A WAY OF LOVE, A WAY OF LIFE: A Young Person's Introduction to What It Means to Be Gay

by Frances & John Cunningham Hanckel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 10, 1979

Unlike Morton Hunt's objective inquiry approach in Gay (1977), this is pure guidance--for young people who are gay or who wonder if they might be. (As to the latter, ""there is no clear and easy way to tell"" and ""it isn't necessary to make such a decision""--but this chapter like the others features those who have come out). Though many general advice books make much of the misery of the teen years, this takes a positive approach, assuring readers that being gay is perfectly natural and normal, emphasizing happy adjustments in the many case histories and long quotes from young gays and lesbians, and including several photos of gay couples and socially involved individuals (hot line volunteers, etc.) whose willingness to be so publicized no doubt makes a point in itself. How, when, or whether to come out (to parents and others), how to meet other gays, and where to go for help are among the topics discussed with flexibility and understanding; and Hanckel and Cunningham also go into male and female physiology, venereal disease, and just what gays do (essentially what straight couples do, conclude the authors, stretching a point). Though the fringes of gay life are left unexplored and a totally honest report might be a bit less upbeat, the authors' supportive mission is ably accomplished and sure to be appreciated.

Pub Date: Sept. 10, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION