"So Gay for You" by Kate Moennig; Leisha Hailey" was quick and fun read about the L word and the effects of the show on the authors/actor's life and friendship. Super light and fast pride read/listen.

So Gay for You has everything I want in a celebrity memoir. Leisha and Kate narrate and take turns sharing their portion of the memoir which feels balanced and a fun way to share both sides of their stories. They take us through auditions for The L Word, their experience working on the show, snippets into their lives/living arrangements, the lead up to Generation Q and what leads them to start the Pants Podcast. I loved getting to know each of them on a deeper level, their personal struggles, and how much love they have for each other. This book is about friendship, found family and queerness beyond just learning about what it was like to be in The L Word. A bonus of the audio is that Leisha and Kate answer questions from 10 fans. I highly recommend the audiobook if you are a fan of The L Word, have followed Leisha or Kate throughout their career or just enjoy hearing about queer female friendships. Thank you to MacMillian Audio for giving me an advanced audiobook copy. Out June 3, 2025.

Thank you, NatGalley and MacMillan Audio for this ARC audiobook for review. This was the very best Pride month gift to receive this book! I absolutely adored The L Word when it first aired and to be able to see that community of women. I really enjoyed hearing how Leisha and Kate came into the L Word and beyond.

As a fan of the show, even though I didn't finish all the seasons, I was excited to see this audio book was available for request. I enjoyed revisiting the show and loved the behind the scenes feel of the book.

I hadn’t watched The L Word since it was airing and I was in college, but when I saw these two had a book coming out, I HAD to read it. Navigating coming out while living in a sorority house surrounded by frat boys and judgy midwesterners, watching this show with the queer community I found in my college town was a ray of sunshine every week (well except the Dana plot line… seriously still devastated).
It was interesting to hear Kate & Leisha’s “coming out” stories and about their bringing long before the show. Dang, Alice may have already been my favorite character but Leisha is a super badass lady and while I was listening I realized I have a Lilith Fair poster with her OG band Murmurs on it! Really everything about their time before/during/and after the show was interesting to visit. I basically find any like story interesting and when it’s someone I’m a fan of, that’s an added treat.
It was reassuring to hear some of their takes on The L Word decisions and nice to get some behind the scenes moments from a group I haven’t revisited in ages.
This memoir is quick and easy. I alternated between the audio, narrated by the authors, and the kindle and enjoyed both- though hearing their voices is obviously a step above.
Five stars- would definitely recommend o any fan!

Fans of the L word are sure to enjoy this new behind the scenes look at what filming and acting in the show was like from two of the OG cast members and IRL besties/podcasters. I really enjoyed Alice and Shane - by far my two fav characters. I never got a chance to watch the reboot but this book had me intrigued. Good on audio narrated by the authors themselves and a perfect pick for Pride Month!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

As it was for many millennial lesbians, The L Word was an earth shattering discovery for me as a teen. Despite its flaws, I still have such an attachment to and fondness for the show and its cast, including the revival - to an extent lol. I think the biggest compliment that I can give So Gay for You is that it gives you exactly what you think it will, even If I could've easily listened to several more hours of Kate and Leisha's memories and thoughts. I think the decision to frame the book around the show makes sense and I did still feel like we got a good understanding of both of them pre and post show. I'm not a big podcast person, but I do listen to PANTS here and there (naturally this makes them great audiobook narrators!). Even so, I still enjoyed the parts of the book that were rehashed from the podcast, so I think it's great for fans of both the show and those who have kept up with these two specifically after its end. Their genuine love and camaraderie shines throughout the book and I always appreciate their candour in regard to the show's short comings, both on screen and off. The network's disinterest in the revival as a whole and in facilitating a conversation between the generations is so unfortunate, but I do feel this book accomplishes that goal in its own way! Hollywood aside, it's really a story of coming into your own as a queer person, creating community, and honouring those that came before you, while leaving something for the ones coming after you! I loved it.

So Gay for You is a candid, captivating, and often hilarious exploration of friendship, fame, and the serendipity of life-changing roles. Authored—and narrated in the audiobook version—by Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, the memoir will be a must-read for fans of The L Word and devoted listeners of the PANTS podcast, but its appeal reaches well beyond its built-in audience.

Told in a warm and engaging tone, the book traces the personal and professional journeys of both Moennig and Hailey, from their early lives through their iconic roles on The L Word, and into the present day. Along the way, readers are treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights that deepen the appreciation for their chemistry on-screen and off. These revelations are less about scandal and more about connection—authentic moments that reveal the people behind the personas.

What stands out most is the genuine affection and playful banter between the two co-authors. Their dynamic is infectious: witty, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in mutual respect. The memoir doesn’t just chart the trajectory of their careers—it offers a portrait of a rare and enduring friendship, one that might never have existed had they not each said yes to the roles that brought them together.

