I have always admired my friend Audrey Kouyoumdjian’s positive spirit, desire to be involved, and need to make a difference. Audrey has taken the difficulties of her coming out story and presented them with kind sincerity and openness. She will convince you that telling the truth and living life lovingly is healing, saves lives and creates joy and health.
Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
Straight to Gay is a page-turner, demonstrating how Audrey Kouyoumdjian turned her life challenges into victories. By sharing her highly personal Coming Out experience, Audrey Kouyoumdjian has made an important contribution to the welfare of all those with any kind of cross to bear. Her story is wonderfully written and her life is a testament to the creation of joy and health.
Reverend Brent Hawkes, Senior Pastor The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, Order of Canada
This inspiring story leads us on an emotional journey towards living a truthful and joyful life. A real life, coming-out biography, the author details her anguish and struggles as she tries to understand her feelings. Her revelations demonstrate the strength, courage and commitment of one woman as she confronts decades of keeping a deeply held secret, while leading a double life. The author’s eventual decision to face her darkest fears forces her to deal with the ramifications in her life (from family and friends, to the community and her own livelihood) and produces a tsunami of stunning and unexpected responses. In the end, her journey leads us to one conclusion “we all want to love and be loved.” Hard to put down, no matter what your lifestyle, the author shares principles that can help each of us achieve our best genuine selves.
Karen Rucas B.Sc.O.T. Reg (Ont), Occupational Therapist and Certified Life Care Planner
Kouyoumdjian invites the reader – with uncommon grace, warmth and honesty – to share in her amazing life. Reading this book is like chatting with your seatmate on a long flight or train trip. You always thought you knew all about people, but then realize how much more there is to discover… and how fascinating life can be. Pick up the book and join Kouyoumdjian in her journey and thereby, perhaps surprisingly, brighten and enlighten your own.
Thomas Klassen, Professor, York University, Toronto