Growing Up Gay in a Dysfunctional Family: A Guide for Gay Men Reclaiming Their Lives

Book by Isensee, Rik

Members of a dysfunctional family interact abusively, and when the family is homophobic a gay member will likely be doubly abused. In the first half of this guide, Isensee ( Love Between Men , LJ 3/15/90) capably outlines all aspects of growing up gay in a dysfunctional family. He includes homophobia, sexual abuse, stress, self-blame, shame, and self-destructive behavior. In the second half, he relates the ways a gay child can overcome the many hindrances to gaining self-respect through grieving, nurturing, and supporting. He ends with suggestions on how to react to homophobia and create a life without the guilt that a heterosexual society induces. Although the topic may seem a bit clinical, Isensee's book is easy to read and even gay adolescents will want to consult it.
- H. Robert Malinowsky, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.