Laurie Frankel is an American novelist, essayist, and public speaker. She has written several novels throughout her career, establishing herself in contemporary fiction. Frankel is perhaps best known for her novel This is How it Always Is, which explores the subject of a child's gender transition. The book received generally positive reviews, though it also generated controversy due to its subject matter. Through her writing, Frankel has engaged with complex social themes and personal narratives. Beyond her work as a novelist, Frankel is recognized as an advocate for transgender rights and has used her platform as a public speaker to engage with audiences on these issues.