Stark Truths

Published 2017

“These linked stories trace a lesbian's progress through the slowly changing face of homophobia in our lifetimes. From illegal lives filled with potential violence to the superficial equality that masks lingering prejudice, Gillian Herbert speaks bravely and honestly about one of the great issues of our time and how it impacted one woman's life.  This is a vital record that must never be forgotten.”

-Judith Barrington, author of Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art

”From gender confusion as a child, fear of exposure as a teenager, and unspeakable violence experienced as a young woman, Gillian Herbert brings us into her heart as she shares her life on the run…from her true self.”

-Victoria Zackheim, novelist and bestselling anthologist

"Gillian Herbert's short, powerful story reads so accurately to the times she and I lived through that it is an almost necessary book for younger LGBTs. It really was this tough being gay in the 60's; worse for women; and even worse for butch lesbians. She's a remarkable survivor and her book is a knockout."

–Felice Picano, author of the award winning memoir Nights at Rizzoli