What do you think?
Rate this book
Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story
Is it possible to be gay and Christian?
Stacey loves being a Christian. Her best friends are also her church friends. Her favorite place on earth is Bible camp every summer. And she talks to God like they are old friends.
But one summer, she meets a girl who turns everything upside down. Is this feeling she has for her more than just friendship? Could it be a crush? Filled with dread, Stacey embarks on a journey to discover what it means to be gay, whether it is possible to change, and how to reconcile her identity with her faith. Will it even be possible?
In this young-adult illustrated memoir, Stacey Chomiak tells the true story of her teenage and young-adult years: of heartbreak, family conflict, trying to become ex-gay, wrestling with her faith, and finding love. Uncovering happiness and joy while surrounded by the loneliness of a world that actively excludes her seems insurmountable. Until she learns to love her full self. Then the possibility of being both gay and Christian seems not just possible, but the best answer of all.
Stacey loves being a Christian. Her best friends are also her church friends. Her favorite place on earth is Bible camp every summer. And she talks to God like they are old friends.
But one summer, she meets a girl who turns everything upside down. Is this feeling she has for her more than just friendship? Could it be a crush? Filled with dread, Stacey embarks on a journey to discover what it means to be gay, whether it is possible to change, and how to reconcile her identity with her faith. Will it even be possible?
In this young-adult illustrated memoir, Stacey Chomiak tells the true story of her teenage and young-adult years: of heartbreak, family conflict, trying to become ex-gay, wrestling with her faith, and finding love. Uncovering happiness and joy while surrounded by the loneliness of a world that actively excludes her seems insurmountable. Until she learns to love her full self. Then the possibility of being both gay and Christian seems not just possible, but the best answer of all.
269 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2021
About the author
Stacey Chomiak
3 books15 followersStacey Chomiak is an artist in the animation industry, getting her start on the well-loved series “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic”. While she continues to lend her talents to various children’s animated shows, she also illustrates kids books, and is an SCBWI member. She lives happily nestled amid the tall trees of the West Coast, not far from Vancouver, Canada. Stacey identifies as a gay Christian, and loves to advocate for the LGBTQ community and have conversations around faith and sexuality. When she isn’t furiously sketching, Stacey is likely to be out for a jog, critiquing her favourite Hitchcock film, or encouraging her children to dance with her to Whitney Houston. Follow her art journey on Instagram @staceychomiakart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 19, 2021
This book moved me.
February 27, 2022
Wow. I don’t usually like to review or even rate memoirs. How can you assign a star rating to someone’s life experience? Sure some resonate more, or are written better than others, but I just really feel uncomfortable doing it. This book though.
I have never identified more with anything I’ve read. Ever. This was my life. Right down to the details. The worship songs, the CCM music artists, Brio magazine, the uncomfortable time with my parents when Rosie O’Donnell came out. My parents denial. My parents pushing me to date a freaking PEDOPHILE because he was a “Christian” man. My parents were also heavily involved in Exodus, the ex gay “ministry”. I never had the guilt and shame that Stacey experienced so profoundly, but I can understand it.
Besides the fact that I identified so intensely with Stacey and her journey, it was such a beautifully written and illustrated memoir. I felt so much for her, and was yearning for everything to work out. Thank you Stacey for writing such a profoundly moving book.
I have never identified more with anything I’ve read. Ever. This was my life. Right down to the details. The worship songs, the CCM music artists, Brio magazine, the uncomfortable time with my parents when Rosie O’Donnell came out. My parents denial. My parents pushing me to date a freaking PEDOPHILE because he was a “Christian” man. My parents were also heavily involved in Exodus, the ex gay “ministry”. I never had the guilt and shame that Stacey experienced so profoundly, but I can understand it.
Besides the fact that I identified so intensely with Stacey and her journey, it was such a beautifully written and illustrated memoir. I felt so much for her, and was yearning for everything to work out. Thank you Stacey for writing such a profoundly moving book.
August 8, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Still Stace in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book is heart crushingly honest. Author Stacey Chomiak does a really good job of capturing her battle with her identity and how it evolves throughout her life and its impossible not to feel for her. I loved watching her grow and learn to accept herself throughout this and definitely think this could be really impactful for religious queer teens.
Some of the writing (particularly the speech) does feel a bit hokey but that could also just be due to the fact that this is Stacey recalling and paraphrasing things that happened years ago.
Wow, this book is heart crushingly honest. Author Stacey Chomiak does a really good job of capturing her battle with her identity and how it evolves throughout her life and its impossible not to feel for her. I loved watching her grow and learn to accept herself throughout this and definitely think this could be really impactful for religious queer teens.
Some of the writing (particularly the speech) does feel a bit hokey but that could also just be due to the fact that this is Stacey recalling and paraphrasing things that happened years ago.
May 22, 2023
4.5 stars
An extremely thought-provoking book.
