Review - Raising My Rainbow

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Crown Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation.

This was a very interesting book for me to read.  Especially since it is written from the point of view of the parent.  I know all about the point of view of the child.   I had known someone who was raised as a gender creative boy, but had recently undergone gender reassignment surgery.  So I know the story of how she grew up and wanted to dress up as Wonder Woman.  I know what it was like for her to grow up with a father who wanted a more manly son.  Then as a teen, she had to hide who she truly was due to the private school that she went to.  In fact, when I first met her, it was as her male self.  However, I really don't know too much of the story from her parents' point of view.

One thing that I do know is that gender identity and sexual orientation are two completely different things.  Lori Duron kept worrying about her son being gay.  Just because he identifies more as a female then a male does not have anything to do with sexual orientation.  In fact, my friend who was raised male but identified as female is in a relationship with a female.  Unfortunately, many people think that the gender identity and sexual orientation are closely tied together.  They are not.

I am really glad that this book was written though.  It is great that more and more people are learning about gender nonconformity.  Children should be allowed to express themselves in any manner they chose as long as it is not causing harm to anyone else.  So if a boy wants to play with Barbies or a girl wants to play with Matchbox cars, then let them.