The rainbow is a symbol of hope following a storm, hard times, or adversity. Jan wrote this memoir with the hope of making connections, enlightening minds, opening hearts, and ultimately saving young LGBTQ+ lives.

To write this story, Jan had to be brave and become vulnerable. Was she scared to come out to the entire world? Damn straight she was! (Pun intended.) Now in her 70’s, Jan was tired of hiding. She chose to be true to herself and to let the world know who she really is.

COLORS OF THE SKY is a story of self-discovery; of Jan’s efforts to hide her true self as she struggled to live authentically in a disapproving world.

IMAGINE… you’re a teenage girl living in a small midwestern Ohio town during the conservative 1960’s. You’re a high school senior, a cheerleader, and you’re running for homecoming queen.

You have a steady boyfriend but are secretly in love with your best friend, a girl. She feels the same way about you and, you’ve confirmed your feelings for one another with a night of passionate kisses.

As long as you can remember you’ve been attracted to girls. You are keenly aware that this is taboo; something you must keep secret. You know that you have to be straight, or at least act straight, in order to fit in and be accepted.

You adore your parents and sisters, and wonder how they would react if they discovered your secret. Would they reject you? Stop loving you?

During the 1950’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s, gays in the United States were shamed, hated, blackmailed, and bullied. They were expelled from the military, fired from jobs, denied housing, physically assaulted and even murdered.

How do you reconcile these negative messages from society with who you are and whom you love? How do you find safety, happiness, and fulfillment? How do you experience the life you were born to live and love?

COLORS OF THE SKY is a memoir about growing up under these challenging circumstances. It’s the story of a young woman coming to terms with being a lesbian and learning to live authentically.

With the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies of the current US administration, Jan felt she needed to do something, so she’s taken a stand and shared her story. She urges you to walk with pride and always choose love.