The true story of a nice Jewish boy who joins the Church of Scientology and leaves twelve years later to become the lovely lady she is today.

Scientologist, husband, and father, tranny, sailor, slave, playwright, dyke, gender outlaw-- these are just a few words that have defined Kate Bornstein during her extraordinary life. For the first time, it all comes together in A Queer and Pleasant Danger, Bornstein's stunningly original memoir that's set to change lives and enrapture readers.

Wickedly funny and disarmingly honest, this is Bornstein's most intimate book yet. With wisdom, wit, and unwavering resolution to tell the truth, Bornstein shares her story: from a nice Jewish boy growing up in New Jersey to a strappingly handsome lieutenant of the Church of Scientology's Sea Organization flagship vessel, and later to 1990's Seattle where she becomes a rising star in the lesbian community. In between there are wives and lovers, heartbreak and triumph, bridges mended and broken, and a journey of self-discovery that will mesmerize readers.

"Kate Bornstein's journey from moon-eyed Scientologist to queer icon is harrowing, heartbreaking, and amazing. This narrative is surely not for the squeamish. And yet, in the story of a sea-dog named Al who became a trans goddess named Kate we see the messy, unsettling, inspiring struggle of a lady trying--and at last succeeding--to let her own soul be known. Disturbing and wondrous." --Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She's Not There and I'm Looking Through You

"To me, Kate Bornstein is like a mythological figure or a historical literary character such as Orlando or Candide who, by illustrating her struggles, shows the rest of us how to live. This book is destined to become a classic." - Mx Justin Vivian Bond, author of Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels

"A Queer and Pleasant Danger is a brave, funny, edgy, and enlightening new memoir. I loved it and learned from it. Kate Bornstein shares her fascinating journey--through gender, Scientology, and more--and it was a thrill to tag along on the ride. This book is unbelievably powerful and affecting. If Kate Bornstein didn't exist, we would have to invent her. But luckily for queers, straights, gender outlaws, and general readers, Bornstein is out and out there. ” --Dan Savage, author, columnist, and architect of the It Gets Better Project

9780807001837, paperback