Straight Expectations

Living Now Book Award, 2017

Paperback / ISBN-13: 9781785927485

Price: £12.99

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Ever since they were young, Peggy Cryden noticed her children’s gender expression did not correspond with society’s expectations of their biological gender. In this moving and honest memoir, Peggy details the experiences and challenges of raising both a gay son and a gay, transgender son and shares her family’s journey of adversity and growth, which has helped inform her work as a psychotherapist.

Beginning with her own unconventional upbringing and personal relationships, the second half of the book follows her children from birth to adulthood and through their numerous experiences including coming out, depression, hate crime, relationships, school and various aspects to do with transitioning (legal, physical, medical, social) as well as their appearances in the media as a family. This book is insightful, charming and thought-provoking, and through levity and humour, offers a positive approach to parenting outside of convention.

Reviews

Cryden writes with the emotional clarity of a seasoned therapist and also as one who's done her own soul searching.
Ami B. Kaplan, LCSW New York City Psychotherapist and Gender Specialist.