David McDowell's Southern Fried Denial is a memoir detailing his challenging journey as a bisexual man confronting religious trauma stemming from his upbringing in conservative Independent Fundamental Baptist and Southern Baptist churches. The author shares his story as a therapeutic exercise, hoping readers find connection and guidance from his experiences. McDowell recounts early childhood experiences of confusion and punishment over innocent affection, and the lasting impact of his father's death. He describes his lifelong struggle with his sexual identity, having realized his attraction to both men and women at a young age within an environment that condemned homosexuality. This internal conflict contributed to two marriages, marked by infidelity and deep personal pain. The book takes you on a journey through his struggles with mental health, homelessness, volatile employment, and moments which shook his faith to its core, but led him to embrace a more open, graceful, and loving understanding of faith and identity, supported by his current partner, Ali.