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

The most important issue in a gay man’s life is not “coming out,” but coming to terms with the invalidating past. Despite the progress made in recent years, many gay men still wonder, “Are we better off?” The byproduct of growing up gay in a straight world continues to be the internalization of shame, rejection, and anger—a toxic cocktail that can lead to drug abuse, promiscuity, alcoholism, depression, and suicide. 
 
Drawing on contemporary psychological research, the author’s own journey, and the stories of many of his friends and clients, Velvet Rage addresses the myth of gay pride and outlines three stages to emotional well-being for gay men. The revised and expanded edition covers issues related to gay marriage, a broader range of examples that extend beyond middle-class gay men in America, and expansion of the original discussion on living authentically as a gay man.

The historic, groundbreaking examination of the psychology of homosexuality: why it has lead many men to feel ashamed of their own identity and how to overcome that sense of shame.

ALAN DOWNS, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills, California, and the former CEO of Michael’s House, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Palm Springs. The author of eight books, he is a nationally known expert in the field of mental health and addictions and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR’s Morning Edition.ALAN DOWNS, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills, California, and the former CEO of Michael’s House, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Palm Springs. The author of eight books, he is a nationally known expert in the field of mental health and addictions and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR’s Morning Edition.