"Where did a gender-confused, Orthodox Jewish boy find refuge in the 1920s? In the circus of course. Becoming FLO, the eponymous biography of the great Ringling clown, tells the story of the joyful transformation of a sad and abused boy into the gorgeous woman she always knew she was, decked out in flamboyant costumes created either by her or her well-known Hollywood costume designer friend, touring the country as a beloved celebrity at the top of her profession, finally as free as anyone, then or now. Becoming FLO is just as much about a little-known, vibrant subculture of cross-dressing, fully out members of the Queer community of gay men, women and transexuals who found a home in the circus, which, even more than the theater, was a safe harbor when society wanted them punished and even dead. This story of the remarkable Flo and her colorful world is long overdue and unmistakably cinematic. It deserves a wide audience of readers and viewers alike.” Janet Capron, author Blue Money, New York, NY

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“I  read FLO with real delight. While I'm sure the story is significant to the author, it's valuable to others and complex in the immigrant/sexuality/profession contexts,” Sian Hunter, senior editor, University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL

 

“Thank you for writing this…it is an important tale to preserve. I think Flo would like to know that the book…has moved from the reading pile on my nightstand to my research shelves, now sitting between a biography of Mae West and two biographies of Bert Williams…an appropriate arrangement of those four books.” Bruce Johnson, author, former World Clown Association historian, Lynwood, WA

 

“Definitely evocative and special.” George Gibson, executive editor, Grove Atlantic Press, New York, NY

 

"During a time when the Ringling circus advertised ‘100 Clowns!” it was easy for individual performers to blend into the background. Albert “Flo” White distinguished himself among his peers. His elegant whiteface became iconic among the ranks of circus clowns. We now are given the opportunity to learn the real-life story of the person behind the grease paint. This book is long overdue recognition for a funny man who was also a gentle man." Greg DeSanto, executive director, International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center, Baraboo, WI

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"Deb Carson has written a great American story. Only in America could Abraham, the son of Orthodox Jewish immigrants, change his name to Albert White, question his sexuality, live life on her own terms, join Ringling’s Greatest Show on Earth! and achieve fame as a beloved circus clown. Carson takes readers from the Russian shtetl under the Czar’s thumb to under the big top of circuses around the world." 

Gary Mormino, Ph.D., author, Professor Emeritus, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL

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"If ever there were a time to tell Flo’s story, it is now. Although Flo was born more than a hundred years ago, this transgender child of immigrant parents who fled religious persecution, this innocent child whose father physically abused her for being an effeminate son, is a symbol of the call for social change and inclusion that is finally in the forefront of the world’s consciousness. The courageous young man who fled his father’s persecution, joined a circus, and became herself, is an inspiration for everyone who is stigmatized as being “different.” Flo shows us how, with an indomitable spirit and generous heart, we too, can disassociate from bigotry, embrace our true selves, and find acceptance and love." Andrea Markowitz, Ph.D., playwright and author, Phoenix, AZ

 

"FLO is a work of love and a revelation of untold Queer History. These are stories too often lost when those who lived in less tolerant times pass on. Carson has woven her own indelible family history and memories with meticulous research to create a compelling and engaging story that meshes the fabulous cultures of circus, fashion, travel, LGBTQ survival, Florida and immigration. It is going to make a great film someday." Gerald Notaro, Emeritus Librarian, Nelson Poynter Library, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL

 

“I’m thrilled that Flo’s story is finally being told. Becoming FLO is an important story about finding self-love and the bravery it takes to live your true self, no matter how difficult or how it may look to the outside world. It warmed my heart to see Flo rise up from a loveless and abusive parent to finally embrace herself, inspire and give love to others.” Sharon Preston-Folta, author, book & film, Little Satchmo, Living in the Shadow of My Father Louis D. Armstrong, Sarasota, FL  

 

“I just finished your beautiful book…you captured Albert / Flo's essence in these pages. This is also a beautiful love letter to circus life. To me, most importantly, it represents a facet of circus folks whose stories are often untold or quiet. I'm thankful to have "met" Flo.” Aíne Norris, author, circus scholar, professor, doctoral candidate, Richmond, VA

 

“Carson’s curiosity led her to research and write Becoming FLO, a riveting biography. The book documents her uncle’s beginnings, as the black sheep in a family of Russian Orthodox Jews, to his acceptance and embrace from the circus community. He was an outsider welcomed into a family of outsiders. Carson and her siblings loved to hear his tales about the road, about the strange and wonderful people her Uncle Albert encountered with regularity. About the Hollywood circus movies he’d appeared in. Albert White died in 1974, when Carson was 19, but she never forgot about him, or the stories her grandmother, and her mother, shared when he wasn’t in the room – that he had left home, at the age of 16, to escape an abusive father. Albert had literally run away to join the circus and never looked back.” Bill DeYoung, author, Skyway,  journalist, St. Petersburg, FL

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"I’ve just finished reading “Becoming Flo” — what an incredible tribute to a Ringling clown who used their creative spirit to heal from trauma and build a beautiful legacy." Robyn Song, beauty, food,  lifestyle writer, Schnectady, NY

 

"If you had attended a circus as a child, FLO absolutely will stir up these magical 3-ring memories once filled with adorned animals and colorful clowns. If you enjoy an excellent underdog story, like flamboyant fashion and titillating travel, real relationships and faltering families…FLO. She may leave you tearful, cheerful, and in darker places, fearful. A most unique story, this clown fascinates and entertains, as she did on stage. Joyful and sad, comical and real." Suzanna Rosa Molino Singleton, author, Baltimore, MD