This was a memoir of a young girl who had grown up in a conservative Christian home, enjoying time spent at church during the week. Stacey looked forward to church camp every summer, thrilled by the music, Bible teaching, and friends to have fun with. One year at camp as a teen, Stacey began to experience some feelings, different than she’d ever felt before, toward one of the female counselors…
This was the start of a life-long struggle for a girl who loved God, had professed faith in Christ, but had to hide the fact that she was attracted to other women, because of the stance her church took on homosexuality. For years, she refused to “come out”, afraid of certain estrangement from family and friends. Could Stacey profess her love for another woman, but still be a follower of Christ?…
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.30.)-“Those feelings for Joanna had seriously snuck up on me. I couldn’t control them, as mush as I tried. I had never felt these desires for boys. The thought of kissing a boy repulsed me. Something must be really wrong with me.”
(Pg.123)-“Stacey, I just don’t understand why you think God thinks being gay is the worst sin. Aren’t we all sinners anyway, regardless of who we love?”
(Pg. 128.)-“Since this was a Christian campus, the rules were that girls roomed with girls and guys with guys. This was supposed to be a conference for people trying to become “ex-gay”. Not sure they had thought that one through.”
(Pg.251)-“She (Tams) spoke through low-level rage. “How can you be so awful to your own daughter? She is trying to be honest. She has been trying to do the right thing for fourteen years! I think that you are hypocritical and judgmental, and that the way you love Stacey is conditional. Which is not the way God loves us. You have no right to speak on God’s behalf for Stace’s life, or for our marriage. We are going to have a life together, and God will bless it. End of story.”
An extremely thought-provoking book.
This was a memoir of a young girl who had grown up in a conservative Christian home, enjoying time spent at church during the week. Stacey looked forward to church camp every summer, thrilled by the music, Bible teaching, and friends to have fun with. One year at camp as a teen, Stacey began to experience some feelings, different than she’d ever felt before, toward one of the female counselors…
This was the start of a life-long struggle for a girl who loved God, had professed faith in Christ, but had to hide the fact that she was attracted to other women, because of the stance her church took on homosexuality. For years, she refused to “come out”, afraid of certain estrangement from family and friends. Could Stacey profess her love for another woman, but still be a follower of Christ?…
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.30.)-“Those feelings for Joanna had seriously snuck up on me. I couldn’t control them, as mush as I tried. I had never felt these desires for boys. The thought of kissing a boy repulsed me. Something must be really wrong with me.”
(Pg.123)-“Stacey, I just don’t understand why you think God thinks being gay is the worst sin. Aren’t we all sinners anyway, regardless of who we love?”
(Pg. 128.)-“Since this was a Christian campus, the rules were that girls roomed with girls and guys with guys. This was supposed to be a conference for people trying to become “ex-gay”. Not sure they had thought that one through.”
(Pg.251)-“She (Tams) spoke through low-level rage. “How can you be so awful to your own daughter? She is trying to be honest. She has been trying to do the right thing for fourteen years! I think that you are hypocritical and judgmental, and that the way you love Stacey is conditional. Which is not the way God loves us. You have no right to speak on God’s behalf for Stace’s life, or for our marriage. We are going to have a life together, and God will bless it. End of story.”
July 10, 2022
This was just okay for me.
I love that Chomiak shared her story, and I can't wait to see this in print with her illustrations!
It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, so my expectations kinda brought my rating down?
Looking at the cover, description and the length of the audio, I thought this would be a bit more loose? Yes I realize there are much question marks in my review. This one is hard to describe, since I think some of my issues with this may not have been an issue if I had read this in print, or had a different narrator carrying me along.
The narration was delivered in a cold and clinical way, that had detachment flowing out with her words. It took all the emotion out of the book for me. This is one of those instances where having the author read the book didn't work. Sometimes you get MORE emotion when an author reads their story, and other times it feels stiff because they aren't comfortable behind the mic and it reads in their voice.
While Stace was struggling to find her place in the world, I was daydreaming about what this would be like if Amanda Ronconi or Renee Dorian had read it?
I do hope people read her story since their is (sadly) a lot of kids out their dealing with the visceral hate and self doubt she felt throughout her formative years. No one needs to feel unloved for being who they are.
Just get the print copy.
Big thanks to NetGalley & OrangeSky Audio for my DRC.
I love that Chomiak shared her story, and I can't wait to see this in print with her illustrations!
It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, so my expectations kinda brought my rating down?
Looking at the cover, description and the length of the audio, I thought this would be a bit more loose? Yes I realize there are much question marks in my review. This one is hard to describe, since I think some of my issues with this may not have been an issue if I had read this in print, or had a different narrator carrying me along.
The narration was delivered in a cold and clinical way, that had detachment flowing out with her words. It took all the emotion out of the book for me. This is one of those instances where having the author read the book didn't work. Sometimes you get MORE emotion when an author reads their story, and other times it feels stiff because they aren't comfortable behind the mic and it reads in their voice.
While Stace was struggling to find her place in the world, I was daydreaming about what this would be like if Amanda Ronconi or Renee Dorian had read it?
I do hope people read her story since their is (sadly) a lot of kids out their dealing with the visceral hate and self doubt she felt throughout her formative years. No one needs to feel unloved for being who they are.
Just get the print copy.
Big thanks to NetGalley & OrangeSky Audio for my DRC.
November 21, 2021
Disclaimer: Stace is a friend of mine. However, that's never stopped me from giving thorough and honest reviews before!
