The second book was Two Boys
Kissing. As I fell quickly into the pages, I realized this was the first
novel I'd read about young gay men, their relationships and their desires. The
first novel I'd read where my sexual identity was reflected back to me from
every page.
Every time I hear, read, see those voices telling stories about being
gay, I’m empowered. As Pride season continues, here’s a quick review of three
books already on my bookshelf that I loved, and previews of three I hope to
love next.
Three to read now
Two Boys Kissing by David Leviathan is simply incredible. Centred, as you might expect, around two boys kissing, the book steadily and suddenly grows with intensity, intrigue and emotion by offering an authentic snapshot of young gay boys in America. At one point I was struck with a shudder and a memory from my school days that I’d long forgotten. The narration makes it a stand-out read that you must discover for yourself, because it’s too good to give away any more plot details.
Proud by Gareth Thomas
with Michael Calvin breaks away from the formulaic autobiography template,
sometimes interrupting and mixing up the chronology of the Welsh rugby hero's
coming out to the best effect. The book is intimate, whilst still maintaining
Thomas’ privacy and avoiding a ‘kiss and tell of Soho’ saga. Ultimately it’s a
story of celebrating your identity, and left me hopeful for more British rugby
players and sportsmen to talk about their sexuality. The love and acceptance is
there, and continually growing.
In Fathomless Riches, Rev Richard Coles glides through the three stages of his working life: 1980s socialist popstar in The Communards, full-time raver/artist and then his ordination to be an Anglican priest. He doesn’t seek to justify his sexuality and theology but uses it as accepted truths throughout the book. Coles gives a vivid and personal look into the 1980s London gay scene and the devastating impact of Aids on the whole community.
Three to read next
Matthew Todd
is Editor of Attitude, Britain’s best-selling gay men’s magazine. His
book Straight Jacket: How to be Gay
and Happy has already been described as life changing and a must read
by those fortunate enough to get a preview copy. Mental health is a critical
issue for the LGBT community. 1 in 3 young LGB people in the UK and 1 in 2,
that’s half, of all young trans people have attempted suicide. Todd has been
there and seen gay culture from all sides. I’ll be listening to him speak about
the book and review it here at the end of the month.
Also due out in the next year is Vicky Beeching's forthcoming memoir. Vicky made her name and living as a British worship leader over in Nashville, a city at the heart of America’s conservative Bible belt. Since coming out two years ago as a lesbian, she’s been an inspiration to LGBT+ Christians across the world to speak openly about their faith and sexuality, including me. The fallout of a high profile evangelical Christian coming out has included her royalties taking a hit as some conservative churches stopped playing her worship songs. It’s a continuing story that I want to start reading now.
Garth Greenwell's debut
novel, What Belongs To You starts with an American in a Bulgarian
gay cruising bathroom. It’s an updated scene that I’d seen before in Tearoom Trade,
the controversial sociological study from the 1970s that was the first book
about I read about gay sex. [I wouldn't recommend it as an introduction. I
mistakenly chose to read it for my course assuming it would be about actual
tearooms]. Reviews for What Belongs To You have already called it ‘the
great gay novel of our times’ and are celebrating its 40-page paragraph.
Have you read some of those books and want to share your views? Or have other books to recommend? Let me know so I can keep growing 'my gay bookshelf'!
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