The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B008ARPH2G | Format: PDF
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World Description
The most important issue in a gay man's life is not "coming out", but coming to terms with the invalidating past. Despite the progress made in recent years, many gay men still wonder, "Are we better off?" The byproduct of growing up gay in a straight world continues to be the internalization of shame, rejection, and anger - a toxic cocktail that can lead to drug abuse, promiscuity, alcoholism, depression, and suicide.
Drawing on contemporary psychological research, the author's own journey, and the stories of many of his friends and clients, Velvet Rage addresses the myth of gay pride and outlines three stages to emotional well-being for gay men. The revised and expanded edition covers issues related to gay marriage, a broader range of examples that extend beyond middle-class gay men in America, and expansion of the original discussion on living authentically as a gay man.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 7 hours and 18 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: HighBridge Company
- Audible.com Release Date: June 12, 2012
- Whispersync for Voice: Ready
- Language: English
- ASIN: B008ARPH2G
While the author is thorough in exploring his worldview, it was difficult to relate to. In this world, there are only gay and straight people, strongly defined by their jobs, and at some point "wildly successful" in some sort of capitalist pursuit. I suspect that the author is limiting his worldview to the men who can afford his therapy or would choose to pursue therapy, the cost of which, I'm guessing, excludes variety and the type of person who spend thousands of dollars to pursue the lack of meaning in their own "fabulous" lives. The author also tips his hat the limitations of stereotypes and then dives right in and reinforces every gay stereotype there is. Not being a "fabulous" gay man who has never been wildly successful, it's a stretch for me to find myself, or anything of value on a personal level, in this book.
By BillUpstateNewYork
I really did enjoy this book and found it to be very insightful and interesting. The only criticism is I would have liked more practical information on how to get rid of the shame that we feel as gay men. The book builds up to it then all of a sudden moves into the phrase " now that we have overcome our shame"..... For me I would have like more techniques and ideas to move past the toxic past that gay men have to go through. That being said I thought the information on handling different emotions/situations section in a relation was very good. Overall I would suggest gay men read this book.
By glen
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World Preview
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