Thank you for your support and for reading my book and sharing it with others. No. Seriously. I mean it. Thank you.
C.J.’s Dad and I were on The TODAY Show yesterday. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. (C.J. and his Brother were most impressed that we were in the same vicinity as Ariana Grande, who performed on the show that day.)
Here’s a link to an article on the TODAY website and our clip from the show.
Now, I know I’ve been slacking off on writing new posts during the last few weeks. If you are hungry for my words, check out one (or all!) of these pieces.
Boys Who Wear Pink Aren’t Just Internet Sensations
I wrote this piece for Time about how stories about boys playing with gender come out of nowhere and cause massive public reactions. And then, as quickly as they arrived, they disappear. It’s disappointing that no one event nor all of them as a whole has had the power to inspire and sustain a lasting conversation that raises awareness, understanding and acceptance of little boys who don’t conform to traditional gender norms.
‘Are the kids going to tease me today?’: Sending my rainbow child back to school
In this piece for CNN, I write about how there is a bit of dread that grows inside me with the start of every school year. I’m one of those moms who fight back tears the first few weeks of school — not because the separation from my children for six hours a day five days a week is too much to handle, but because I fear for the safety and acceptance of my youngest son, C.J., who is gender nonconforming.
Understanding Gender Nonconforming Children
I’m traveling from New York to Washington to be on The Diane Rehm Show (NPR). It will be a live one-hour talk about gender nonconforming children. Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:06 a.m. EDT. I’ll be in great company. Fellow guests include:
- Andrew Solomon writer and lecturer on psychology, politics and the arts; author of “Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity.”
- Dr. Edgardo Menvielle psychiatrist and director of gender nonconforming youth program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Also in the News
This Family Is The Face Of Awesome Parenting, Jezebel
Mom Of ‘Rainbow’ Son Comes Out In New Book, Yahoo/AP
Order the Raising My Rainbow book!
Raising My Rainbow 
I just finished your book, yesterday and I loved it! I teach first grade, and today we had a discussion about how there are no boy colors or girl colors, or boy sports and girl sports. A little boy wore a pinkish shirt with a skate boarder on it. He got a mean look from one of my girls, and he said it was a boy shirt because girls shouldn’t skateboard 😦 so we had a little talk as a class about the fact that lots of boys like pink, and lots of girls skateboard. It made me think of you.
I just received your book in the mail and I’m so excited to read it! Congrats on becoming a published author! What a great accomplishment!
I found you through a post your husband wrote about your son. It just touched my heart, because there are so many men out there who would be completely the opposite of your husband. I just wanted to give a little kudos to you both for allowing your son to be whoever he is! Right now, my daughter is too young to voice her passions and likes, but I have made a commitment that as soon as she can tell me, we will follow her lead! Thanks for leading the charge and helping to change the world!
Lori, the big thing for me is seeing pictures of you & CJ & Matt and hearing your voice. Wow, its fun but also odd…. Ya know how when you see video of someone you’ve known on the radio – It seems the face/body is always a surprise, and makes you realize you don’t knw them so well. Like that. Plus I’m so surprised to see CJ’s face….what fun! Congrats on all the press and interviews. Matt’s article is great too!
Congrats on the book. With all due respect, from one mama to another, you may want to look into speech-therapy for CJ. It made a world of difference for my children! The “cut-off” age tends to be 8; after that, it is much harder to change speech patterns and pronunciation. A 6 year-old who still struggles with “R” should probably get checked by a speech therapist. Good luck! Again, I took my own children to speech therapy for years, so I’m just trying to help.
You’re seriously a rock star! I know you are speaking from your heart and doing what you’ve always been doing for your family and CJ and now it’s more “out there”. Atta girl! I recorded the Today show and today I was in the car and heard you on NPR and thought: “Oh my God! I “know” her! I read her blog all the time!” You’re getting great press and you two are doing good stuff! YAY you!
