"Dr. Matt R. Salmon, DO, MS is the Manager of Psychiatry at Whitman Walker Health in Washington, DC, specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth who've faced chronic interpersonal trauma.Matt's unique perspective is shaped by personal experiences of growing up queer and autistic in a conservative Mormon household in Phoenix, Arizona, and the challenges of navigating a political landscape with a Republican Congressman father and undergoing sexual orientation conversion efforts, often referred to as ""conversion therapy.""Outside professional life, Matt cherishes the support of a wonderful family and friends, and the companionship of Chad de Bellum, a very affectionate pug. Matt's passion for symbolic tattoos reflects a deep commitment to the values of life and purpose."
"""From personal, lived experience, Matt offers universal truth about the power of family support, the pain of religious trauma and the importance of living as your full, authentic self. This is a great book for anyone who is committed to being an ally to the LGBTQ community."" - Reverend Rachel Cornwell, United Methodist clergy and author of Daring Adventures: Helping Gender Diverse Kids and their Families Thrive ""Matt Salmon offers a deeply warm, and documented, personal account of coming to terms with his sexual orientation in a conservative household. Most importantly, he offers insights and pathways for others to grow, strengthen and be at peace, even when not every barrier or disagreement will be overcome."" - Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe, Arizona ""This beautifully written story of a family's struggle to reconcile love and faith is as timeless as it is timely. This is a story our entire nation needs to hear."" - Shannon Minter, CEO of the National Center for Lesbian Rights ""This book can literally save lives and help protect all important family relationships. Matt's perspective is insightful, thoughtful, empathetic. I wish this book would have been available 20 years ago."" - Former Congressman Matt Salmon"