In 2019, Gene Dawson decided he wanted to get his book published while his health still allowed it. After Farm Boy, City Girl was published in April 2020, he enjoyed hearing every comment about it. Sadly, he passed away at age 89 in September 2020.

Before Gene finished his book, his life story had piqued the interest of documentarian Geoff Story, who is working on the upcoming LGBTQ-history documentary, Gay Home Movie. Gene was interviewed for the documentary for background history. Gene and director Story also were interviewed for the article, “L.G.B.T.Q. in the Midwest, Where the Fight Is Still Happening,” which was in The New York Times in May 2019.

Gene's memories live on; keep updated at facebook.com/farmboycitygirlbook.