After reading your blog for about a year, it’s really nice to see & hear you and your lovely family! Congratulations on the book! I hope CJ approved your gorgeous blue dress.
Congratulations! I’m so excited to read your book and so glad you’ve opened yourself up a bit more to the world. Nice to see you and your awesome family!
I received your book in the mail yesterday and have yet to put it down. A wonderfully written book by a mother who truly just wants the best for her children. Thank you for sharing your story, this book will make the world a better place.
A good friend just told me to look you up after seeing you on the Today show. It gave me goosebumps. I have a son who is a month shy of age four that prefers “beautiful” things. We are living in Dana Point. I would LOVE to take you out for coffee one day . . .
I am so happy to see this!!! The fact is that *someone has to be willing to stick their neck out, educate others, and advocate for our kids; and if not us parents…then who?? I know this takes a tremendous amount of courage, and just want to add yet another “thank you” to the ones already listed here. Seeing CJ, I’m struck by just how much he reminds me of my own son! He even has the same pink dollhouse! 🙂
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That’s amazing. Well done for your accomplishments and I hope CJ continues to be a wonderful little person!
CJ is freaking adorable! Your whole family is so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your story with us. 🙂
Congrats to you!!! I’ve followed your blog for a while and have read your wonderful stories. This is so awesome 🙂
When I pulled up to the house today after work I saw a package on my porch. Dare hope? I tore into it with the unbridled enthusiasm of C.J. ripping into that first Barbie box! There it was, with its sparkly shoe laces and humble words of wisdom.
I have been devouring it for 2 straight hours and I am almost done (I read obscenely fast)! It is wonderful Lori. And I then watched the Today piece. And then I read some more. And then I cried like a baby because knowing this is possible gives me such hope in a world that is so broken most days.
I would be your mom in my family’s scenario, loving my 8 nieces and nephews with such a fierceness it takes my breath away sometimes. I want every wish, dream, goal , whim to be real for them. As I said when I posted on Sunday, I have seen too much. Life is fragile. Children are precious. Love is simple!
Your family is beautiful Lori. You must be so proud!
I meant to tell you I finished the book in a grand total of 6 hours. The next day at work was REALLY rough as I had stayed up much of the night. Thanks for that!
There are so many magical moments, likely my favorite being dance class. I could actually see him twirling in that dance studio and feel the magic of that smile. There are powerful, inspiring, heart breaking and beautiful moments too. Your words wove a blanket of love, commitment and protection around your family and it is palpable.
Every book has a sentinel moment for me. In yours it is with Chase. It would have been so easy to make this book about the trails and triumphs associated with raising C.J.. But you don’t seem to take the easy road do you? And you aren’t just raising C.J. Maybe, as the surviving adult sibling of a brother lost to caner, I overly identify with being forgotten. I do not mean that in a negative way. I have amazing parents and I was well cared for. But it’s Sophie’s Choice isn’t it? How do you divide yourself in such a way that you equally meet the needs of both of your sons? How did my parents divide their time and devotion equally between 4 children, one who was dying of cancer at 6. You can’t,. You pick the priority of the moment and you do your best. It is all you have. It is what you have shown. My heart broke that at 8 years old your little boy would even know that killing himself would release him of pain. You don’t need me to say that you handled it well. But it was an important moment. Because hurt, pain, being different and trials, they effect the whole family. And when they do we circle the wagons. The beautiful, sparkly, creative and unique wagons we call family!
Well done mama, well done!
Again, congratulations!
Congratulations on your book! You and your husband did beautifully on the Today Show clip. You are both so poised and well spoken! I can’t wait to receive your book and share it with my gender creative 7-year old son! Warm wishes for continued successes!
I ordered my book Monday night and it was in my mailbox today. I took it with me while I waited for my kid at swim lessons. I am planning on reading more tonight! Thank you for sharing your story.
This is so amazing! This is obviously a big deal for you and your family but it is also HUGE for the LGBTQ community. Bravo!