This book was originally going to be a much shorter children's book, but I'm glad that it evolved into this more detailed memoir for a young adult audience. I think it's so valuable for LGBTQ+ Christian teens to have this honest story of how Stace moved from a place of shame and numbness to a feeling of peace and wholeness after she started seeking God's voice instead of just the interpretations and beliefs of those around her. I read this book in two sittings; the writing was accessible and the story was compelling. Her voice throughout this book is honest and open as she shares the painful experiences of her past. And her illustrations add such a unique flavor to the story!
Although I don't believe that there's a single book you can hand to a Christian loved one who has strong negative beliefs about LGBTQ+ identities that will change their minds overnight, I do believe that stories are far more powerful than proof-texting or logical arguments in opening people's hearts. I'd put this alongside Torn as my top books for sharing stories from gay Christians who have a deep and authentic faith that informs how they have thought about their sexuality throughout their life. More importantly, though, I think this book is valuable for gay and other LGBTQ+ Christians, especially teenagers, to see their identities reflected back to them in Stace's story. And for anyone from any background who doesn't understand what it's like to struggle with reconciling faith and sexuality, I'd definitely recommend this book.
This book was originally going to be a much shorter children's book, but I'm glad that it evolved into this more detailed memoir for a young adult audience. I think it's so valuable for LGBTQ+ Christian teens to have this honest story of how Stace moved from a place of shame and numbness to a feeling of peace and wholeness after she started seeking God's voice instead of just the interpretations and beliefs of those around her. I read this book in two sittings; the writing was accessible and the story was compelling. Her voice throughout this book is honest and open as she shares the painful experiences of her past. And her illustrations add such a unique flavor to the story!
Although I don't believe that there's a single book you can hand to a Christian loved one who has strong negative beliefs about LGBTQ+ identities that will change their minds overnight, I do believe that stories are far more powerful than proof-texting or logical arguments in opening people's hearts. I'd put this alongside Torn as my top books for sharing stories from gay Christians who have a deep and authentic faith that informs how they have thought about their sexuality throughout their life. More importantly, though, I think this book is valuable for gay and other LGBTQ+ Christians, especially teenagers, to see their identities reflected back to them in Stace's story. And for anyone from any background who doesn't understand what it's like to struggle with reconciling faith and sexuality, I'd definitely recommend this book.
July 4, 2022
Thank you net galley for providing me with an arc of Still Stace: My gay coming of age story in exchange for a honest review.
I absolutely loved this. Staces journey full of confusion,anger, heartbreak as well as finally hope and peace was an absolute emotional rollercoaster to read through and I'd heavily suggest for everyone to take in mind that there is EXTREMELY homophobia excused by religion in this.
Stace through the book manages to captivate beautifully the struggle that is faith and sexuality as well as the difficulties of coming out to a homophobic social circle and household. Id strongly recommend this book to everyone as long as they think they can handle the homophobia related to religion in it.
I absolutely loved this. Staces journey full of confusion,anger, heartbreak as well as finally hope and peace was an absolute emotional rollercoaster to read through and I'd heavily suggest for everyone to take in mind that there is EXTREMELY homophobia excused by religion in this.
Stace through the book manages to captivate beautifully the struggle that is faith and sexuality as well as the difficulties of coming out to a homophobic social circle and household. Id strongly recommend this book to everyone as long as they think they can handle the homophobia related to religion in it.
July 28, 2021
This memoir is so important!
You could truly feel what the author went through and it was impossible not to empathize with her. Throughout the entire book I felt the urge to give her a hug and tell her it was gonna be okay. I also shed a few tears.
I think this is a necessary read for all christian kids of all sexual orientations! Stacey's journey and the little snippets of her conversation with God are inspiring for all and I do believe that kids will grow and learn from it.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and truly added to the story. They made the characters more real and it helped the book flow seamlessly.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review, all views and opinions are my own.
Thank you Beaming Books for this opportunity.
You could truly feel what the author went through and it was impossible not to empathize with her. Throughout the entire book I felt the urge to give her a hug and tell her it was gonna be okay. I also shed a few tears.
I think this is a necessary read for all christian kids of all sexual orientations! Stacey's journey and the little snippets of her conversation with God are inspiring for all and I do believe that kids will grow and learn from it.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and truly added to the story. They made the characters more real and it helped the book flow seamlessly.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review, all views and opinions are my own.
Thank you Beaming Books for this opportunity.
February 2, 2022
Short review: feel like this is a genre-bending product, that really needs to be read by anyone who calls themselves a “Christian,” as I do.
This book is so needed in so many ways, besides being a excellent, graphic memoir, written and illustrated by (the author), on whose story this book is based.
Delving Deeper:
As teens grasp concepts of sexuality and faith in themselves, or need guidance when talking with friends who are struggling, Still Stace provides an excellent conversation starter—for educators, parents, pastors, youth group leaders, middle grade, YA and adult readers. As a Christian, I also believe this illustrated memoir NEEDS to be read, reflected upon, and discussed by all those who call themselves “Christian.”
Stace courageously shares her journey from elementary years to her early adulthood, and her words and experiences address questions I personally have been asked by teens—while working with youth groups at church, and in raising my four children. I have marked passages and written down lines for my personal reflection and to help provide perspective.
