Author Abigail Tarttelin

Abigail Tarttelin, the author of Golden Boy agreed to speak with me again.

Lianne: Hi Abigail! Thanks for coming back again.

Abigail: Hi Lianne! Armed with a cup of tea now! How are you?

Lianne: Darjeeling?

Abigail: No, Green. I drink it all day!

Lianne: Ah. I’m great. Not sure I could drink tea all day, though.

Abigail: I know it’s a bit crazy. But I’m British. It’s what we do!

Lianne: I used to travel some for business. After a day in the air I like black tea with a shot of Bailey’s

Abigail: oo that sounds lovely!

Lianne: So, you’re working on a new book?

Abigail: No I’m working on a screenplay. I have a great friend I met on a job two years ago that I write with.

Lianne: Sounds like fun!

Did you accomplish your goals with Golden Boy?

Abigail: Which goals?

Lianne: You were writing about gender, neh? And wanted to express some ideas. Have readers reacted as you had hoped?

Abigail: By and large yes! My aim with Golden Boy was to add to a discussion, and perhaps also to bring that discussion into a wider forum. I wanted to pose questions rather than offer conclusions and I think readers seem to be galvanized to do their own thinking about gender norms, which was what I had hoped to achieve.

Lianne: I suspect that people will react in a wide variety of ways. Some of the things that resonate with an intersex person may fly right past someone else.

Abigail: That’s true.

Lianne: Mind you, I think you did an excellent job of presenting issues faced by an intersex teen.

Abigail: Thanks so much, Lianne. That really means so much coming from someone who has had to deal with these things on a personal level, and I’m really happy that you think so.

Lianne: One of the complaints I got about Confessions was that the protagonist didn’t stand up for herself more. But Max seems to have the same personality issue. Or perhaps it’s just his resilliance. There’s so much pressure to be what others expect. It’s not always overt, though.

Abigail: Yes, and I think this is a major difficulty with gender and sexuality issues for teens. There is so much negativity and feelings of fear and guilt surrounding the concepts of sex and gender that adolescents find themselves overwhelmed into silence. And I think it’s a really good point – for Max and Jamie – that this is also indicative of an inner resilience and an attempt to not bring an argument about who they are to the table, but to withhold themselves from others and remain as they are, inside.

Lianne: Exactly!

Abigail:

I do think it’s hard too, from my own perspective as well as Max’s, to stand up for yourself when you’re an amenable person surrounded by strong personalities.

Lianne: But why are you amenable? And, perhaps that means you’re stronger? With Max, he seemed okay at the beginning. Lots of kids are insecure about anything to do with sex.

Abigail: I think amenable, in the sense of being open and responsive, is a great thing to be! But when you reach adulthood, as Max does, you find there are decisions to be made that will mark the rest of your life, and you have to stand up for yourself in a way you didn’t when you were younger.

Lianne: Lots of kids are insecure about anything to do with sex.

Abigail: That’s very true.

Lianne: I’m glad it wasn’t Max who made the final decision regarding the medical procedure. I would have been upset with you.

Abigail: I think Karen’s point of view in the book, particular with her influence over Max and his medical decisions, is one of the most divisive parts of the novel for readers. On the one hand, she’s being a good mother and trying to take hard decisions off his hands; on the other hand, perhaps she goes too far with a choice that Max should have taken responsibility for.

Lianne: And, actually, I had to put the book down for a while after he got his mom’s attention.

Abigail: I know. It was such a sad scene to write, and I’m pretty sure I had to take a breath afterwards before beginning the next chapter.

What did you think of Karen?

Lianne: For some parents of intersex kids, it’s about them. For Karen, it was about her. I don’t care how much she claims to love Max. What she did was unconscionable. Doctors panic about intersex. The kids can’t afford to have parents who do.

Abigail: That’s very true. That’s one reason I think it’s so important to have books like Confessions and Golden Boy, that speak to parents and adult readers.

Lianne: Yes. And I wish you success!

Abigail: And to you!!

Lianne: Fortunately, the growth of support groups has meant an increasing number of activist parents.

Abigail: Yes! Which is wonderful.

Lianne: I understand you’re doing an audiobook? Mine is in process.

Abigail: Yes, Simon and Schuster are putting out an audiobook. I read the part of Sylvie. I really hope people like it! I’m so interested to hear the final version. I have heard snippets from each of the narrators, and they all sound fantastic! It’s still set in England, so all the voices are English.

