Michelle Bates Deakin has been writing about personal journeys and social change for two decades.

Her book, "Gay Marriage, Real Life: 10 Stories of Love and Family was published in December 2005 by Skinner House Books. (You can order a copy here: www.uua.org/bookstore or purchase it at bookstores nationwide.)

"Gay Marriage, Real Life" was named a Finalist by the Independent Publisher Book Awards, 2006.

Her articles have appeared in many national magazines and newspapers, including: The Boston Globe Magazine, UU World, Inc. Magazine, Boston Magazine, Harvard Law Bulletin, CommonWealth.

Michelle is a graduate of Williams College. She lives near Boston with her husband and two sons.

You can reach Michelle at mbdeakin@rcn.com.