Acts of Disclosure: The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies) [Paperback]

Marc E Vargo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 1998 | Series: Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies

Confronting the psychological, social, sexual, legal, and political issues at stake in the coming-out process, Acts of Disclosure: The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men uses research findings and first-hand accounts to help gay adolescents and men accept and embrace their sexual identity as an integral part of their being. Offering helpful advice and specific suggestions that will guide you through the coming-out process, this text also teaches family, friends, and colleagues how they can support and encourage you in this challenge.

A roadmap through the confusing process of coming to terms with your sexuality both privately and publicly, Acts of Disclosure walks you step-by-step through the stages of coming out, the emotions involved, the potential pitfalls, and the kinds of receptions you may meet. It points out both healthy and self-destructive coping strategies and teaches you how to take responsibility for your sexuality. You will find its discussions straightforward, honest, and direct, as it broaches the following topics:

• coming out in American schools
• expressing your sexual identity on the job
• the harmful effects of involuntary public exposure
• why some parents adjust better than others to the fact that they have a gay child
• the damaging effects of social myths attached to homosexuality
• the emotional and behavioral reactions wives have after discovering that their husbands are gay
• how to anticipate a possible “outing” against oneself and the advantages of coming out to prevent such an act
• compulsory social programming that may be deeply injurious to gay adolescents
• disclosing your sexual identity after the onset of AIDS
  
  Gay males of all ages, parents, friends, children, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and educators who read Acts of Disclosure will realize their error in treating gay sexual identity as undesirable, shameful, or second-rate. As you turn the last page of this comprehensive and enlightening book, you will likely find yourself with an appreciation of gay male sexuality as well as with a better understanding of the complexities of human nature.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (March 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560239123
• ISBN-13: 978-1560239123
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,775,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marc E. Vargo is a nonfiction writer whose subjects include biography, history, and human sexuality. A recurrent theme centers on men and women of the twentieth century who affected society in meaningful ways, with figures ranging from the American composer Aaron Copland to the Swedish Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold.

In 2012, McFarland and Company will release his fifth book, "Passion and Principle: Women Who Defied the Third Reich," a study of eight Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and American women who played crucial roles in the resistance during World War II.

Visit MarcVargo.com for a complete listing of Marc Vargo books, journal articles, and essays.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I found this to be an excellent read, December 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Acts of Disclosure: The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies) (Paperback)

As a young gay man who has come out of the closet already, I found the book a thoughtful and acurate portrayal of the feelings and concerns that I went through on my own. Having this book at that time would have made my life a lot simpler. Mr. Vargo has written a book that recognizes the need for the individual to express him/herself, but also recognizes the need to keep a personal part of ones life private, at least in some parts of ones life. Coming-out is not a one step process, and this book will help anyone in any stage of that process. If you are thinking of coming-out to friends/family please read this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for those dealing with ANY coming-out issues!, December 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Acts of Disclosure: The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies) (Paperback)

I would highly recommend this book for anyone, at any level of the "coming-out" process, as well as Parents,Sons, Daughters, and any other family members of someone who has recently "come-out". Much research has obviously gone into this work and I commend Vargo for that, as well as the EXTENSIVE Bibliography that is included. I certainly hope that organizations like PFLAG add this book to it's list of recommended reading.

Sandy Miller

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One Helpful Way to Help Homosexuals and Friends, February 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Acts of Disclosure: The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies) (Paperback)

This is a great book for someone concerned about a family member comming out or one who is concerned about comming out. Persons who are more educated about this subject are more likely to respond in a better way then one who is not educated about it. A great read for people are friends, parents, bosses, relatives, and others who want to learn to be more accepting of homosexuals. As this book mentions PLEASE be supportive of one who is going through the comming out process or who is out and needs a friend to talk about their problems. By being supportive one would feel less down and the bebefits can be huge to let the person know that you will be their to talk to if they need some one. If we become more accepting there would be less suicide, depression, and feelings of guilt. Be supportive and make a difference in someones life. This book is one great resource for anyone who want to have more good information on this important subject.