As Jo DeLuzio sits on the subway on her way to work, she contemplates how she’s managed to survive the closet.
Price: $25.99
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-7389452-2-1
An essential exploration of LGBTQ2S+ experiences from the perspective of a woman who came out later in life —after 20+ years of marriage to a man—to a wide array of different points of view from others who also came out later. Part memoir, part social exploration, and all parts honest, this is a powerful and moving book that explores why women may come out later in life.
With both humour and insight, Surviving the Closet is essential reading for anyone—gay or straight. The right of women and all people with non-conventional sexual orientations or gender identities to live a safe and open life is a story of global human rights and a celebration of diversity.
“I think my mother wrote this book partly to heal, by reclaiming her experiences without apology. It began when she acknowledged her painful story’s place within a struggle that so many women share. She wrote looking back at the closet she left behind. She wrote for herself as much as for the women who still live there.” —CJ DeLuzio Chasin
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Praise for Surviving the Closet
“Surviving the Closet shines a light on critical issues that should engage us all, but those issues and social forces are brought to life in what is first and foremost a powerful and poignant personal journey. The people and stories Dr. DeLuzio encounters in her own coming out remind us that even in 2023 there are risks to living authentically. This is essential—and moving—reading for anyone concerned with identity, human rights, social justice, and finding the courage to be yourself.”
—Kelly Duffin, MBA, Social justice non-profit leader
“There are many coming-out stories, but I haven’t seen a description of what happens after the person comes out and how they learn to live life as a closet survivor. Fascinating and important to explore.”
—Dr. Peter Reich, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto
“Jo DeLuzio was happily married to her only husband for twenty-two years before coming out of the closet and changing her life for the better…Surviving the Closet touches on everything from Jo’s early struggles with heteronormativity, the community infighting she experienced over labels and appearances, the role religion and family often play in the decision to come out, and the joy of stepping into your authenticity at any age.”
—Beatrice Toothman
“Dr. DeLuzio’s poignant words illuminate the importance of the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves and empowering others to support their right to occupy space and be seen. Something that is needed now more than ever.”
—Dr. David Gehry, MD, PhD, Government Executive and LGBTQ+ member.
“In her book, Jo describes how people coming out of the closet need to meet other gay people and find safe places. The Toronto Historical Bowling Society (THBS) is an inclusive gay bowling league. We warmly embrace all members of the gay community and our allies. It’s a safe space for people to meet and make long lasting friendships. We are a family and Jo has been part of the family for years! We love her and everything that she brings to the league! You’ve survived the closet, welcome to the family.”
—Patrick Mathieu-Pandel, President of THBS
“Surviving the Closet takes a poignant look at the intersectionality of being female and gay and how difficult it can be to live an authentic life even in a country deemed safe for the LGBTQ2S+ community. As a nurse practitioner working front line in an organization created for this community, I believe that everyone has the right to access inclusive healthcare free from judgement. Remaining in the closet puts people at risk for not getting the healthcare services they need, even when it’s life and death. As the author points out, people who are oppressed, marginalized, and in some cases literally hunted down and killed are not able to leave the closet. Anyone with any compassion and empathy for the human condition ought to read this book.”
—Ashley Pasiorowski, she/her
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About the Author: JO DELUZIO:
Jo(anne) DeLuzio was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. She attended Western University in London, Ontario where she graduated with her Master of Clinical Science, with a speciality in audiology. Jo has practised audiology in a variety of facilities around the Greater Toronto Area for the last 40 years. She also holds a PhD in Speech-language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Currently, Jo teaches in the graduate program of Speech-language Pathology at the U of T.
Outside of the audiology world, Jo writes about the oppression of people who are LGBTQ+ both in Canada and globally. In her spare time, Jo enjoys bowling with her wife in a gay league. She is a terrible bowler but finds validation and acceptance in gay spaces. She currently resides in Toronto, Ontario with her wife and her two youngest children, who are currently learning about the process of adulting. Jo has had the privilege of parenting six children, and she considers surviving all those teenage years as one of her most remarkable accomplishments.