Whether you’re revisiting the nostalgia of The L Word or discovering the authors anew, So Gay for You is an entertaining, heartfelt celebration of identity, collaboration, and chosen family. The audiobook, enriched by Kate and Leisha’s own voices, adds an extra layer of intimacy and humor, making it a highly recommended format for experiencing this vibrant memoir.

Audiobook Review: So Gay for You by Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig
Narrated by Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and truly appreciate the opportunity to learn about new authors and leave reviews.

As a straight girl who absolutely loves The L Word, especially Shane and Alice, this audiobook was such a treat! Hearing the real voices of Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey narrating their own parts made the experience feel incredibly personal and authentic. Their chemistry, humor, and deep connection to the show and its fans really shine through.

So Gay for You is a fun, heartfelt, and insightful listen that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how The L Word came to be and how Generation Q was born. I found the stories about the show's creation, their personal journeys, and the cultural impact of The L Word both fascinating and inspiring. It felt like a love letter to the fans and the LGBTQ+ community, while also being welcoming and enjoyable for listeners of all backgrounds.

One of my favorite parts was the fan Q&A at the end—it was such a great way to connect with the audience and brought an added layer of warmth and humor to the whole experience.

The only thing I found a little confusing was when they referred to their co-stars and friends by their real names. Since I’m more familiar with the characters than the actors’ names, I sometimes had trouble keeping track of who they were talking about. They did mention who was who once, but I personally could’ve used a few more reminders. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.

This was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend So Gay for You to any L Word fan—new or longtime. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just a fan of great storytelling and strong female voices, this audiobook delivers.

Thank you again to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this fantastic audiobook!

🌈 So Gay For You by Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey 🌈

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In So Gay For You, Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig reflect on their decades-long friendship, from landing roles on The L Word to becoming queer icons, podcasters, and activists. Part memoir, part love letter to chosen family, it’s a story of identity, impact, and an unbreakable bond.

Before coming out in the eighth grade, I remember binging The L Word on my laptop in my room, so excited about the queer representation. Shane and Alice were obviously my favourites, and I’ve loved Kate and Leisha’s podcast, so I was so excited to get an ARC of So Gay For You! In each chapter, the book alternated between Leisha and Kate’s perspectives while they talked about the same topic. I started with the ebook and read most of this through the audio book, which was narrated by Kate and Leisha. It felt very conversational and honest, and was enjoyable to hear about who they were before The L Word, and how the show impacted them and their communities. It felt very nostalgic I loved getting to hear about Kate and Leisha’s friendship and how they’ve become family. Definitely in the mood for a rewatch now!

Read this if you like:
- celebrity memoirs
- The L Word
- behind the scenes in Hollywood
- lesbians

Vibes: 👖👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼🎙️🎥☔️

Song that matches the vibe: Boys Wanna Be Her by Peaches

Full review including content warnings on my StoryGraph.

🌈 So Gay For You is out June 3, 2025. Thank you NetGalley, Kate Moennig, Leisha Hailey, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC and audio arc. This eARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. 🌈

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

To the authors and narrators Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey - thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your stories.

This audiobook grabbed me from the start. I love a memoir narrated by its writers! Not only are Leisha & Kate engaging, but the sound quality was crisp and clear.


I originally knew our authors from their podcast and their roles on The L Word; that was about it. But this book dives deeper, offering snapshots of their childhoods, early careers, paths of self-discovery, and, most heartwarmingly, their friendship and chosen family. The storytelling is so vivid, I felt like I was actually in ’90s New York, shivering on a Vancouver film set, and white-knuckling it down the highway towing a beat-up camper as Leisha embarked on a questionable-but-endearing renovation project.


They each brought their own perspective recalling the filming of the original L Word as well as the re-boot. I am now fully invested in streaming the full series and catching some more episodes of their Podcast “Pants”. I can’t wait to see where the road leads these 2 artists next!!

Highly recommend!!

So Gay for You is a candid, charming, and delightfully queer romp that feels like a love letter to sapphic connection and community. Moennig and Hailey bring a raw authenticity to the page, infusing the narrative with humor, heart, and a deep emotional resonance. Their chemistry—well-known from their on-screen history—translates beautifully to their co-authored storytelling, creating a read that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you're an L Word fan or simply in search of something real and tender, this book delivers!!!!!

So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, and the Show That Started It All by Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey is a nostalgic and heartfelt listen that fans of The L Word will absolutely love. As someone who has always adored Shane, this audiobook felt incredibly special. Listening to Kate and Leisha narrate their own stories made it even more engaging and intimate.

The memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at the beginnings of The L Word, how the cast came together, and how the show became such a powerful force in queer media. More than that, it is about the deep bond between two friends who have supported each other through personal and professional highs and lows. Their friendship, humor, and honesty shine throughout the audiobook.

This is a beautiful tribute to chosen family and the impact of authentic representation. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and could easily listen to it again. If you loved the show or appreciate stories of connection and queer joy, this is a must-read.

‘So Gay for You’ by Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey brings hope to friendship and community, and of course is a must read for fans of The L Word!