Although parts of Stace’s story were painful to read for me, a Christian. Not because of content or subject matter, but because of the responses given throughout the author’s childhood from Christians. I highly recommend this book be read by everyone grappling with sexuality or faith, and also any Christian grappling with the idea that faith can be dictated by who a person loves.
This important book provides hope for the future.
This book is so needed in so many ways, besides being a excellent, graphic memoir, written and illustrated by (the author), on whose story this book is based.
Delving Deeper:
As teens grasp concepts of sexuality and faith in themselves, or need guidance when talking with friends who are struggling, Still Stace provides an excellent conversation starter—for educators, parents, pastors, youth group leaders, middle grade, YA and adult readers. As a Christian, I also believe this illustrated memoir NEEDS to be read, reflected upon, and discussed by all those who call themselves “Christian.”
Stace courageously shares her journey from elementary years to her early adulthood, and her words and experiences address questions I personally have been asked by teens—while working with youth groups at church, and in raising my four children. I have marked passages and written down lines for my personal reflection and to help provide perspective.
Although parts of Stace’s story were painful to read for me, a Christian. Not because of content or subject matter, but because of the responses given throughout the author’s childhood from Christians. I highly recommend this book be read by everyone grappling with sexuality or faith, and also any Christian grappling with the idea that faith can be dictated by who a person loves.
This important book provides hope for the future.
December 28, 2022
Few books have ever made me both cry, pray, give me profound epiphanies, and settle parts of my storm ridden soul.
Stacey Chomiak, I don't know if you will ever see this, but Thank You. From the bottom of my bruised and weary heart Thank You. You have skillfully, wonderfully, faithfully and beautifully put to words the feelings, thoughts, battles, highs and lows that a young me and countless other religious LGBTQ+ youth have experienced so many times in our lives.
This book is a blessing and needs to not only be the first thing gifted to any struggling LGBTQ+ youth, it is also something necessary for those of us who missed out on on our lives while fighting the battle.
Personally my own battle has been 15 years of struggle and denial. Only recently had I decided to come to terms with my Bi-Sexuality and embrace it (its still a slow embrace but getting there), this book was a saving grace that affirms that regardless of whom God has set aside for me, God will be with me, bless me, guide me, and love me because He made us to "live life abundantly"!.
Bless you and Thank you Stacey!
I would give this book well more than 5 stars if I could.
Stacey Chomiak, I don't know if you will ever see this, but Thank You. From the bottom of my bruised and weary heart Thank You. You have skillfully, wonderfully, faithfully and beautifully put to words the feelings, thoughts, battles, highs and lows that a young me and countless other religious LGBTQ+ youth have experienced so many times in our lives.
This book is a blessing and needs to not only be the first thing gifted to any struggling LGBTQ+ youth, it is also something necessary for those of us who missed out on on our lives while fighting the battle.
Personally my own battle has been 15 years of struggle and denial. Only recently had I decided to come to terms with my Bi-Sexuality and embrace it (its still a slow embrace but getting there), this book was a saving grace that affirms that regardless of whom God has set aside for me, God will be with me, bless me, guide me, and love me because He made us to "live life abundantly"!.
Bless you and Thank you Stacey!
I would give this book well more than 5 stars if I could.
February 21, 2022
Strongly recommend. Stacey’s a deeply honest and loving person, which comes through in every page. I am not steeped in church so it’s unfathomable to me how hurtful many of her friends and family can be (the question, “Is it possible to be gay and Christian?” just seems stupid to me. Duh! What does one have to do with the other? I like my bubble, thanks.) I enjoy learning about religious thought, and the concepts of being “perfectly loved” and living in service. It confuses me in a good way.
Thanks to my friends of faith, scholars of theology and religious studies, who always are okay with my weird, blurted-out questions. 🥰
And so much gratitude to SPL - Greenwood Branch for putting this on the New & Recommended shelf.
Thanks to my friends of faith, scholars of theology and religious studies, who always are okay with my weird, blurted-out questions. 🥰
And so much gratitude to SPL - Greenwood Branch for putting this on the New & Recommended shelf.
January 22, 2022
This book moved me and helped affirm and uplift me in ways that I did not expect. I'm so glad I read it, and that the world has Stace. I'm thankful to Stace for sharing herself with all of us, and the peace reading her memoir gave me.
July 2, 2022
Full disclosure: I immediately requested the book on Netgalley for the cover and the author's (also the narrator) voice alone. I'm so incredibly picky about voices when it comes to books. I didn't even care what the book was about. I just wanted to hear the rest. Then I read the synopsis and I felt that whole karma/fate feeling you get when you find something that was meant for you. As someone who grew up in the nineties, in the heavily conservative Southern Christian Bible Belt, Still Stace hit so close to home.
Still Stace is a coming-of-age story told in bits and pieces throughout the years of Stacey growing up. She is a Christian with her whole heart and wants nothing more than to follow the path her world tells her she should. (There's a song lyric this reminds me of: If you wanna hear God laugh, tell him your plans) But Stacey struggles internally for a long time as she tries to navigate the complicated complexity of her sexuality. She does eventually find peace. And that is the heart of the story. Hope and patience and love are universal. (But that also doesn't stop me from wanting to throw this book at every bigoted so-called Christian lol)
I really thought there was going to be more story involving summer camp because of the cover. Summer camp was an escape and where I came to terms with who I really was. Something I never could do at home or school. It was more home to me than home was. It's just a blip in the beginning of Stacey's story. But, for me, personally, it's probably one of the parts that will stick with me.
