Permission to Be Me Rising from the Shame of My Childhood

Trace Kingham always stood out-and not always for the reasons he hoped. Growing up in a conservative, rural Midwestern town in the 1970s presented challenges for Trace, who discovered his uniqueness at a young age. In a world that expected him to enjoy traditionally masculine activities like camping and fishing, Trace found solace in sewing, baking, and assisting his grandmother with her ceramics shop.

Enduring severe bullying throughout his teenage years, Trace lived in constant fear, especially at school. To make matters worse, he was ostracized by community members for becoming the sole male cheerleader on his high school team. However, fueled by passion and determination, Trace remained steadfast in his pursuit of authenticity, constructing a satisfying, self-defined life.

Permission to Be Me is an honest and courageous memoir that explores the triumphs and tribulations of living unapologetically on one's own terms.