Author
Different Doesn’t Mean Broken Living Courageously
Outside the Binary
This is my coming out story.
What’s Yours?
Amidst all of our beautiful differences, we are united in the common desire to be the authors of our own story. We’re all hoping for the freedom to tell the world who we are and the confidence to protect what we want… the conviction to defy permission and the courage to disregard expectation.
I’ve met some remarkable people and learned extraordinary lessons on my journey from conformity to authenticity. I learned there’s freedom on the other side of fear. I learned that I’m special and unique (just like everyone else). I learned that other people’s opinions are none of my business. I learned that I never need to apologize for who I am. I learned that I don’t need to be fixed just because I’m different. And I learned that different doesn’t mean broken.
The Book
The Book
Available NOW!
“Different Doesn’t Mean Broken” is now available for purchase as a paperback, hardback, e-book and audiobook.
There were many reasons why I committed to writing this book. Chief among them was my sincere desire to create safer spaces for anyone and everyone who ever felt like they were broken. Who felt like something about who they were was not ok. Who felt like they had to hide or deny their authentic identity.
Maybe this isn’t you. Maybe you always knew who you were, are and always meant to be. This book is still for you. Being able to better understand the long hard road from who someone thought they needed to be to who they truly are will usher forth empathy compassion and mercy. Something the world can always use more of…
So, all that is to say, I am immensely proud of this work and the result. I have been thinking about this book for the better part of a decade, started it over three years ago and have ambitiously been working on it for the last year. However, I feel as though it’s a lifetime in the making.
I hope you will consider adding it to your reading list as I am confident there is something in here for everyone.
Oh, and if you do, be sure to let me know what you think.
Thank you!
Anyway You Want it, That’s The Way You Need It…
Available on Amazon in Hardback, Paperback, eBook and Audiobook
Available for audiobook purchase or as a part of your Audible subscription plan
Available on Barnes & Noble in Hardback Paperback and eBook
Available direct from Ingram Spark in Hardback and Paperback
Reader Love
Reader Love
Reader Love
“Different Doesn’t Mean Broken is a courageous exploration of self-acceptance and resilience. As a mom and founder of Free Mom Hugs, I’m moved by Don Mamone’s powerful invitation to honor our true selves. This book shines a light on the beauty of authenticity and defying expectations—a heartfelt reminder that being different is a gift, not a flaw. It’s a book the LGBTQIA+ community and their families can benefit from, offering insight, hope, and a path to deeper understanding and connection.”
💛 Sara
Different Doesn’t Mean Broken by Don Mamone is a transformative, heart-opening journey that left me deeply moved and more committed than ever to being an ally for the transgender community. As a heterosexual cisgender woman, I approached this book with a desire to understand, to empathize, and to learn how I could better support those whose paths are different from my own. Don’s storytelling and vulnerability exceeded all expectations, offering a window into their experiences that felt both personal and universal.
What makes this book so remarkable is its balance of raw honesty and empowering hope. Don doesn’t just share their story… they invite readers to reflect on their own biases, assumptions, and capacity for compassion. I found myself inspired not only by their courage in embracing their authentic self but also by their ability to articulate the pain, growth, and beauty of their journey in a way that resonated far beyond the pages.
This book is not only for those who are navigating their own identity journeys but also for anyone who wants to be a better human… to approach others with curiosity, kindness, and genuine understanding. It left me with tools to foster meaningful connections and the courage to confront my own fears about engaging in allyship imperfectly.
Thank you, Don, for your bravery, wisdom, and for sharing this much-needed message with the world.
💛 Megan
Different Doesn’t Mean Broken is a heartfelt and inspiring account of Don Mamone’s transition to live outside of the gender binary as well as an incredibly applicable handbook on how anyone can choose to live courageously and authentically.
It is extremely well-written, with the author’s innate storytelling ability being at the forefront. You really feel like you’re right there with Don as they are describing moments that are gut-wrenching, bonds that are unbreakable, and triumphs that are hard-fought.
Don doesn’t sugarcoat things, but the biggest takeaway for me is the encouragement that pursuing your true identity, living authentically, and standing in your truth, (regardless of what society says) will be one of the greatest journeys you can take in your lifetime.
💛 Andrea
Different Doesn’t Mean Broken by Don Mamone is a powerful, deeply moving read that left me inspired beyond words. Don’s bravery and courage in sharing their journey to becoming their true, authentic self is both uplifting and empowering. Their words radiate strength and hope, offering unending encouragement to anyone who has ever felt different. I found myself wishing I could go back in time to embrace young Don and tell them that everything will be okay – that they are destined to grow into a remarkable human being. This book is a beautiful reminder that being different doesn’t mean being broken, and I’m so grateful to Don for sharing their story with us. Highly recommend to anyone in search of an inspiring and affirming read!
💛 Jaime
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