We learn about the first meeting of these two, how they both ended up on The L Word, the ups and downs throughout the years.

The book is written by two people, and you get to hear stories from each of them, chapter by chapter, weaving throughout the years. This also helped showcase their friendship and flowed so nicely.

I appreciated their vulnerability and ability to reflect on the past with fresh eyes.

🎧 My brain consumed this book via my ears… so audiobook!

The narration was overall - great! Although with two different people reading (each author read their own words - which was amazing), however, people typically read at slightly different paces. With that, one author read slightly slower than the other, which was more noticeable at the start of the book. This made it a bit difficult to land on a playback speed. I ended up settling on 1.75 speed after the first little bit.

At the very end of the audiobook there was a bonus Q&A section from fans. This was fun, but at times felt like they were rushing each other to get it done.

Of course, with an audiobook, I missed all the photos - so I’ll be picking up a physical copy for our bookshelf. ;)



Note:
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC copy.

As an L Word fan, I was obviously going to be interested in this and it did not disappoint. The audiobook was such a fun time, it felt just like the Pants podcast with the back and forth chapters between Leisha and Kate. I loved that even though we are getting the story of two very different people it was written in such a way that flowed really nicely as a complete narrative. I didn't know much about these two, or any of the cast, outside of the show and I loved being able to learn about all of them. There's also a really fun Q&A at the end that's an audiobook exclusive, so I'm really glad I went that route.

This book is for everyone whose lives were changed by the L Word. I loved the glimpse into the behind-the-scenes and the real community that was built on the set of the show.

I related to Kate’s story of discovering herself even when those around her thought it was so obvious. Her journey of self-discovery took longer. I didn’t realize she wasn’t out when filming the show, and that perspective was so interesting to see.

I appreciated them sharing the parts of the L-word they found problematic and addressing those issues. Also, appreciated the criticism of the reboot and how it did not live up to its potential.

I was OBSESSED with the way Kate would replicate Leisha’s voice. Had me cackling. You can tell they are truly best friends.
Genre: Celebrity dual Memoir

Age: Adult
Themes: Found Family, Hollywood, Film Industry
Read For: Netgalley
Obtained From: Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook.
Hashtags: #hollywood #lword #actress #memoir

Okay, FINE - I'll watch The L Word, in it's entirety, for the 6th time! Twist my arm. Leisha and Kate are my two favorite actresses from my favorite show (and played my two favorite characters). I have followed their Pants podcast and when I heard they were writing a book, I was chomping at the bit, waiting to get my hands on it! It did not disappoint! This was so nostalgic listening to them talk about the show that was such a safe space for me, over the years. And what a pleasure to hear the behind the scene POV's and the beautiful forming of chosen family.

Off the bat, I was confused, ‘This isn’t Kate’s voice’, and I kept staring at the listing and the narrators. Eventually I remembered who Leisha is and in turn, remembered her voice. Wow, I’m going senile. Clearly Kate’s the one I’m a fan of.

Anyway, it was a mildly interesting read. They talk a lot about their respective an shared experiences on ‘The L Word’, as well as a little bit prior to that, growing up, coming out, a little bit about family life, etc.

Overall:
A little dull, mildly interesting.
I super appreciated them admitting and regretting ‘The L Word’s’ handling of trans people.

3 stars


🎧 Audio:
Overall sound quality is flawless. Kate’s parts are perfect and easy on the ears—the others weren’t for me, very physically painful, grating. Not everyone’s voice is for everyone, no hate.


#netgalley

I had a blast with this book! As a fan of The L Word it was a delight to hear about the behind the scenes of the casting and filming process as well as learning about how the actors grew personally throughout the show. I loved learning about their experiences of pushing boundaries in the entertainment industry and it's particularly relevant now that our political environment is trying to censor queer stories. Definitely make sure you've seen the show before you dive into the memoir though because the actors references specific plot points that you'll be spoiled about if you dive in blind.

You must listen to this on audio! It was a delight to hear both actresses share their experiences in their own voices. Also - the audio version has a special Q&A bonus section that isn't in the epub so that's an extra reason to check out the audio.

I absolutely loved this audiobook. So Gay for You is honest, hilarious, raw, and full of the kind of queer joy and friendship that just makes your heart feel full. Listening to Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey talk about their lives, their friendship, and all the messy, beautiful parts of being queer felt like sitting in on the most real, unfiltered conversation between two best friends.

Their chemistry is unreal (no surprise there), and the stories they share are equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. There were moments that had me cackling, and others that honestly hit me right in the feels. It’s vulnerable, it’s playful, and it’s just so them. If you're a fan of The L Word, or even if you’re just looking for something that feels authentic and beautifully queer, this one’s a must-listen.

Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC—I’m so glad I got to experience this one early. It’s the kind of audiobook I’ll definitely be coming back to whenever I need a reminder of how powerful, funny, and necessary queer stories and friendships are.