The Disability Book Archive

[ID: A book cover. The background is a close photograph of some kind of knitted garment, and its label. The garment is blue. The label is in the centre. Text on the label reads:
The title “Uncomfortable Labels” in large black caps
The subtitle “My Life as a Gay Autistic Trans Woman” in smaller black caps, lower left of this
The author’s name “Laura Kate Dale” at the bottom of the label in black writing.
A smaller label attached to the bottom has a single, black capitalised “M” written on it. /end]

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Content Warning:

• Transphobia
• Dysphoria
• Drug Use
• Suicidal Ideation
• Attempted Suicide
• Sexual Assault
• Addiction
• Child Abuse
• Body Shaming

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Summary:

“So while the assumption when I was born was that I was or would grow up to be a neurotypical heterosexual boy, that whole idea didn’t really pan out long term.”

In this candid, first-of-its-kind memoir, Laura Kate Dale recounts what life is like growing up as a gay trans woman on the autism spectrum. From struggling with sensory processing, managing socially demanding situations and learning social cues and feminine presentation, through to coming out as trans during an autistic meltdown, Laura draws on her personal experiences from life prior to transition and diagnosis, and moving on to the years of self-discovery, to give a unique insight into the nuances of sexuality, gender and autism, and how they intersect.

Charting the ups and downs of being autistic and on the LGBT spectrum with searing honesty and humour, this is an empowering, life-affirming read for anyone who’s felt they don’t fit in.

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Notes:

There is a kindle version and an ebook version.

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Archivist Comments:

Some of the reviews complain that Dale tends to “ramble”, and one review said that some of the facts she states in the book aren’t backed up properly, or only have one article to evidence them. A lot of other reviews praise the tone and humour Dale uses to approach her memoir.

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