Lianne: Is she the character you most identify with?

Abigail: Sylvie is probably the character I sound most like in any case! Max and Sylvie equally I very much identify with. I was very like Sylvie as a teenager – although nowhere near as cool or confident, particularly with people I had crushes on!!

Lianne: I’ll be interested to hear what Max sounds like. I assume he had enough Testosterone to change his voice.

Abigail: Well in the book, I think it’s nice because people can really make their minds up. For me, his voice wouldn’t be so deep. I’m interested too to see what it sounds like in the audio book!

Lianne: Can you share something personal that might surprise your readers?

Abigail: Ok, a thought: I am the luckiest person I know, largely because I haven’t always been lucky. I have had to work really hard and think outside the box to get to where I am as a writer and a person, and the fact that my career and achievements aren’t based solely on luck means that I’m prouder of those achievements than I would have been otherwise. I think this is a thought that could be very relevant to intersex readers. Your gender hasn’t been handed to you on a plate, and you have to make choices that others never have to. But perhaps that means that, in the end, you can be prouder of the person you become, because you had to fight for yourself and assert who you are every step of the way.

Lianne: Thanks!

Abigail: No problem You are the master of your own fate, and not a product of a gender role you arbitrarily received, and had to submit to.

Lianne: I liked the way Golden Boy ended, at least in terms of the issue of intersex still being unresolved. Even if Max had ‘normalizing’ surgery, he’d still be intersex.

Abigail: I agree. As much as we change ourselves, we are still ourselves. And there’s nothing wrong with Max.

Lianne: It is important, however, to get to the point where intersex (or whatever) isn’t the all-consuming focus of your life.

Abigail: Totally. That’s really the point of the book. Max is Max. There’s nothing wrong with him and intersex isn’t the only facet of his personality. What happens in the novel hopefully makes the reader ask ‘Why is it such a big deal?’

Well! I am late for a date!! Not a romantic date, a work one…! I have to go. But it’s been so lovely talking to you again!

Lianne: Thanks so much for taking the time.

Abigail: Thank YOU! Very best of luck with Confessions and talk soon!

Lianne: Thanks.

You can read our first interview here at MuseItUp Publishing;s blog

Robert and Charles Long

His father was one of the last blacksmiths to shoe horses in the Chicago area.

But it was his grandmother that held my interest and put an end to several years of genealogical research.

Anne Kirkpatrick was born in 1838 in Kirkgunzeon, in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. In an ancient genealogy book regarding her sept of the Kirkpatricks, it simply says, “Thought to be faie.”

Now faie is a Middle English word, also found in the old French, meaning enchanted.

My family has extra genetic material, a second satellite attached to one of our autosomes. It’s a variation so rare that LabCorp has only seen a handful of cases. Geneticists don’t really know what it does. But we have an unusually high incidence of twins, rare cancers, and endocrine disorders.

And then there’s me. With the satellite and my mosaicism, my karyotype may well be unique in all of humanity. But, ultimately, my intersex condition is from God’s hand and is somehow for my good. It certainly keeps me running back to the cross.

Not since Herculine Barbin’s autobiography has a book so thoroughly opened up old wounds. After reading the opening scenes, I set Golden Boy aside for several days while I debated how wise it would be to finish it.

The protagonist in Golden Boy is Max, an intersex teen living as a boy. At the beginning of the novel he’s raped by a male friend who treats Max sexually as female. And Max doesn’t go to the authorities.

Long ago, a roommate in the boys’ dorm–yes, boys’ dorm–proved that he could do whatever he wanted to me. No, I wasn’t sexually assaulted. Not exactly, anyway. But it was clear that, to him, I wasn’t a boy. And I didn’t go to the authorities. Why not? Read Golden Boy. Max would understand.

Max has a close family–father, mother, brother–that doesn’t seem to realize just how dysfunctional they are. Father is running for Parliament. Mother’s a hot-shot attorney. Brother has his own issues and is a bit annoyed at Max’s perfection.

But the opening was compelling enough to draw me in. I’m glad I finished the book, but it took several weeks to get over the visceral reaction I got every time I recalled some of the novel’s events. Yes. Entirely too close to home.

Abigail Tarttelin deals well with issues faced by one intersex teen, and how it all changes when someone discovers his secret, and how little control some kids have over their lives.

