Lethbridge Pride Fest, library to host evening with visiting author

Lethbridge Pride Fest and Lethbridge Public Library are hosting an evening with Alberta author Ruby Remenda Swanson on June 8 at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, Main Branch downtown.

Ruby will be discussing her new book, “A Family Outing.” The following reviews for Ruby’s book offer insight into how well received the book has been:

“Filled with love, empathy and good storytelling.” – The Toronto Star

“‘A Family Outing’ is a genuine account of a parent’s experience. This book exemplifies the process of moving through the stages of confusion, to acceptance, to celebrating a child’s authentic identity. Moreover, it also outlines this parent’s endless devotion to a healthier LGBTQ community.” – Tamara D. Gartner, RSW, M.A., registered psychologist, co-director of “Inclusive Counselling & Consulting Psychological Service.

“Ruby’s account of her family’s journey with a gay son is a story of courage and love.” – Michael Phair, gay activist and former Edmonton city councillor.

An excerpt from the publisher offers a bit more background to Ruby’s book, as well: “Ruby Swanson’s life changed when her 16-year-old son walked to her office, closed the door, and with his hand still on the doorknob said, ‘I’m gay.’ Despite her initial reaction of shock, fear and denial, Ruby became a public advocate for equality and acceptance of the LGBT community. ‘A Family Outing’ is the story of Ruby’s experiences. She addresses the deeply homophobic time in which baby boomers grew up, the emergence of the gay rights movement, and how the AIDS epidemic transformed the LGBT landscape.”

“‘A Family Outing’ is a memoir about discovering gay great-uncles and learning about their lives. It is about operating spotlights at a drag queen show, and about marching in Pride parades. It is about the discrimination that gay people continue to face today and what emerges from the direct, cleareyed prose. Finally, it is the picture of a woman who endured taunts from religious fundamentalists and political protestors to become an LGBT advocate.”

Originally from Humboldt, Sask., Ruby is currently general manager of the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden. She was a freelance promotional writer with the Children’s Television Workshop in New York City; received the University of Alberta Human Rights Education Recognition Award and was a director of PFLAG Edmonton. Ruby lives in Edmonton.

The library will be hosting several events for Pride Month, including a Pride Film Fest on Wednesday nights (June 7, 14, 21 and 28), and an information session on June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Main Branch with Southern Alberta OUT-reach about sexual orientation, gender identity, and how to be an active ally and show your support.”