make you cry. I try to make up for that with pages that leave you gasping out loud.
Thank you for reading me. You can buy the book NOW from from: your friendly local Independent Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Powells.
kiss kiss,
Kate
Quotes
"A Queer and Pleasant Danger is a brave, funny, edgy, and enlightening new memoir. I loved it and learned from it. Kate Bornstein shares her fascinating journey—through gender, Scientology, and more—and it was a thrill to tag along on the ride. This book is unbelievably powerful and affecting. If Kate Bornstein didn't exist, we would have to invent her. But luckily for queers, straights, gender outlaws, and general readers, Bornstein is out and out there."
— Dan Savage, author, columnist, and architect of the "It Gets Better Project"
“I read A Queer and Pleasant Danger over four nights in a bathtub and bed and was totally transported to Kate Bornstein’s world. Kate boldly lets us look under the hood of her own transformations as Jew, Scientologist, boy, girl, Buddhist and parent, leaving us with a richer understanding of the true identity underneath: human. A Queer and Pleasant Danger is a page turner, making sweet love to the paradoxes we all face."
— Amanda Palmer, musician and co-founder of The Dresden Dolls
"To me, Kate Bornstein is like a mythological figure or a historical literary character such as Orlando or Candide who, by illustrating her struggles, shows the rest of us how to live. This book is destined to become a classic."
— Mx Justin Vivian Bond, author of Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels
"Kate Bornstein's journey from moon-eyed Scientologist to queer icon is harrowing, heartbreaking, and amazing. This narrative is surely not for the squeamish. And yet, in the story of a sea-dog named Al who became a trans goddess named Kate, we see the messy, unsettling, inspiring struggle of a lady trying—and at last succeeding—to let her own soul be known. Disturbing and wondrous."
— Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She's Not There and I'm Looking Through You
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So, it's exciting! And, one more time: you can buy the book NOW from from: your friendly local Independent Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Powells.
Contact Beacon Press for a review copy, or to arrange an interview with YOU and ME!
Pre-ordered from Amazon! I'd love to get it signed the next time you're in Boston.
Between the tattoo (is it in your own handwriting?) and the title of the epilogue, I am in geek heaven and all the more excited about this. (Tangentially to your epilogue title, they're filming series 7 RIGHT NOW OMG. I cannot wait.)
Side note: We have a mutual friend in the wonderful Bear! :)
All my best wishes for you and for your daughter and grandchildren. I hope they can break free from the Church of Scientology and let your beautiful light into their lives again.
Posted by: Michael | April 15, 2012 at 09:18 AM
YES! The tat's in my own handwriting. hehehe. Thank you for ordering the book. I hope you enjoy the read. And thanks for the good wishes for my kids. xo K
Posted by: Kate Bornstein | April 15, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Aaaaaahhh! So excited! I pre-ordered mine months ago while I worked at the bookstore. ^_^
Posted by: Wendy Lightheart | April 16, 2012 at 12:05 AM
I'm with Dan Savage, if you didn't exist, we'd have to invent you. Hope the book's available in the UK...
Posted by: Madeleine | April 16, 2012 at 05:01 PM
Kate! Saw you on Melissa Harris Perry -- excellent talk. Looking forward to your book!
Posted by: Theresa | April 16, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Hi Kate,
I pre-ordered your book & have been not so patiently waiting to get it! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
much love!
Posted by: Jess | April 19, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Kate, this is unrelated to your book, but I'm not sure if you already saw this so I had to pass it along: The TARDIS Tickler! (Link is NSFW.) http://www.toymakerproject.com/tickler/ It's been specifically dedicated to you! I'd have tweeted you about it but my tweets are locked and you don't currently follow me (ftmichael) so I hope you don't mind my hijacking the comments here to tell you. :)
Posted by: Michael | April 27, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Auntie K,
Are you going on a book tour when this is released?
Thank you for all your amazing words. I can't express how much they have meant to me and contributed to my continued existence on this planet. You are amazing.
Chris
Posted by: Cris | April 28, 2012 at 12:30 AM
I was fortunate enough to get an advance review copy, and I must say it is an amazing read. I don't remember the last time a book had me so emotional.
I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Thanks you so much, Kate, for sharing so much of yourself and for being so open and candid about . . . well, everything. :)
Posted by: Sally Bibrary | April 30, 2012 at 09:48 AM
A new memoir by Auntie Kate AND a win for Sharon Needles on Drag Race can only mean one thing: the teens, freaks, and outlaws are taking over....and just in time, too. Thank you for making the world a queerer and more pleasant place for my children!
