It's so inspiring and uplifting (even towards the end). This finely edited collection pulls out threads like gender self-determination, illicit queer sexual desire, and relationship woes that span his entire life. Lou Sullivan is truly a pioneer for mlm trans men, and he certainly deserves far more recognition today than he's been given for all his work for the trans (specifically the gay transmasc) community. Spence Messih & Vincent Silk, Sydney Review of Books 'We Both Laughed In Pleasure brings to vivid life the many journals left behind by queer transcestor Lou Sullivan. It has allowed me to accept that part of myself more. Knowing that I'm allowed to live unapologetically as a bi/gay man, that I'm not a 'new trend' or 'intruding' on gay spaces. I cannot express enough how grateful I am that this book exists. Knowing that I'm not an unusual case for not realising until my 20's has been a relief, and hugely helpful with acknowledging the validity of my own identity. Seeing a gay trans man, who didn't realise he was trans until a little later in life was so, so important for me. Sullivans diaries record in great detail.

And just like him, I didn't have anyone to compare myself to at the time. As hinted by its title, W Both Laughed in Pleasure: The Selected Diaries of Lou Sullivan is a deeply erotic book. Throughout the book, there were so many instances that made me stop and think 'holy shit, did I write this?' because I had the exact same thoughts/feelings when I was growing up. Instead of the usual torture porn I'm used to seeing in the media, I got to experience the incredible life of Lou Sullivan through his diary entries from 1961-1991. Celebratory, even radical-The New Yorker Monumental-Hyperallergic We Both Laughed In Pleasure: The Selected Diaries of Lou Sullivan narrates the inner life of a gay man moving through the shifting social, political, and medical mores of the second half of the 20th century. We Both Laughed In Pleasure has been a genuine breath of fresh air in regards to content about/for trans men. Firstly, I know people have talked about this amazing book before, but I felt I should get my thoughts out there too (jumbled though those thoughts may be haha).

We both laughed in pleasure book