This is the groundbreaking examination of the psychology of homosexuality & why it leads to shame over one's identity & how to overcome it
- now expanded & fully updated. Today's gay man enjoys unprecedented hard-won social acceptance. Despite this victory however serious problems still exist. Substance abuse depression suicide & sex addiction among gay men are at an all-time high causing many to ask Are we really better off?" Drawing on contemporary research psychologist Alan Downs' own struggle with shame & anger & stories from his patients " The Velvet Rage" passionately describes the stages of a gay man's journey out of shame & offers practical & inspired strategies to stop the cycle of avoidance & self-defeating behaviour. Updated to reflect the effects of the many recent social cultural & political changes " The Velvet Rage" is an empowering book that has already changed the public discourse on gay culture & helped shape the identity of an entire generation of gay men."