Crowdsourcing Mornings: “OUT, NOT IN!” – An Illustrated LGBTQ+ Book For All Humans

By Nathan Young on July 5, 2021

This is Crowdsourcing Mornings! This post takes place every weekday morning and highlights one crowdsourcing project I liked from Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or other crowdsourcing websites.

Please read our crowdsourcing guidelines at: https://geekalabama.com/media-kit-pr/geek-alabama-crowdsourcing-guidelines

“OUT, NOT IN!” was created by author-illustrator team Josh Pedersen and Faith Henke. This book was crafted from empathy and experience and aims to inspire LGBTQ individuals struggling to find their voice when they are ready to come out. This beautifully hand-lettered book can enlighten families and close friends of every person who is navigating the coming out process. It is for ALL people wishing to gain a more empathetic understanding. It is a message of hope and bravery. It is a reminder that LOVE—between parent and child, best friends, and family members—is the greatest gift of ALL. No sides, just love.

Up until the past year, “OUT, NOT IN!” had been in my notes as bullet points, insights, messages of love, and simple advice that didn’t collectively have a home. Over the past 9 years or so, numerous individuals, upset mothers, and even caring fathers would message me asking all kinds of questions. Sometimes complete strangers would reach out with heartache and wanting advice on how to fix things as they have traversed the coming out process. It has always perplexed me, but for whatever the reason, it was clear they knew I was gay and that I was safe to talk to.

It became very clear that I needed to take my notes and turn them into a resource and message of hope and love for all with questions; a reality that I know will help so many individuals that are struggling to come out and those in their families and circles accepting that new reality.

After sitting down over a period of months and penning the words on the pages, clapping out cadences, I knew it wasn’t about me anymore. It was much larger than me, it was for the entire LGBTQ community, their allies, and those simply seeking more understanding.

As of July 5th, this project has raised $73,000 of their $92,024 goal. This project has 2 days left to raise the $92,024 or it will not be funded. For a pledge of $15, you will get one enamel pin. For a pledge of $25, you will get one hardcover book. To learn more and to pledge money, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joshpedersen/out-not-in-an-illustrated-lgbtq-book?

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