Customer Reviews

Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self

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Cassese has provided a valuable body of work.

The article "Illusions of Intimacy" by Don Wright, contained herein, hits the nail on the head regarding intimacy issues between gay men. It is worth the price of the book. In about ten pages, Wright delves more deeply and clearly into the intimacy issues specific to gay men than do many related self help books in their entirety. Part of Wright's contribution in this article is his concise explanation of the consequences of growing up gay in a homophobic society. He describes it as "sexuality abuse," and he outlines the ways that many of its after-effects mirror those of sexual abuse. A lack of early boundary development, fears of abandonment, and low self-esteem stemming from the shame associated with both sexual abuse and sexuality abuse contribute to problems with intimacy, according to Wright. Wright provides useful, precise information about the effects of these types of abuse and how they manifest in the context of gay culture, thereby contributing to it.

Overall, the book is a compendium of articles from about the year 2000 that still serve as substantial resources regarding childhood sexual trauma for gay men. The scope of the article selections is wide enough, and the professional perspectives are sound enough to make this book a worthwhile tool.

I find this book to be a very valuable resource in dealing with gay men who have been sexually abused. I recommend it highly.

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