At times, the story got a little repetitive. But isn't that how life is? Constantly questioning if you're doing the right thing. Making the right decisions. You don't even have to be religious or queer to relate to that. I have not been involved in anything religious in years. But Stacey's story took me back to those confusing teenage years. It's a bittersweet (and maybe slightly traumatic) nostalgia. I'm glad that so many of us are getting to finally tell our stories. And that queer kids growing up today can read them. With all of the current world chaos, we need them now more than ever.
In conclusion, since I read an early copy via audio, I will be checking out the final hard copy because I didn't realize it's an illustrated memior. And there were so many passages and quotes I want to go back and save.
***Thank you to Beaming Books, Stacey Chomiak, OrangeSky Audio, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review Still Stace.***
Still Stace is a coming-of-age story told in bits and pieces throughout the years of Stacey growing up. She is a Christian with her whole heart and wants nothing more than to follow the path her world tells her she should. (There's a song lyric this reminds me of: If you wanna hear God laugh, tell him your plans) But Stacey struggles internally for a long time as she tries to navigate the complicated complexity of her sexuality. She does eventually find peace. And that is the heart of the story. Hope and patience and love are universal. (But that also doesn't stop me from wanting to throw this book at every bigoted so-called Christian lol)
I really thought there was going to be more story involving summer camp because of the cover. Summer camp was an escape and where I came to terms with who I really was. Something I never could do at home or school. It was more home to me than home was. It's just a blip in the beginning of Stacey's story. But, for me, personally, it's probably one of the parts that will stick with me.
At times, the story got a little repetitive. But isn't that how life is? Constantly questioning if you're doing the right thing. Making the right decisions. You don't even have to be religious or queer to relate to that. I have not been involved in anything religious in years. But Stacey's story took me back to those confusing teenage years. It's a bittersweet (and maybe slightly traumatic) nostalgia. I'm glad that so many of us are getting to finally tell our stories. And that queer kids growing up today can read them. With all of the current world chaos, we need them now more than ever.
In conclusion, since I read an early copy via audio, I will be checking out the final hard copy because I didn't realize it's an illustrated memior. And there were so many passages and quotes I want to go back and save.
***Thank you to Beaming Books, Stacey Chomiak, OrangeSky Audio, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review Still Stace.***
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 1, 2022I want to preface this by saying that me dnf-ing this book was to no fault of the actual story, it was due to the fact it was hitting a little too close to home in some aspects. I would still recommend it though, and I will hopefully revisit it someday!
dnf @ 22%
This is a memoir talking about what it's like growing up Christian while realizing that you're gay, which then makes you feel isolated from your friends, your family, and your community. It details Stace's path from when she first started having those feelings, through the immense shame and guilt that came with those feelings, trying to "fix" yourself, and ultimately finding acceptance and making peace with yourself.
I will say I'm not Canadian, nor have I practiced religion in the same way depicted in the book (and strangely enough my immediate family wasn't particularly religious), but as a kid, I was doing my absolute most to be (what I thought was) a good Christian. The feelings of shame and thoughts of 'something was wrong with me' in this book resonated very much with me. The research Stace does in the book, trying to figure out what the Bible says and thinking about going to hell hit a little too close to home - which is why I had to, sadly, dnf this book. I thought as those feelings weren't as strong anymore and as this is, all in all, a happy story of acceptance, that it would be a good thing for me to read, but it seems I have more work to do with myself.
I still think this book could be very significant to a lot of people who've dealt with similar experiences, we all experience unlearning those things differently, so I'm sure there are many people who will love this!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
dnf @ 22%
This is a memoir talking about what it's like growing up Christian while realizing that you're gay, which then makes you feel isolated from your friends, your family, and your community. It details Stace's path from when she first started having those feelings, through the immense shame and guilt that came with those feelings, trying to "fix" yourself, and ultimately finding acceptance and making peace with yourself.
I will say I'm not Canadian, nor have I practiced religion in the same way depicted in the book (and strangely enough my immediate family wasn't particularly religious), but as a kid, I was doing my absolute most to be (what I thought was) a good Christian. The feelings of shame and thoughts of 'something was wrong with me' in this book resonated very much with me. The research Stace does in the book, trying to figure out what the Bible says and thinking about going to hell hit a little too close to home - which is why I had to, sadly, dnf this book. I thought as those feelings weren't as strong anymore and as this is, all in all, a happy story of acceptance, that it would be a good thing for me to read, but it seems I have more work to do with myself.
I still think this book could be very significant to a lot of people who've dealt with similar experiences, we all experience unlearning those things differently, so I'm sure there are many people who will love this!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
July 27, 2022
*As is the nature of a memoir, many topics are discussed and could be considered trigger warnings for many people.*
Trigger Warnings: Christianity, homophobia, christian shame/guilt, toxic relationship, control/manipulation, threats of suicide/blackmail, counseling, coming out, drinking, drugs, jail, sex, Gay conversion therapy
Representation: Lesbian, Bisexual, Christian, Canadian, Gay
Still Stace is an illustrated memoir about Stace’s journey growing up as a Christian, while also being gay. Raised in the church, Stacey loves God, her church, her church friends, and bible camp. This is thrown for a loop one summer while at camp, she meets a girl who makes her heart sing. This sparks a decade long journey of self discovery and how to feel at peace with her identity and spirituality.
