AMAfeed/ PRIDE & JOY: LGBTQ ARTISTS, ICONS AND EVERYDAY HEROES. By Kathleen Archambeau. Ask Me Anything.

It varies as life is constantly in flux. There's the writing community, open and supportive. The same-gender dance community. The political community -- queer-affirming. There's support groups at the Center for Spiritual Living -- an all-inclusive denomination. There's long-time family and friends. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

My community, like life, is constantly in flux, so the size of it varies. But all the communities I'm in -- church, support groups, writing groups, dance groups, neighbors, political action groups, friends, family -- are supportive. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

All independent booksellers. And on amazon.com. It's available in paperback and Kindle versions. Thank you for considering reading it...it reads like short stories of inspiring LGBTQ luminaries. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

All independent booksellers. Target and major chains. Amazon.com.

AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Sadly, I was asked by the President of the Georgia Tech University Pride Alliance to come and speak and the Intersex President called in their own attack on campus shortly after our Google Hangouts call to set up the reading and discussion. Scout Schultz was shot at gunpoint by a rookie GTU cop. Their slight body, bare feet, t-shirt and utility tool were found dead in the Quad before I could speak on campus. One of the hardest things I experienced. Heartbreaking that a 3.9 GPA computer science senior who planned to create medical devices died at age 21. Promise unfulfilled. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Scout Schultz, President of the GTU Pride Alliance, asked me to speak to the group. After our Google Hangouts call to set up the presentation, Scout called in their own suicide by cop and, sadly, five GTU cops surrounded Scout in the quad, wandering barefoot in a t-shirt with a utility tool in their pocket, and one rookie cop shot the short, slight Scout dead. I never got to lead that discussion on campus. The tragic loss of a 21 year-old 3.9 GPA computer science major who wanted to create medical devices, especially for Intersex people like themself, haunts me still. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

A young Chinese American, turned out by her family at 16, left to couch surf and nearly homeless became an advocate for queer homeless and bought my book to spur her on in her activism. A seed planted is a potential tree for the next generation. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Vital. Straights are fully embraced by society as a whole, so their friendship, support and affirmation only add to the self-esteem of their marginalized queer peers. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Society's shunning and marginalizing of the queer community. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

My biggest support comes from my wife and my community. They are the reason I'm able to write about these subjects with confidence.

AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Yes, as a matter of fact, my gay dad contributor, Eric Rosswood and I are collaborating on a book about the LGBTQ community's contributions. It's a great joy to both collaborate and create. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Ironically, yes. My gad dad contributor to PRIDE & JOY, Eric Rosswood and I are collaborating on another book about queer contributions.

AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Books. Media. Community events where we share interests. Talks. Discussions. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

I selected the subjects for my book based on my admiration for them both professionally and personally. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Yes, at every level -- personal, professional, religious, community. I've learned to deal with it by surrounding myself with members of the community and allies who love and support the fullness of who I am as a human being. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

P.S. I live in one of the most progressive and queer-friendly areas of the U.S. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Hi Scott, Find like-minded people who will accept and love you no matter what stage of your sexual development and no matter what emerges for you. Often, progressive ministers, school counselors, teachers, PFLAG and queer centers can provide support while you're going through figuring out what your sexuality is and how best to express it. No judgments. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

I did not self publish but was asked to submit a proposal and sample chapters to a small disruptor press. Writing, researching and interviewing subjects were wonderful. Acquiring photographs and approvals a little more daunting. Making contact, in the first place, formidable. So, the book took 2 years to complete. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Probably some of the biggest misconceptions about queer people are that we are "queer" weird or otherwise strange, when, in fact, the majority of queer people live successful, fulfilling, ordinary lives as members of the larger communities in which they live. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

In the U.S., LGBTQ marriage, celebrity talk show hosts and queer figures on television and in film have improved the perception of LGBTQI. However, 92% of teens still report bullying and harassment. AMA Author Kathleen Archambeau

Global restrictions and sanctions against being LGBTQ. No employment protections in many states in the US. Social and religious prohibition against being queer. AMA, Author, Kathleen Archambeau

Robin Roberts, GMA Co-Host, Peabody Award winner -- courageous, confident and compassionate. Let everyone journey with her on a tough bone marrow transplant journey to cure cancer.

Billie Jean King, Tennis Great, started the movement for equal pay.

Jin Xing, Talk Show Host in China, Transgender. Braved every repressive action and prejudice to become one of the most watched and beloved talk show hosts.

Best,

Kathleen Archambeau

I think feminism is enjoying a resurgence with the #MeToo movement and the recognition of all the barriers to advancement, safety and success.

Kathleen Archambeau

Hello Christopher,

My primary audience was the LGBTQ community and my inspiration for this book were the many queer luminaries living happy, fulfilling and successful lives not often depicted in the media. A secondary audience is the straight community -- allies, parents, teachers, ministers, managers et. al. Best, Kathleen Archambeau