Memoir of a longtime relationship between the author, Lynette Reini-Grandell, a cisgender woman, and her spouse, Venus de Mars, a transwoman. Author and her spouse are well known in the indie music, art, and literary communities of the Twin Cities and New York City. Venus is the lead singer for the band All the Pretty Horses. Author chronicles falling in love with Venus, when she was known as Steve Grandell, and their relationship during and after Venus's coming out as transgender in 1988 after they had been married for five years. Reveals how the couple coped in an often-hostile environment. Much of the story takes place during a time that predates the knowledge and terminology we have today about being trans. Author weaves in key developments and moments in the Twin Cities transgender community. Details the vibrant music and arts scene in the Twin Cities.

Venus was the subject of the documentary Venus of Mars, directed by Emily Goldberg in 2003. Lynette and Venus were also featured in the 2020 documentary Patient No More . In 2012 the MN Department of Revenue claimed that Lynette and Venus were not artists because they were not making enough income off art, and the dispute went viral. Neil Gaiman commented on the dispute and the story is recounted in the September 14, 2020, issue of The New Yorker . Venus uses she/her pronouns but has given Lynette her blessing to use Venus's deadname and old pronouns in the book when referring to their lives at that time.