Very few of us get to the point of not caring who knows we’re intersex. Even fewer, perhaps, can forget that we are. For Max, coming to terms with his condition is traumatic. No. Let me restate that. For Max, the trauma isn’t his condition. It’s how everyone around him treats him. Ms Tarttelin does an excellent job of demonstrating how each person in Max’s life reacts. In the end, even those who are supposed to be closest to him, won’t let him make his own decisions.

Golden Boy should be released in May. Highly recommended whether you’re into YA or #yasaves or not.

You can see a discussion I had with the author on the MuseItUp blog.

Andrea Horner

Thank you so much for being here, Andrea. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

It’s great speaking with you today, I’m Andrea Horner, I reside in Kansas City. I was born with a Chromosomal disorder called Turner Syndrome. I am the author of the book Beauty for Ashes, By Andrea Leigh Horner. I am founder of the ministry Beauty4asheskc here in KC. I love coffee and good music, hanging out with my friends, traveling and the outdoors.

How and when were you told your diagnosis?

When I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with Mosaic Turner Syndrome. I did not really learn about it till I was seven years old and I had to stay in the hospital several days. That is where I heard it that is also when they started my treatment which was growth hormone therapy.

Can you explain a little about your condition?

Turner Syndrome or TS as I refer to it affects approximately 1 in 2500 females. So as we say Turners is a girl thing. It happens when there is either an x chromosome missing (classic) or both x chromosomes are present and one is misshapen or deformed in some way (mosaic). It is usually found on the second x chromosome in a TS girl. It has a 1-2% survival rate before birth. It is believed to be responsible for about 10% of all miscarriages. There are two types Classic and Mosaic. I have mosaic, and usually with that there are less of the typical features present and less severity in the health issues. There are a variety of health issues that associated with TS that can vary for each girl, some server some are not. Most can be managed with proper medical care. The biggest health issue with TS girls is heart issues and hearing issues. TS also has some learning issues as well called non verbal learning disorder. I struggled the most with that fortunately I have not had many health problems thus far. The most common characteristic is short stature, the other is infertility. TS can affect our female development. That is why most of us get on growth hormones and estrogen therapy hormones because of my TS I don’t do that naturally and that helps with development. With that said that means I don’t have periods. So if I don’t have the hormones I won’t have a period. So it’s nice to not have to deal with those like females normally have to.

Writing a book about your life is a pretty bold move. How has the publicity affected you and your family?

There has not been a lot of publicity yet, however they do very well. My family has been great. They very supportive. My mom has always encouraged me. She has told me she thinks I needed to go around and speak more and get more involved with the TS society. I like to say we are pretty normal and we like to keep it that way.

How has your condition affected your relationships?

My friends are great they accept me many of them I think forget I’m short. Sometimes they tease me but most of my friends don’t freak out and treat me like anyone else. It is usually when I am in public and strangers comment where I feel the most affected and aware of my condition.

Has it affected your religious views? How have Christians treated you?

I used to have a denial about having Turners because I am so independent and normal. I wanted to think that I’m no different than another person. Reality is being as short as I am it is a daily factor. So I can’t always do everything just like everyone else. I used to not like that, however now as a Christian I see that as a good thing. God made me unique and special and I realize I am created perfectly. I believe it is a miracle that I am here and God has a purpose for our lives. So I don’t mind standing out.

Have you ever thought about who you might have been without your condition?

Yes I have a lot as a kid, I would think how did this happen? I wanted to figure who I could blame…where did the bad gene come from? I honestly don’t know. My family is tall, I was tall when I was first born. I have long legs for my height. So I know I would have been tall. I don’t know how I would be personality wise, but I know I would have a different view on life and how precious it is or appreciation for those with disabilities than I do now. When I was a kid if I could have been taller I would have loved it. But now I like being me. Sure being as short as I am it can be inconvenient and frustrating at times. But I think I am a better me having TS, than if I would have been if I had been born without it.

Is there something you’d like to share that might surprise people?

I have a variety of interest, I like being girly but one of my interest is Taekwondo. Many are surprised when they find out I am a Taekwondo martial artist.

What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I am just a girl that just wants to make a difference in the world, and hopefully I can do my part to make it a better place. I love to let those that I am around know that they are loved no matter the struggle. I don’t know your situation, if it’s a disability, or another issue, but it does not matter what the world or people may say about you. you matter! We all have a purpose in this life I encourage everyone to find there’s and don’t be afraid to try.

