Live Through This

This powerful book couldn't come at a more timely juncture. With the murder of transgender women increasing at an alarming rate, our deep misunderstanding of racial identity, and the battle of church and state on same-sex marriages, we are in a cultural war of ideologies where overwhelming prejudices have constricted our basic capacity for compassion and understanding.

Live Through This is a collection of intimate essays about one man's journey to self-acceptance when his faith, sexuality, and race battled with societal norms. These insightful writings will plant seeds of consideration and inspire readers to stretch beyond society's predisposed stereotypes. By reading stories about the demographics that live on the fringe of traditions, we gain a deeper awareness of our cultural climate and how we can improve it, starting with ourselves.

Clay Cane grew up in the trailer parks of Washington State and the fatal streets of West Philadelphia. Separately raised by a white mother, who identified herself as culturally black, and an abusive father, who despised Clay's gender nonconformity, he existed at society's complex intersections. From enduring spiritual violence in the African-American church, to learning unique lessons from transgender sex workers, to living in the double consciousness of blackness and gayness, each essay is drawn from his experiences and is delivered with vulnerability. Clay uses his narrative for cultural critique and to highlight the most sidelined communities.

Live Through This is an unlikely American story. It is the new American story.