Content Warning: This section of the guide includes descriptions of anti-gay bias, emotional abuse, and addiction.

Writing in February 2015 from Charleston, South Carolina, author Cass Ford—writing under her now-famous pen name of “Cate Kay”—explains the genesis of the book that her readers are about to encounter. One year ago, she received a package from her former attorney and girlfriend, Sidney Collins. Sidney wrote that she was sending these materials in order to right past wrongs and formally relinquish control of Cass’s literary empire. There was also a note from Cass’s agent, Melody Huber, suggesting that Cass write a memoir. Cass eventually decided that this was a good idea, and the book was born.

She explains that the book will contain not just her own voice but the voices of several people whose lives “collided with [her] own” (2). Cass shares her concern that the selfish and misguided decisions she is about to recount will alienate her audience. Although she wants her fans to continue to love her, she feels compelled to finally reveal the truth of who she really is.