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To Be a Gay Man

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To Be a Gay Man

By: Will Young
Narrated by: Will Young
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

In To Be a Gay Man, Will Young speaks out about gay shame, revealing the impact it had on his own life, how he learned to deal with it, and how he can now truthfully say he is gay and happy.

We know Will as a multi-platinum recording artist, Olivier-nominee, and the first winner of the Idol franchise. But his story began long before his first audition. Looking back on a world where growing up being called gay was the ultimate insult and coming out after a lifetime of hiding his sexuality, Will explores the long-lasting impact repressing his true self has had.

As Will’s own story demonstrates, internalised shame in childhood increases the risk of developing low self-worth, and even self-disgust, leading to destructive behaviours in adult life.

Will revisits the darkest extremes he has been to, sharing his vulnerabilities, his regrets, tracing his own navigation through it all and showing the way for others who might have felt alone in the same experience.

Here you will find a friend, champion and mentor, breaking taboos with frank honesty, and offering invaluable practical advice on overcoming the difficult issues too often faced within the LGBTQ+ community.

©2020 Will Young (P)2020 Penguin Audio Biographies & Memoirs Gay Studies LGBTQ+ Studies
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Great listen, funny in parts yet very moving with topics discussed re gay shame.

Great listen, funny in parts yet very informative

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Thanks Will for being so authentic and open. It was a great followup to understanding shame after reading The Velvet Rage. I will share what you wrote about not accepting the shame placed on you to some mates. Also, loved when you wrote about not being out with yourself - very much related to that second step that no one talks about, which is probably even more important. Also liked the phrase self empathy rather than self love. Finally agree about Adam and Ian on the Archers, they are so boring but i think it's the producers trying to make them even more boring then the straight couples and so more normal. Charlie was a dishy character though.

A pwrsonal story but so universal

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Hearing you read your story gives it the added sentiment it needs. Being LGBTQI can be a difficult realisation for anyone, at any age, and your observations are thought provoking and honest.
This book is not a lecture or how to book. It is a journey of self discovery and experience that Will has shared with respect and integrity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Will

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