Joint Book Club
Event Details
The Association of Legal Administrators New York City Chapter (ALANYC) & Puget Sound Chapter (PSALA) Diversity Equity & Inclusion Teams presents: Getting to Ellen: A Memoir about Love, Honesty and Gender Change* By Ellen (Ellie) Krug.
Join ALANYC and PSALA as we collaborate to bring our chapters and DEI teams together for a book club session in recognition of Pride Month. We are excited to welcome back. Ellen (Ellie) Krug (pronounced “Kroog”) with a discussion of her book Getting to Ellen*. A well-known ALA speaker, Ellie was a civil trial lawyer who, at the age of 52, transitioned from male to female while living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although not an easy process, transitioning genders gave Ellie the opportunity for a “do-over” in life, which has included working to make the world fairer and more inclusive for all humans, particularly those considered “Other.” Both ALANYC and PSALA look forward to an engaging discussion with Ellie on her navigation of life as a woman and what we can learn from the paths of those who embark on gender transition. As a bonus, the first 15 people from each chapter who register for this session will receive a free copy of Ellie’s book.
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About the Book:
What is the price of living an authentic life? Ellen Krug knows. “Getting to Ellen” details the “gender journey” taken by Ellen Krug, a woman born into a male body. As a man, “Ed” Krug had everything anyone could ever want: the love of a soul mate named Lydia, two beautiful daughters, a house in the best neighborhood, and a successful trial lawyer’s career—a Grand Plan life so picture-perfect it inspired a beautiful pastel drawing. In a quest to find inner peace, Ed gradually confronted fear and loss, including the residue of growing up in an alcoholic household and a parent’s suicide. As this page-turning story of self-discovery unfolds, the reader understands that for Ed to live authentically as Ellen, much of that picture-perfect life—including Lydia’s love—would need to be sacrificed. How could anyone make that choice, pay that kind of price? Then again, how could anyone not? This is much more than one person’s story about some things lost and others gained. It’s a glimpse into the life choices that all of us make, whether or not we’re transgender. This is a perfect read for anyone dealing with a key personal decision, crisis, or the question of whether to be true to oneself. Also, this story details what it means to be transgender, helping anyone wrestling with gender identity issues or loved ones trying to understand another’s “gender journey.” In short, “Getting to Ellen” is an unforgettable true story of love, honesty, and the rewards of living authentically.
For more information, contact the ALANYC DEI team leads, Ayana Lewis or Tina Carter, and for the PSALA chapter, team leads Ginger Rochford and Shevette Floyd.
Note: The book contains descriptions of suicide, substance abuse, sexual themes, and strong language. Reader discretion advised. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the chapters.
Copyright 2025 The Association of Legal Administrators New York City Chapter (ALANYC) & Puget Sound Chapter (PSALA)