This audio ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this memoir! I may be biased based on my religious upbringing but I thought this was an excellent look into what it is like to be raised in the church but also gay. I thought the writing was clear and well organized. I loved the honesty and truthfulness from the author. I loved how Stacey put her entire heart on her sleeve and was willing to be so vulnerable for her readers. I thought this was incredibly brave and made her journey so much more relatable. While I read, I was hoping for the author to identify when they were the problem more but I think that capability comes from a place of privilege and reflection, which is unfair to assume.
I felt Stacey did a wonderful job on the audiobook. Her reading was clear and smooth. She also brought true emotions to the story. Overall, a fantastic book that religious, ex-religious, and non-religious readers alike should read!
Trigger Warnings: Christianity, homophobia, christian shame/guilt, toxic relationship, control/manipulation, threats of suicide/blackmail, counseling, coming out, drinking, drugs, jail, sex, Gay conversion therapy
Representation: Lesbian, Bisexual, Christian, Canadian, Gay
Still Stace is an illustrated memoir about Stace’s journey growing up as a Christian, while also being gay. Raised in the church, Stacey loves God, her church, her church friends, and bible camp. This is thrown for a loop one summer while at camp, she meets a girl who makes her heart sing. This sparks a decade long journey of self discovery and how to feel at peace with her identity and spirituality.
This audio ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this memoir! I may be biased based on my religious upbringing but I thought this was an excellent look into what it is like to be raised in the church but also gay. I thought the writing was clear and well organized. I loved the honesty and truthfulness from the author. I loved how Stacey put her entire heart on her sleeve and was willing to be so vulnerable for her readers. I thought this was incredibly brave and made her journey so much more relatable. While I read, I was hoping for the author to identify when they were the problem more but I think that capability comes from a place of privilege and reflection, which is unfair to assume.
I felt Stacey did a wonderful job on the audiobook. Her reading was clear and smooth. She also brought true emotions to the story. Overall, a fantastic book that religious, ex-religious, and non-religious readers alike should read!
July 8, 2022
This is Stacey's life story of discovering and accepting herself. The author did a really good job of capturing her battle with her identity and how it evolves throughout her life and its impossible not to feel for her. I loved watching her grow and learn to accept herself throughout this.
I'm glad towards the end of the book stace found the peace she was looking for and was finally able to embrace her queer identity.
I'm glad towards the end of the book stace found the peace she was looking for and was finally able to embrace her queer identity.
Read
June 28, 2022There is a distinct lack of queer religious stories and obviously there are loads of reasons for this but I think that that makes this story even more important. I listen to the audiobook as a ALC through NetGalley and so I missed out on the graphic memoir part of this book but I saw a few pieces of the art through the author's social media and really enjoyed it.
There is some homophobia and internalized homophobia within the story so CW for that as well as a homophobia for religious reasons.
I always feel odd rating memoirs because this is someone's lived experience and I think that the audiobook was very well done and the writing kept me invested. I think that a lot of religious queers will find solace in the story and maybe some people will realize that there is a way to be both religious and queer.
This is marketed as young adult but it actually is a full-length memoir from childhood to adulthood and so I wouldn't necessarily count it as either YA or adult but I would push this towards the older side of young adults.
There is some homophobia and internalized homophobia within the story so CW for that as well as a homophobia for religious reasons.
I always feel odd rating memoirs because this is someone's lived experience and I think that the audiobook was very well done and the writing kept me invested. I think that a lot of religious queers will find solace in the story and maybe some people will realize that there is a way to be both religious and queer.
This is marketed as young adult but it actually is a full-length memoir from childhood to adulthood and so I wouldn't necessarily count it as either YA or adult but I would push this towards the older side of young adults.
Read
December 17, 2022When I first saw the title and summary of this book, I just knew I had to read it. It sounded so close to my own experiences and struggles, I was very moved to see someone else’s story reflect that, and I had a feeling it would make me cry (spoiler: it did). It was a very short audiobook to listen to – I was done in a few hours – but it gave me all the feels. I read that the physical version also has beautiful illustrations by the author so I’m gonna try to find that!
Still Stace tells the real story of the author, Stacey (who is also the narrator of the audiobook), who discovers as a teenager that she’s attracted to girls. As she’s also a fervent Christian, loves her Church and learning about Jesus, she starts feeling very confused and guilty about her attraction and relationship with a girl from her youth group. And that’s how her over a decade long struggle with her own sexuality and identity, as well as the prejudice from her community and family, starts.
