Love Lives Here; A Worthy Read

One of the books I read on vacation was "Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family" by Amanda Jette Knox.Knox's overall theme that runs throughout the memoir is to 'lead with love;' a message that comes to pass in countless ways as her family shifts to embrace two trans people within their fold. An interesting fact from its pages include: "This extremely vulnerable population (trans youth) carries high rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide. Trans kids are more likely to face discrimination, harassment, bullying and assault. LGBTQ young people are disproportionately represented in the homeless population, finish high school less often and have a harder time finding work." From Knox's experience: "I didn't know what it felt like to be trans, but I did know what it was like to go through a lot of the same issues: self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, harassment, bullying and assault...…... I knew what it was like to not be accepted by those around you, even if for different reasons." How Alexis (Amanda's daughter) coped with the judgement of people around her: "Alexis learned she could enter any space as if she belonged there, regardless of how people treated her. She learned to expect respect, even if others aren't willing to give it easily. As someone who would likely face discrimination throughout her life, she needed this critical lesson. I wanted her to know that her worth comes from within, and not how others might value her.""Love Lives Here" is an honest story that aims to help shed the stigma associated to a marginalized community. Knox weaves the reader through not only her daughter's transition, but also of her wife's and the unique challenges they faced. By the end of its pages, one thing is clear - when we 'lead with love,' it carries with it courage and faith. "Love Lives Here" is a worthy read. Like this post? Consider subscribing! Photo credit: Me!