Posted by: Shannon Drury | May 04, 2012 at 09:33 AM
Hi Kate! I am on holiday at the moment in Bali, so I have plenty of reading (and pool) time. As such I read your whole book in one day, it was that good! Got a bit sunburnt as a result. Woops!
The stories about your gender identity struggle, family, Scientology and S&M made for an intoxicating mix. I got so much personally from this book I cannot thank you enough. Your determination, honesty, and fallibility gave me something to aim for in my life's journey.
I love you Kate!
Posted by: Jon Jon | May 04, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Kate - LOVED this book! I read the recent excerpt in Salon and immediately downloaded it onto my Kobo. I'm a busy lady but managed to burn through it this past weekend.
You're an amazing writer with an amazing truth to tell. Thank you!
Posted by: Just Janice | May 15, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Just finished it. Very enjoyable. And your time spent as Sailor and Lula's girl... Hot damn! I wasn't expecting that :)
Posted by: Jonathan | June 17, 2012 at 06:43 AM
I finished your book last night. Wow! I enjoyed every page, recognized a few people and places.
You are a terrific writer.
Posted by: Lady | July 01, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Hi all. Sooooo sorry I've neglected to comment back. I'm on deadline for the next book—update to My Gender Workbook that came out 15 years ago. Thanks for all the love. It keeps me going. Big love right back. xoxo K
Posted by: Kate Bornstein | July 02, 2012 at 12:30 AM
I fucking love you! I am a straight woman living in New Orleans Louisiana. I JUST got done reading your memoir. You are an inspiration to ALL. I feel that you may even be super human. I know that may sound weird, but I believe it! You are an incredible person. Thank You!
Posted by: Kirsten Rodrigue | July 09, 2012 at 08:03 PM
Thank you, Kirsten. That's saying a lot, and I'm breathing while I take it in. Tell you what... I can hear what you're saying, knowing that you hear this: it takes one to know one. Fair? xoxo K
Posted by: Kate Bornstein | July 10, 2012 at 12:34 AM
I just picked this up Sunday and haven't stopped reading it. I'm kinda bummed that I'm almost done. Kate, you are such a wonderful, beautiful, and inspiring being. I'm excited for your stop in Chicago on Saturday. I'm going to piddle myself like a beta wolf. <3
Posted by: NFShayden | August 01, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Awwwwwww, NFShayden, you gave me the very morning smile I needed. So glad you're enjoying the read. I'll rub your belly, not bite it. xoxo Auntie
Posted by: Kate Bornstein | August 01, 2012 at 11:40 AM
It's an amazing read! I've always had a thing for reading experiences of other queer folks, especially well-written and captivating ones like yours. These are stories that need to be heard, and I'm grateful for your sharing with us all.
And from you, I'll take a rub or a bite. :3
- Noa
Posted by: NFShayden | August 01, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Namaste, Noa, belly up. xoxo
Posted by: Kate Bornstein | August 01, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Beautiful darling beloved Kate,
I keep reading your books to find out how to help someone I love who is suffering very much. She isn't young, almost retirement age, I can't figure how to remake the world fast enough.
It's a lot to ask of a stranger, but keep bearing witness.
Profoundly in love with you, both for your witness and and and...
elf
Posted by: elf | August 16, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Kate, I just came across your site after reading about you on Wikipedia. I feel like the fates brought me to you tonight. There is so much I could say to you, and yet so much I don't wish to say in public yet. I too am a performing/performance artist and feel that is the only place where I can be safe with my true self. I look forward to reading every word you have written, and hopefully someday i will get to see you in person.
blessings!
Posted by: Marissa Stein | November 12, 2012 at 05:27 AM
I just finished the book. It was an exciting read, I cant believe how many lives you've fit into one.
Posted by: Julia | February 12, 2013 at 12:07 AM
Dear Kate,
I just discovered you and your "Queer and Present Danger" and I applaud everything about who you are. So brave, so open and sharing, and the most honest 'liar' I've ever come across.
You're a girl I wish I was friends with.
I'm breathless at the half-way point in your book and couldn't resist reaching out with love and support. What a shock to hear of your current "present danger." I will return again soon with more kudos and will keep you in my heart and thoughts and prayers.
Love and support,
Teri
Posted by: Teri | May 15, 2013 at 11:34 AM