Gay Book Debate

[skinnybones4]

Hello all, I am in desperate need of some advice.

So as some of you are aware of, I have written and currently in the process of publishing a gay novel (You can read about the book in this thread: http://offtopix.com/showthread.php?tid=32626). Up until this point, I wasn't out to my family, nor had I really thought about the consequences would be if I published a LGBT novel in a conservative part of North Carolina. While the first part of the book is loosely based on my life, the entire book is about 20% pulled from my life.

Now, my parents know that I'm gay, and that I have written this book. My father has read the first 80 pages, and while he says that the writing is great, he thinks that it should be "put on a shelf" not because of the gay content, but because my community might be able to tell that I'm referring to certain people/places in the area that I have tried to cover up. He also thinks that I need more time to come out to my other family members before they read the book. My mother didn't put it so nicely, saying that some of the content was "disturbing" after flipping through the book for two minutes.

The book is scheduled to be released on Feb. 24, which the book scheduled for printing at the first of next week. So I have two decisions. Either I go ahead with the release, and potentially face the problems that my parents fear, or I cancel the release, which means cancelling the release party on Feb. 21, cancelling all press material that I have prepared, and cancelling the video interview that was done and may be made public by the end of the week.

So what would you do? Would you cancel or would you press on and face the fears that my parents have for me?

 

[DrLeftover]

If it can be determined by a reasonable person that you are referring to a specific individual who is a private citizen, then you may indeed be charged with Libel or even Defamation of Character.

You may wish to review the material in the book in that light before the release.

This might help.

Avoid Defamation of Character
How to Write a Story without Getting Sued

http://www.creativejuicesbooks.com/defamation-of-character.html



And

A memoir is your story, but of course it will involve many other people. Most of us have not led completely charmed lives. Everyone has ups and downs, and those who write memoirs usually have had mountains and valleys—that’s what makes them so interesting. Recent bestselling memoirs are replete with addiction, abuse, homelessness and triumph over these adversities. But do the other people in your story want theirs told? Are there elements that might be embarrassing to them? Will their memories be in sync with yours?

Writers don’t get sued very often—and thanks to the First Amendment, even when they do, they usually prevail. But as an attorney specializing in these issues, I can tell you that you definitely don’t want to put yourself in a position to endure any sort of lawsuit, even if the odds are you’d end up victorious. Many writers mistakenly assume their publishing company will protect them—after all, it’s a large corporation with, presumably, a bunch of suits eagerly waiting to avenge you. But here’s the truth: When you sign a publishing contract, you promise that your work will not defame anyone or invade anyone’s privacy (along with a number of other assurances)—and you agree to indemnify the publisher in the event of a lawsuit against your work. In other words, the onus is on you to deal with any legal troubles that come your way. Most self-publishing companies have similar clauses.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/get-published-sell-my-work/defamation-and-invasion

 

[+paradox]

if you have proof/evidence of what you say then it's not defamation of character...

but you must consider being sued cost money and time...

so avoiding it all together is the best option...

 

[Mike]

I understand what your parents are saying to a point, they're trying to stop anyone being hurt by your book or feeling victimised?

I understand you've put a lot of effort into the book and I don't think you should definitely delay its release, but I think you should try and work on addressing what your parents have brought up and see what options you have. What I like to do is try and win my parents around to my side of thinking if I can't get around to theirs, as it's always good to have them supporting you especially in tough situations.

 

[Dee]

Honestly? Screw your community. You seem to have supportive enough parents, but I understand their worries. If you go through life concerned about what people are going to think about you, you're just letting them win. Be who you are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It's natural. It's real. And what you're doing is making you happy. If your book has gay content, then it has gay content in it. People are either going to accept that or not. You can't control what people do, say, or think but that shouldn't matter either way. If some people cannot handle the truth and be civil, respecting adults, then cut them out of your life. You don't need that kind of ignorant negativity. Be proud of what you did. Release that book and enjoy having accomplished something because those people your parents and you are worried about are probably too busy living life being judgmental and immature.