I saw you on the Today show and it was excellent! So neat to see CJ- so cute!! Got your book and I’ve started it. What a great read so far. Really enjoying it.
Congratulations!! Im so excited to read this book and so happy for you and your family. CJ is a cutie and a half!
If you are also interested in following Ben’s journey through transitioning I have set up a Facebook group called Ben’s Supporters. It is a closed group and everyone there either identifies as lgbtti or is supportive. I would be honoured if you would join us there as I think when Ben faces tough times and tough decisions as he gets older, having this ready made group of supportive people there for him will be invaluable. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family. Xxx
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your family’s story — you guys seem really wonderful.
Hi there, I love the way you are raising your son, and I am definitely going to buy your book as a birthday present to myself.
I am the proud mummy of a 7 year old transboy here in New Zealand. You can read about him and us here if you are interested.
http://www.gayexpress.co.nz/2013/08/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes/
Unfortunately in New Zealand there is nothing out there for children as young as he is, so sometimes things can be pretty tough for him. We will be making a documentary with Rogue Productions over the next few years to help raise awareness in New Zealand and internationally.
Reblogged this on JerBear's Queer News, Views & Memories and commented:
Here’s a post and some great links from newly published author Lori Duron.
I’m seriously thrilled for you, and even more excited every time you talk about CJ… because that is my son’s name and he is gender non-conforming – wears dresses and bras to bed, lets me do his makeup… but when no one is looking. I hope someday he will have the safe space to be himself whenever he wants. His closest friends know – they are great friends. And a few family members whom he trusts. Thank you for your work. You inspire me to be a better mom.
Holy cow, first off, you’re every bit as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside…and it’s a wonderful light next to your greater light of your mind! Congratz. LOVE the pieces.
My copy arrived yesterday!!
I wanted to watch it but I don’t know how to use the tv at work, lol! I do know how to use the radio, so I will be listening to you on NPR tomorrow. Congratulations!
Great job on the Today show! My son watched it with me. He’s in first grade and so similar to CJ. It made him smile to see another little boy with monster high dolls and wearing dresses. I will look for your book on kindle and purchase ASAP!
Came home to find your book had arrived! Cannot wait to read it. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I got your book today!! So excited to see all of the great press! I love the Diane Rehm Show and can’t wait to hear that!
SO exciting! I watched the piece on the TODAY show. Great segment. And I must say that you are so pretty!
As the mommy to a son who is not yet 1, I am so glad I found your blog. He’s too young to express a preference for one color over another and his toys are still in that gender neutral baby stage, but if the day comes where he’d rather play with his cousin’s Barbie dolls or wander around in my shoes, I’ll be better prepared to not only handle parenting him more gracefully, but also explain and support him in a public setting. You are an inspiration for all parents!!
The book arrived on my Kindle yesterday morning, and I ended up sitting down and reading it cover to cover. What a terrific book, and you’re a terrific writer! You and your husband and your kids are doing a fantastic job of being a strong, loving family, and doing a wonderful job raising C.J. — and his amazing older brother! — and I’m sure that whatever happens, C.J. will grow up to be a strong, healthy, happy adult thanks to your support and advocacy on his behalf.
I forgot to add, C.J. and Chase are two adorable kids! C.J. looks so cute in his “sassy” black with sparkles!
I absolutely loved the book, did a giveaway with a second copy of the book on the Handsome in Pink facebook page, and was so excited to FINALLY see C.J. in action on the Today show. He is even more handsome, adorable, and articulate than I had even imagined from your blog and book. Congratulations Lori!!!
I’m already half way through the book and it’s wonderful. You’re as good a writer as you are parent and general human being.
I’m already half way through the book and it is wonderful. You’re as good a writer as you are a parent and human being.
Way to Go!
Wow! Congrats on all of your tremendous success and for educating all of us. Thank you!!!
I’m so proud of you! Look at you, all over the news. I can’t wait to buy the book!