Gay Mormon Dad - Chad Anderson in conversation with Eli McCann

Join us in-store on 8/29/26 at 3:00PM for an afternoon exclusive local author event! Featuring Chad Anderson, sitting down in conversation with Eli McCann, and signing for his graphic novel, *Gay Mormon Dad*.

**Chad Anderson** is a father, social worker, and writer based in Salt Lake City. Chad pursues his passions and interests as a writer through graphic novel and comic book scripts, poetry, and essays. Chad produced the film *Dog Valley* and hosts the weekly podcast *Graymalkin Lane*.

**Remy Burke (Not attending)** is a genderqueer comic artist. Inspired by punk, horror, and their queerness, they create emotionally resonant comics with traditional brush and ink. They received their BFA in Comic Art in 2022 and have been featured in publications such as *Decoded Pride* and *Paranoid Tree Press.*

*Gay Mormon Dad*

All his life, Chad Anderson was told he was broken. He believed with all his heart that being a good Mormon would make him straight, because that is what he was told. Chad followed the prescribed road map: mission, marriage, and children. But it didn’t make him happy, and it didn’t make him straight. For Chad, coming out meant losing everything and starting again.

This is the story of one man learning to love himself in a complicated world. This inspiring autobiography unfolds in two parts, “Then” and “Now,” woven together in a way that will hit you right in the heart. Vibrantly illustrated by artist Remy Burke, this moving graphic novel sheds light on the dangers of spiritual abuse and illuminates the path to healing.

**Eli McCann** is a writer, podcaster, and lawyer. In his monthly humor column for *The Salt Lake Tribune*, he writes about growing up with (and leaving behind) the Mormon faith, coming out in adulthood, and parenting a toddler. He co-hosts *Strangerville*, a storytelling podcast and live show, and his work has been featured in *The Washington Post*, *Newsweek*, *HuffPost*, and the BBC. He lives with his husband and son in Salt Lake City, Utah. His debut novel comes out this fall on September 8th.

*Stitched: A Novel*

**A hilarious, heartwarming debut novel about competitive quilting, unlikely friendships, and found family.** "Bursting at the seams with humor and genuinely tender, touching moments." ***—KIRKUS REVIEWS* ** Betty Lou Dearden has been a member of the Ogden Quilters Association for more than twenty years when it is announced that the biggest quilting competition in the country is coming to Utah. With the clock ticking and a chance to finally beat their long-time rival quilting circle, the women welcome two young gay men to their group as they bicker their way to an award-worthy entry. With disarming humor and extraordinary heart, Eli McCann takes readers deep into the cozy but cutthroat world of competitive quilting and the sometimes-messy friendships that shape our lives.