Well, thanks for dropping by!

Andrea’s book is available on Amazon.

“This is not just a story about being short, or having Turner Syndrome. Though it is my story it can also be anyone’s story. We all have a story and difficult circumstances we have faced. This book has something everyone can relate to. I have found that the true beauty in our lives can be found when we live our life fully for the one who created it. I was made to stand out growing up I did not know I could do that with a purpose. I wanted to fit in. I did not like growing up short the obstacles seemed more than I wanted or thought I could handle. That is where God steps in and when we give the brokenness of our lives over to God, He will make something beautiful from them. Our weaknesses can often be our greatest strength when God uses them. This is my story of how I experienced Gods life transforming power and exchanged my ashes for a life full and blessed by God. I have two growing disorders. I talk about what it is like to live with one of them called Turner Syndrome. Turners is a growth disorder many do not know about and comes with complications that I share as you read about it I believe you will see how I am blessed to be here and living life today. Miracles do exist and I am just one of them. God is making something beautiful out of my life, and He deeply desires to do that for you. I hope this book will be the window to help you see all who you were made to be.” —Andrea Horner

Mark Angelo and Jessica Lynn were kind enough to interview me on Transition Radio.

We talked about intersex, my novel, and a bit of my personal history. In case you missed it, they’ve put up a video at

Transition Radio interview on Youtube

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join our charity auction on e-bay! Books and more. Click on the image.

Human sexual development is a complex process involving differentiation into male and female, from fetus to adult. The process can be misdirected genetically, or break down along the way, resulting in a reproductive system that remains unfinished. Intersex is a blanket term for the various conditions resulting in these differences.

Actually, DSD–Disorder of Sexual Development–is the term some prefer, intersex/intersexed being somewhat politically incorrect, and hermaphrodite so often misunderstood.

Although the markers of sex–genetics, gonads, genitals, etc.–aren’t all on the male side or the female side, in intersex the choice of gender isn’t an issue as often as one might think.

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) leaves the body unable to process male hormones. An XY conception becomes a female child with testes in her abdomen and no ovaries or uterus. The testes don’t produce sperm, but some of the testosterone is converted into estrogen, which gives the child a feminine puberty.

Swyer Syndrome or Pure Gonadal Dysgenesis is a condition in which the testes don’t form; the result is an XY female with a uterus but no ovaries.

Turner Syndrome results from the loss of the second sex chromosome. Turner babies are female, but their ovaries are only streaks of tissue. Because the sex chromosomes help determine height, Turner Syndrome women are short-statured, averaging something like four-foot-eight as adults.

Klinefelter’s(XXY) and Kallman’s are two intersex conditions affecting men. They don’t ordinarily result in genital ambiguity. Because of the extra sex chromosome, the average adult height in Klinefelter’s is greater than in XY.

None of these intersex conditions result in the mythological hermaphrodite, at least not in the sense of having both sex organs. When intersex affects the genitals, they turn out somewhere between male and female. The Quigley Scale describes the range of intersex genital shapes.

Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome(PAIS) results in ambiguous genitals, and breast development at puberty. The severity varies depending on which genetic mutation is responsible.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia can result in masculine genital development in an XX baby, sometimes enough so that the child is raised male. Although CAH can be fatal if not treated, most CAH girls can bear children. One possible complication in CAH children being raised as boys is a feminizing puberty.

A 5-Alpha Reductase deficiency in an XY baby results in feminine genitals, but masculine development at puberty. 5-Alpha children, although sometimes castrated by their doctors and raised as girls, can be fertile males.

Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis is a partial form of Turner Syndrome. Some cells have a Y chromosome; some don’t. The distribution of the cells during fetal development determines how the gonads develop and how tall the child will grow.

The medical definition of hermaphroditism is having both testicular and ovarian tissue. In Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis, the child may be born with one testis and one streak ovary. Or they may have two ovatestes. Streak ovaries are non-functional and mixed gonadal tissue often results in cancer.

When a child is born with ambiguous genitals, parents and physicians must decide whether the child should be raised as a girl or a boy. Most experts recommend that a gender be chosen for the baby, but cosmetic surgeries be put off until the child can participate in treatment decisions. Until then, it’s important for parents to preserve their child’s options.

With or without surgical intervention, some children reject the gender assigned them. Determining when a gender change is appropriate may be difficult. Children aren’t always willing to verbalize their feelings and may not be aware of their options.