The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World

by Ph.D Alan Downs Narrated by Ph.D Alan Downs

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

JANUARY 2013 - AudioFile

Listeners will feel Alan Downs’s empathy and sincerity as he narrates his exploration of the challenges that gay men grapple with in a still hostile world. Providing insight and guidance, the book mixes both his personal experience as a gay male and his professional experience as a therapist. Downs certainly has the voice of a therapist; his calm, soothing delivery is likely to put anxious listeners at ease. His narration is well matched to his message as he attempts to work with the listener rather than label him. Yet that’s also where the narration becomes problematic. Downs’s voice is so relaxing that it may allow some people’s minds to drift. L.E. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169981391
Publisher:	HighBridge Company
Publication date:	06/12/2012
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	613,097

Videos