Why read The Velvet Rage?

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

Book description

This groundbreaking and empowering book examines the impact of growing up and surviving as a gay man in a society still learning to accept all identities.

In The Velvet Rage, psychologist Alan Downs draws on his own struggle with shame and anger, contemporary research, and stories from his patients to…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Velvet Rage as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Nicholas McInerny

Author

When I first came out – at 45! – this book became the whisper on every new gay friend’s lips – you must read this. You may not agree with it all, but please read.

Alan Downs explores the impact of growing up and surviving as a gay man in a society – he examines why we are both massive over-achievers in career and status, whilst simultaneously massively indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle that can be destructive. He’s particularly good at skewering issues around shame and anger, and the importance of primary relationships, for example with our Fathers.

I believe…

From Nicholas' list on being emotionally monogamous and sexually promiscuous.