I’m not sure how to review this book. It was what you’d expect from a story of self-discovery: painful and sad but also full of hope. It was heart-wrenching to see young Stacey convince herself she was sinful and that something was wrong with her, talk about going back on the “right path” and taking all the burden of her parents’ happiness and approval on herself. I think there was a double layer to the story as well: on the one hand, it’s about her own journey of accepting that she can be both Christian and gay, and feeling accepted by God, but on the other it was also about the self-loathing and shame that came from her community and her own parents, and having to get through that. I was so happy when Stace met supportive and loving friends, and later on a partner, who were able to comfort her and help her throughout her personal and spiritual journey. I especially loved her brother and how they were able to be there for each other, in a very quiet but core way. I thought the contrast between her previous abusive relationship and her ultimately happy, healthy one strongly highlighted how a partner shouldn’t make you feel ashamed or wrong, but on the contrary push you closer to God if that’s what’s important to you.
In a way, I want to force everyone to read this book, both religious people who reject queer people, AND members of the LGBTQ+ community who look down on religion and how important it is to some queer people. I feel like that intersection isn’t addressed very often in the LGBTQ+ community and it was so important to me, as a queer believer (although not Christian), to read about it.
TWs: homophobia, religious trauma, parental rejection, abusive relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for providing an audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Still Stace tells the real story of the author, Stacey (who is also the narrator of the audiobook), who discovers as a teenager that she’s attracted to girls. As she’s also a fervent Christian, loves her Church and learning about Jesus, she starts feeling very confused and guilty about her attraction and relationship with a girl from her youth group. And that’s how her over a decade long struggle with her own sexuality and identity, as well as the prejudice from her community and family, starts.
I’m not sure how to review this book. It was what you’d expect from a story of self-discovery: painful and sad but also full of hope. It was heart-wrenching to see young Stacey convince herself she was sinful and that something was wrong with her, talk about going back on the “right path” and taking all the burden of her parents’ happiness and approval on herself. I think there was a double layer to the story as well: on the one hand, it’s about her own journey of accepting that she can be both Christian and gay, and feeling accepted by God, but on the other it was also about the self-loathing and shame that came from her community and her own parents, and having to get through that. I was so happy when Stace met supportive and loving friends, and later on a partner, who were able to comfort her and help her throughout her personal and spiritual journey. I especially loved her brother and how they were able to be there for each other, in a very quiet but core way. I thought the contrast between her previous abusive relationship and her ultimately happy, healthy one strongly highlighted how a partner shouldn’t make you feel ashamed or wrong, but on the contrary push you closer to God if that’s what’s important to you.
In a way, I want to force everyone to read this book, both religious people who reject queer people, AND members of the LGBTQ+ community who look down on religion and how important it is to some queer people. I feel like that intersection isn’t addressed very often in the LGBTQ+ community and it was so important to me, as a queer believer (although not Christian), to read about it.
TWs: homophobia, religious trauma, parental rejection, abusive relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for providing an audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2022
Trigger Warning: religious trauma, homophobia, lesbophobia, suicide threats, harassment, shame, guilt
I’m not a fan of reviewing autobiography’s or memoirs, it just feels weird to try and rate someone’s personal experience. However this is an easy 5 stars in terms of saying what just needs to be said.
The book looks at Stacey Chomiak’s personal experience of growing up as both Christian and gay. The book covers 2 decades of her struggle with her identity. Stacey’s experience of homophobia and lesbophobia was horrible to listen to but is something that happens over the planet for queer people who are religious. Stacey does an incredible job of explaining her struggles through life and battling her identity for so many years.
This book is so important for queer teens but it does need to come with trigger warnings due to the topics it covers and how emotional the book is!
Some of the writing is a tad repetitive but that might be due to recalling past memories and experiences. I’m also gutted that I missed out on all the incredible illustrations due to this copy being an audiobook, but the story itself was amazing so I still understood everything.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for a copy of an e-arc of Still Stace in exchange for an honest review!
I’m not a fan of reviewing autobiography’s or memoirs, it just feels weird to try and rate someone’s personal experience. However this is an easy 5 stars in terms of saying what just needs to be said.
The book looks at Stacey Chomiak’s personal experience of growing up as both Christian and gay. The book covers 2 decades of her struggle with her identity. Stacey’s experience of homophobia and lesbophobia was horrible to listen to but is something that happens over the planet for queer people who are religious. Stacey does an incredible job of explaining her struggles through life and battling her identity for so many years.
This book is so important for queer teens but it does need to come with trigger warnings due to the topics it covers and how emotional the book is!
Some of the writing is a tad repetitive but that might be due to recalling past memories and experiences. I’m also gutted that I missed out on all the incredible illustrations due to this copy being an audiobook, but the story itself was amazing so I still understood everything.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for a copy of an e-arc of Still Stace in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
This is a really tough one to rate! I thoroughly enjoyed this illustrated memoir and thought the author did an excellent job sharing her story in an honest, vulnerable way. It was absolutely heartbreaking and so sad for 90% of it. I'm glad she found the peace she was looking for and was finally able to embrace her queer identity.
When I picked this up, I thought from the cover that maybe she was at a Christian summer camp and would eventually leave Christianity as she embraced her queerness. I was shook that she remained a Christian by the end. That's my own biases coming into play, as I am no longer a practicing Christian despite being raised that way. I just couldn't believe that she would choose to remain in the faith despite all the harm Christianity has done to the queer community and beyond.
It's not for me to judge her choices of course, and I'm happy she and her wife & fam are happy! Plus, I think this would be an awesome resource for Christian kids struggling to navigate their own sexuality/queerness. It's doing exactly the job its meant to do :) I'm just not 100% the precise target audience and that's okay!
