When Andy Patrie welcomed his son into the world, he never could have imagined he would be saying goodbye him while simultaneously learning he had a daughter in the same person. But that’s exactly what he found himself doing 12 years after his child was born. CLUMSY LOVE; A Father’s Journey Parenting His Transgender Daughter is a memoir written by Andy, an Eau Claire native and author, detailing his journey as a father parenting a transgender child.

In 2019, a week before his mother died, Andy attended a writing retreat organized by memoirist and novelist, David McGlynn. He read a piece about his daughter Simone’s consultation with an endocrinologist, where they learned more about puberty blockers. David later approached Andy and told him there was a larger story to be told.

Previously, Andy’s published writing experience included a short stint with an underground Polish heavy metal ‘zine “Burning Abyss," and as a contributor for Volume One. He was daunted by the thought of writing an entire book, he shared.

Six years later — with the mentorship and some badgering from David — Andy finished his memoir.  In fact, the first chapter is the piece he read that day at the writing retreat.

CLUMSY LOVE is not to tell Simone’s story, but to tell Andy’s story about a father losing a son while gaining a daughter and struggling with the guilt associated in grieving the loss of that son.

”

really, who needS another straight, white dude out there pontificating about whatever.

But if this book can push back on certain narratives, or misconceptions, or preconceptions, and maybe add a bit more love into the world, even if it's clumsy love, I'd be pretty happy about that.

ANDREW PATRIE

AUTHOR

However, given the personal nature of the narrative and with Simone’s dead name being used for half the book (“dead name” refers to the birth name of a transgender person who has since changed their name as part of their transition), Simone, too, writes in CLUMSY LOVE. The book’s foreword, penned by Simone, is a platform to address readers directly so they know the project (her father’s memoir) not only has her blessing but her support and excitement as well.

Author Andy Patrie and family. (Submitted photo)

Reflecting on his own upbringing, aspects of horror films creep into the book — as they are one of Andy's first loves and a large part of his personality. Instead of playing baseball with his dad, he wanted to build a Frankenstein with him from scraps of wood — piecing together their relationship. 

Slasher films became metaphoric for his mom’s cancer. “Horror movies often function as rich metaphors for the transformations we experience in life,” Andy said. His family grew to accept this love for horror, just as Andy accepts Simone for who she is.

Today, the Eau Claire native teaches at the very high school he graduated from. Andy said he does not want to be seen as spokesperson for transgender parenting and hopes readers will recognize this is just one family’s story. The memoir does not intend to spark intense debate and division, but to personalize what is so often politicized today, he shared.

"Really, who needs another straight, white dude out there pontificating about whatever," Andy said. "But if this book can push back on certain narratives, or misconceptions, or preconceptions, and maybe add a bit more love into the world, even if it's clumsy love, I'd be pretty happy about that."

Andy will host the CLUMSY LOVE release party from 7-9pm on June 17 at The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire). Until then, you can listen to an extended interview with Andy — about the memoir — on episode 55 of the "Savage Horror Creeps Podcast" on major streaming platforms.

Clumsy Love by Andrew (Andy) Patrie is available for pre-order ($17.95 plus shipping) from Little Creek Press and Amazon • Copies will also be available for purchase at the book release party on June 17 at The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire), where Patrie will also deliver a reading and offer a live Q&A