First Person Queer: Who We Are (So Far) - Softcover

Richard Labonté has been the editor of the book series Best Gay Erotica (Cleis) since 1997. He writes a syndicated gay book review column, ?Book Marks,? for Q Syndicate, and also the gay men?s edition of ?Books to Watch Out For.? He lives in Bowen Island, BC, Canada. Lawrence Schimel is an award-winning author and anthologist who has published over 80 books in many genres, including PoMoSexuals: Challenging Assumptions about Gender and Sexuality (with Carol Queen), The Drag Queen of Elfland, The Mammoth Book of Gay Erotica, and Things Invisible to See: Lesbian and Gay Tales of Magic Realism.

The collection winningly celebrates differences rooted in a variety of ways to the mutable boundaries of sexuality and gender.... Whether read in a couple of sittings or savored essay by essay, this is an eye-opening vista on diversity.
―Kirkus Review (Kirkus Review 2007-12-05)

This wonderful collection of 40 essays manages to hit the jackpot each time. Editors Richard Labonte and Lawrence Schimel leaned on some excellent writers well represented in GLBT literature (Kate Bornstein, Tim Miller, Katherine V. Forrest, D. Travers Scott, Achy Obejas), but they've introduced new names (at least to the casual writer) as well, and all are terrifically engaging.
―Michael Bronski, The Guide (The Guide 2007-12-20)

This collection is refreshing because of the diversity of experiences represented.... First Person Queer is humorous at times, painful at others, and extremely honest all the while. Though there is no singular, exclusionary 'queer experience,' these essays all complement each other to show the qualitative experiences as a member of a marginalized group.
―Feminist Review (Feminist Review 2008-01-08)

It's remarkable that every voice in this anthology is personable.... The eloquence of spirit in each essay draws readers into understanding different points of view.
―Outwords (Winnipeg, MB) (Outwords 2008-02-15)

These short pieces show enormous range of difference.... First Person Queer is not a book to be read through, rather it is one to be dipped into and relished for what it echoes with the individual reader and what provides them with moments of insight.
―one80 (UK) (one80 (UK) 2008-04-30)

Richard Labonte and Lawrence Schimel have gathered a remarkable number of personal narratives that document the incredible diversity of experiences, backgrounds, personal histories and yes, sexual orientations and gender identities, that all resonate with the word queer. The stories create a strong a vibrant community where multiple experiences can cohabit and flourish.... Recommended for both public and academic libraries.
―GLBT Roundtable Newsletter (American Library Association) (GLBT Roundtable Newsletter 2009-03-12)