The Velvet Rage

Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World

By: Alan Downs PhD

Narrated by: Alan Downs PhD

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.

©2005, 2006, 2012 Alan Downs (P)2012 HighBridge Company

Deep, helpful, healing and life-changing

I have read the book and listened to the audiobook of The Velvet Rage quite a few times over the years.

There is so much in this book and it is so deep that different aspects become more available and understandable at different stages of life.

I found the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) sections extremely helpful and practical.

Very grateful that I found this book. Thank you so much to the Author.

Amazing

This book finally provided me answers to questions I have been asking over a lifetime.
A

Life changing

Honestly helped me really cope with my sexuality and improve the relationships in my life.

Powerful...Enlightening...Inspiring

This book was truly amazing! A must read for all who seek truth and purpose

Great book.

I’d been told about this book and am thankful I’m going through it. It’s written specifically for gay men. It’s an eye awakening self improvement book by a gay psychotherapist. He covers what he calls the different phases we all go through to hopefully become a healthy authentic man in healthy authentic relationships. It is definitely worth while. I’d definitely encourage others to read or listen as I am.