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An absorbing and often hilarious account of the author’s 12 years as closeted cabin crew for British Airways. It’s a story of love, creativity and acceptance, the transformative power of lesbian love and more.
This is the account of Karen's experience flying as cabin crew for British Airways over a 12-year period, and the profound impact that experience had on her life. Told with the wit and verve that characterised her debut. Lifting Off is about seeking identity in a heterosexual world, whilst dealing with the fall-out from fractured family relationships. When a colleague suggests to Karen that she should hide her sexuality to make others feel comfortable, she has no idea what the personal cost will be. Having come out as a lesbian she goes back in.
Whilst gay male cabin crew are accepted, gay women are forced to hide their true selves. Against a backdrop of exotic locations, hotel bars and nightclubs, Karen slowly unravels as the inability to truly be herself begins to impact on her spirit. In essence it's the story of how Karen came into land. How she learned to look after herself and discovered her true strength. Ultimately, it is about love and creativity: unconventional love for her gay best friend, the rarity and transformative release through lesbian love, and the freeing impact of her dad's death.
It will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered who they really are or has taken a job that diverts them from who they thought they would be.
Author: Karen McLeod
Paperback Published November 2024 198 pages
‘A beautiful, wise and funny exploration of love and how to be a whole person standing on solid ground. I really did love it.’ Evie Wyld
‘Such an enchanting and moving book, the horror of the corporate scrunchie was never better expressed’ Susie Boyt
‘In a deceptively gentle self-evocation, Karen McLeod shares the hard parts and the juicy stuff with warmth and generosity’ Stella Duffy
‘Witty, irreverent, deeply felt, and exquisitely written, Lifting Off lifts the lid on one of the strongest performers and authors in queer UK, and in doing so lifts us all. I can’t recommend this extraordinary memoir enough. Stunning.’ Joelle Taylor
‘An absorbing and often hilarious account of the author’s 12 years as closeted cabin crew for British Airways. It’s a story of love, creativity and acceptance, the transformative power of lesbian love and more.’ Editor’s Choice, The Bookseller