"Don't Look Away" by Danielle Laidley: A Courageous Memoir of Identity, Struggle, and Triumph Now a Stan Original Documentary, "Don't Look Away" is the deeply moving and fearless memoir of Danielle Laidley, former AFL player and senior AFL coach. This powerful and disarming book tells the story of her lifelong struggle with her gender identity, set against the backdrop of a hyper-masculine sporting world. A Story of Duality: Strength and Vulnerability On the surface, Danielle Laidley was known as a tough and uncompromising figure in elite football, but behind this persona was a person living in constant fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty. For decades, Danielle hid her true identity—knowing she was female despite being assigned male at birth. From her early years growing up in Perth to her time as a married father of three, and throughout her AFL career, Danielle carried this secret, compartmentalizing her life to maintain the facade. A Life of Secrets and Pain In "Don't Look Away", Danielle recounts how she navigated the demands of her professional life while struggling internally with her gender identity. Her pursuit of sporting success and later reliance on substances helped her manage the pain, but rumors of her transgender identity eventually started to surface. As the walls closed in, Danielle had no choice but to confront her truth. An Unflinching Memoir of Transition and Courage This memoir offers an uncensored look at both the world of elite AFL football and the internal battle Danielle faced in concealing her true self. It is a raw, honest, and inspiring story of what it takes to finally live as Danielle May Laidleyand the courage required to step into the world as your authentic self. Praise for "Don't Look Away": "It's an inspiring, disarming, and deeply moving book, and it deserves to be widely read." – Craig Silvey
"Don't Look Away" by Danielle Laidley: A Courageous Memoir of Identity, Struggle, and Triumph Now a Stan Original Documentary, "Don't Look Away" is the deeply moving and fearless memoir of Danielle Laidley, former AFL player and senior AFL coach. This powerful and disarming book tells the story of her lifelong struggle with her gender identity, set against the backdrop of a hyper-masculine sporting world. A Story of Duality: Strength and Vulnerability On the surface, Danielle Laidley was known as a tough and uncompromising figure in elite football, but behind this persona was a person living in constant fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty. For decades, Danielle hid her true identity—knowing she was female despite being assigned male at birth. From her early years growing up in Perth to her time as a married father of three, and throughout her AFL career, Danielle carried this secret, compartmentalizing her life to maintain the facade. A Life of Secrets and Pain In "Don't Look Away", Danielle recounts how she navigated the demands of her professional life while struggling internally with her gender identity. Her pursuit of sporting success and later reliance on substances helped her manage the pain, but rumors of her transgender identity eventually started to surface. As the walls closed in, Danielle had no choice but to confront her truth. An Unflinching Memoir of Transition and Courage This memoir offers an uncensored look at both the world of elite AFL football and the internal battle Danielle faced in concealing her true self. It is a raw, honest, and inspiring story of what it takes to finally live as Danielle May Laidleyand the courage required to step into the world as your authentic self. Praise for "Don't Look Away": "It's an inspiring, disarming, and deeply moving book, and it deserves to be widely read." – Craig Silvey
You can keep that trash and reuse it in all kinds of wonderful ways! Do you see that old jar? DonÕt throw that away! You can turn it into...a new vase! Follow an eco-conscious super hero as he...
Click on the cover image above to read some pages of this book! Book 1 in the fantastic four-book series about taking risks and flying high. A unique collaboration from children's book legend Paul...
Book 2 in the fantastic four book series about taking risks and flying high, from the children's book legend Paul Jennings and brilliant cartoonist Andrew Weldon. 'You're grounded, Ricky,'...
'At last, Ricky is friends with Samantha. But he still wants to be FAMOUS. Find out if he can finally realise his dream even though he can't let anyone see him fly. A brilliant series presented in...
52 thoughtful, whimsically illustrated meditation cards to help you find a moment of rest in the midst of your day, from the author and artist behind the New York Times bestseller Am I...
Worry Monster loves "helping" Archie worry, especially the night before he starts his new school. Archie feels so anxious that his head hurts, his tummy flutters and his heart pounds. He soon...
A timely and uplifting picture book for 5+, reflecting on what's important for each of us to remember, from the creative team that brought us All Through the Year and Today We Have No...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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