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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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Will is incredibly honest about his life. The highs and the lows and he doesn't hold back with the difficult times he has come through.

There are quite a few laugh out loud moments too. The situations he found himself in and some of people he met on his journey.

He has a great sense of humor, is very self depreciating. I won't spoilt it for the future readers, but his loud, verbal reaction to the boys hassling the busker is a classic.

I found particularly interesting the section of the book on the way some journalists and media personalities had treated him. Pretty appallingly to be blunt.

I recommend this book as it is, in all honestly, seriously good.

A real pleasure to get to know much more about this talented chap's life.

Great read.

Just wonderful.

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I would recommend this book, it’s funny, honest and author take the time to be vulnerable and strong through the book. Worth taken the time to listen or read this book.

Great audio book

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I really enjoyed this book I resonated with a lot of Will's situations, not the pop star bits obvs. He comes across so well and gave a real insight into his world. Well worth a listen whether you are gay, straight or indeed anyone really to learn what life can be like if you're a gay man in your late 30s onwards.

Short book but very insightful

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