After hunting down “The Other Side of Paradise” in Borders a month or so ago, and devouring the words on its pages, it is now finished. And because of the very visceral impact the memoir had on us, and the still persistent desire to know what every single character from the book is doing now, we felt compelled to write (somewhat of a) book review (fancy, huh?).

The memoir, set in the not-so-plush side of Paradise, Jamaica tells the story of a young Staceyann Chin and the struggles and hardships she endured coming of age. The pictures she paints of Jamaica are not those of sandy beaches and Bob Marley though - they are of the real-life struggle of a queer, half-Jamaican/half-Chinese girl abandoned by her parents.

And although at times in the early chapters it is hard to believe that a young child could speak with such bravado and vocabulary, we are reminded that this is the re-memory of a writer who has processed and analyzed these years and in turn, presented them to us with eloquence.

One of the most interesting things about the story is that the names of the chapters are all biblical passages/scriptures. The passages themselves act as a framework to explain what the chapter to come is about. But they also raise questions about homosexuality in context with the bible; and they remind us of the repression, denial, and (sometimes) hatred that is fostered by some members of the religious community against homosexuals; not only in rural Jamaica - but right in our own backyards.

Perhaps the most compelling thing for us though, beyond the many ways we were able to relate to her relationship with her grandmother, and her discovery of her love for women, was the bravery and conviction with which Ms. Chin has, and continues to live her life. Her story is truly compelling for all of us; but especially for those of us in the LGBTQ communities who are of color, and wear both identities simultaneously.

So go get a copy. Then discuss, think, and reflect on your own process, and that of those around the globe.

As for you, Ms. Chin - 2 thumbs up, or 4 gold stars, and 3 platinum chains … We loved your memoir - keep up the great work.

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