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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 Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
Will has a great voice so the performance was excellent. I loved it. As a bisexual woman who had an easy coming out, I identified with a lot whilst not completely relating. Lots of interesting thinking points, and also heartbreaking to hear about the homophobia Will, and many others, have suffered.

Interesting and easy to listen to

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Narrative is wonderful (not surprisingly)). The story is catching, especially for londoners. Easy to follow, but the story (self biography) of course isn’t pleasant- as the life itself though. The author concentrated mostly on aspects of his biography, and also named a few areas , such as shame, pretending, never be enough. For each this field there are dozens of specific books, but it will be a useful list for someone without understanding where to go for if needed)

A good book

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This is an interesting, informative listen that's honest and, at times, quite raw. It shows the real challenges of being gay in a society that is still behind in acceptances. It's a story not yet complete and I hope Will writes more and finds his happiness.

A good listen.

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Not so much a Autobiograph/Story more a fact based seris of statements but & snippets.

Good but not easy.

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I found this book fascinating. It’s far more than just a memoir or personal experience. Yes it gives personal details, and at times is very candid and bravely self exposing, but it’s also a history of how the world and in particular the UK has treated gay people so badly over the years.
Highly recommend

Great book- much more than just a memoir

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