"Allison Lenore Annalora (then known as Larry Duane Miller) was given up for adoption at birth in May of 1955. In January of 1992, after a lengthy search for her biological mother, in anticipation of their meeting for the first time, "he" started a journal. Both of "his" alcoholic adoptive parents had passed and at long last "he" hoped for closure.
This journal evolved over time into a story of survival, courage, self-discovery and happiness.
As therapeutic as the process of writing this has been for her, everybody she knows encouraged her to tell her story to the world. Her intent is that the reader will be inspired and enlightened and will understand that despite adversity, life can be beautiful."
I interviewed Allison twice in 2013 and 2017, and I asked her about her transition and the book: "The first time I attempted it, was at age of nineteen, but in 1974 I had no support, so I de-transitioned. I successfully started at the age of 54 and completed my transition in one year at the age of 55. My friends, family, and co-workers were so supportive that I still feel like the luckiest woman in the world!!! No problems, no regrets. This is how much things have changed in 40 years!"
"I started a journal about finding my biological family in 1992. Both of my adoptive parents had passed and I hoped for closure. As my life evolved and I transitioned, lots of friends and family encouraged me to tell my own unique story. After two years of re-writes, professional editing, I accomplished the second thing on my bucket list; explaining to the world, how I achieved my #1 on my list: being my true self."
Allison: Actually, it was before we knew about AIDS. I started to transition in 1973/74, however, my only choice back then was to live Stealth. My compulsive truth-telling was not a trait that was compatible with living stealth. So, I chose to live as a feminine Gay male and to do Drag. I was unhappy with that life, but Times changed and now I can have both, being my true self and being open about it! Those years were tough."
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Photo via The Heroines of My Life
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