When I picked this up, I thought from the cover that maybe she was at a Christian summer camp and would eventually leave Christianity as she embraced her queerness. I was shook that she remained a Christian by the end. That's my own biases coming into play, as I am no longer a practicing Christian despite being raised that way. I just couldn't believe that she would choose to remain in the faith despite all the harm Christianity has done to the queer community and beyond.
It's not for me to judge her choices of course, and I'm happy she and her wife & fam are happy! Plus, I think this would be an awesome resource for Christian kids struggling to navigate their own sexuality/queerness. It's doing exactly the job its meant to do :) I'm just not 100% the precise target audience and that's okay!
October 5, 2021
Still Stace was an engaging book about Stacey’s journey struggling with her faith and sexuality. I enjoyed reading her the story. The pictures were great, they pulled me deeper into the story. I think it is an important book for teenagers to read because there are not many books for LGBTQ+ Christians. I think it will help others understand that God loves you no matter who you love. The scene that sticks with me is when other gay christian people got “fixed” and how they didn’t seem happy or “fixed”. This reflects that you can’t change who you love. This book is not just for LGBTQ+ people, it is also for Christians to acknowledge that they are hurting the LGBTQ+ community by not accepting and loving them. This book will give so many people so much hope.
-Teagan age 14
-Teagan age 14
October 27, 2021
An incredibly honest memoir that made me laugh, cry, and root for Stacey from the very beginning. I was a teen in the church in the 90s too and I enjoyed all the Christian culture references. As someone who has spent most of my life journaling, I loved that the author included portions of her journal from those years. I felt like I got to know her as a teen while she was wrestling with so many big questions.
The illustrations are beautiful and impactful. (The one with the Bible is still in my head.) I'm so grateful the author had the courage to write her story and I trust it will encourage many more. I recommend this book to everyone who has a teen, works with teens, or was a teen wondering if God still loves them. I wish I could give this 10 stars!
The illustrations are beautiful and impactful. (The one with the Bible is still in my head.) I'm so grateful the author had the courage to write her story and I trust it will encourage many more. I recommend this book to everyone who has a teen, works with teens, or was a teen wondering if God still loves them. I wish I could give this 10 stars!
October 21, 2021
This is the book I wish I had read when I was a teen. Still Stace is a raw look at the tumultuous process that coming out can be without succumbing to the tropes that are typically played out in YA fiction. I appreciate Chomiak's honesty and authenticity in telling her story. The book is gentle and fierce in the way that it approaches both Christianity and sexuality, two worlds that can seem impossible to reconcile. However, Chomiak does just that through her journey that I hope encourages other youth to question and fight to reconcile the many facets of their identity.
October 22, 2021
What a powerful book!!!! I read it in 2 sittings. I loved the way Stacey’s words and illustrations make you feel like you are a part of the story. It made me see the church world through another lens. I know there is pain but Stacey helped me understand how harmful dominant Christian theology is to the LGBTQ+ community. I truly believe every person of faith should read Still Stace. I think it will open minds and hearts and more importantly will be a lifeline to so many LGBTQ+ Christians. I’m so grateful for Stacey’s bravery in telling her story.
October 26, 2021
Who should read this incredible book? Anyone who wants to know how it feels to be gay and Christian and struggling. Anyone who already knows how it feels, but who can't see any way out that doesn't require the sacrifice of their heart or their faith. Stacey's compelling story and gorgeous art will make you feel every moment of her many year journey as though it were your own. This is the story I wish I'd had so much earlier in my struggles, and the story I still wish my non-accepting family would read. Read this story! You won't regret it.
November 6, 2021
Memoir of Canadian artist Stacey Chomiak's struggle to reconcile her Christian faith and her sexuality in her late teens-late 20s. Overall a strong story that will speak to other Christian queer teens and young adults. Some of the issues may feel dated for today's teens, but it's a good account of one person's struggle and ultimate peace. Recommended for readers in grades 10+ due to some deep philosophical issues, a few (slight) references to sex, and the hate speech given by other characters.
December 3, 2021
A detailed, coming out and coming-of-age autobiography for a gay Christian. She went through ex-gay therapy, different relationships, wrestling with how to reconcile her emerging feelings and her relationship with God and the community of faith. I won't explain how she resolves it, but much food for thought given in how she reveals the inner workings of her thought and feeling process...Enjoyed the read.
February 15, 2022
A really good story to be shared. The content and storyline was appropriate for the age level but I felt the writing was young. It read too much like a storybook. The content and writing felt at odds with each other and my reading experience ddin't mesh. Overall, the book was a nice page-turner and it brought up several nolstalgic moments of the 1990's/2000 christian music scene.
June 10, 2022
This is a must read for any queer Christian. So full of hope, authenticity, and abundant life. I was talking to a friend the other day. Saying how I love queer romances, but I really want stories that are just normal, supportive, suburban queer people living their lives. And, I think this is one of them. I also appreciated the note to Rachel Held Evans.
December 20, 2021
Wow, I loved this book so much. I'm so amazed by Stace's bravery and the beauty of her story. There aren't many published books out there like hers, so I was thrilled to read her personal journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews