Once Invisible

About the Book

Though how you take this message is yours alone, I want to thank you for opening your heart, and taking this courageous step in furthering your understanding. You’ve probably heard the cliché, “You never know someone ‘til you’ve walked in their shoes”, but I’d elaborate. No one has the authority to make assumptions or even claim to understand someone else’s struggle having not seen life through that person’s eyes. I prefer to be forthright. I find myself frustrated, and even angry, at so many people – even at people I love – because they just don’t know what it is like to deal with this. I often feel alone despite having my good friends and loving family. So I am inspired to share my story and help others get in the know. Once Invisible is for anyone who has ever felt the need to understand sexual or gender identity difficulties for the sake of a friend or loved one. I also welcome those who believe there is more to know about it and just want a different perspective. If you yourself are facing this struggle with me, I hope my words can give you some sense of personal affirmation and maybe even inner peace. For whatever your reason, I commend your willingness to gain insight through this message. If this issue has crossed your path in the form of a loved one, picking up this book puts you on the right track. Every little step toward understanding is crucial in the beginning and will serve you both very well from now on. Learning to share in another’s pain and be a source of comfort is an expression of love. Knowledge and appreciation for the struggle will help you empathize more effectively. Be there. And to those like me, you are loved – if by no one else, then at least by me. I have designed this book to be very direct. It should not take too long to read, so I would recommend finding a couple of hours and reading it cover to cover. It is best to arm yourself with as much information as possible when given the chance, because you never know when a conversation will come up. This is especially important if a friend or relative has just come out to you; opportunities to talk about it openly are few and far between. It is in the best interest of both of you that you know and understand as much as possible before the discussion starts. As you are reading, remember that my intention is to give you a new perspective on things – some things toward which you may already have secure opinions. That’s alright, so keep them if you like, but please take the time to ponder a new way of thinking on each item I present to you. The best way to block the truth is to think you already know it. However, my goal is not to win you over or justify something you may oppose. I will stress that my intention is your understanding. And, finally, I do not want your pity, but rather your respect for the struggle and your acknowledgement of its validity and impact on all those who face it. My dedication of this book goes out to all those it mentions – to my friends, to God and to my family, all of whom give me strength and love me without conditions. I love you all.

About the Author