Now That I'm Out, What Do I Do?: Thoughts on Living Deliberately [Hardcover]

Brian McNaught (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1997

A prominent gay writer helps those who have recently come out of the closet re-examine some of the basic issues of human existence, such as sex, family, love, family, and community.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Writing with the "newly elect" in mind, Brian McNaught advises his readers on how to forge connections within the sometimes thorny gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities while still maintaining ties with family and old friends. Along the way, he discusses sexual ethics, same-sex marriage, work, spirituality, and political action. Readers who have been out for a year or more, or who grew up in large cities, may find McNaught's earnest tone and tortoise pace too basic, or even unintentionally funny. (After telling us, for example, that he and his gay brother, Tommy, feel comfortable with each other in the way McNaught imagines that compatible heterosexual brothers might feel, he confides that they "talk often about issues from our childhood that we are currently working on in therapy.") But for the neophyte, his tolerant and deliberate approach will feel welcoming. A good introductory book for adolescents as well, and the families of gay people. --Regina Marler --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Library Journal

The title of this excellent book perfectly captures the feelings of anticipation and bewilderment that most gays, lesbians, and bisexuals feel after the initial trauma of coming out. Drawing on his own personal and professional experiences, McNaught (Gay Issues in the Workplace, LJ 10/15/93) focuses here on the problems and issues likely to confront newly out gay men and women. He sensitively and sensibly addresses topics including heterosexism, internalized homophobia and heterophobia, sexuality, relationships and gay marriage, legal and financial problems, workplace issues, family matters, religion and spirituality, and the special needs of gay youth. A list of resources supplements the text. More meditative than directional, McNaught raises issues that will nevertheless linger with the reader and engender reflection and discussion. Warmly affirmative, realistic without being downbeat, and moving in its candor, this important work is essential to gay studies collections and is highly recommended for public libraries as well.?Richard J. Violette, Social Law Lib., Boston, Mass.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 205 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (April 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312156162
• ISBN-13: 978-0312156169
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,323,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good autobiography--but not a self-help book, June 21, 2003

By 

bguy "thatbbguy" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Now That I'm Out What Do I Do? (Paperback)

This is a well-written and interesting account of many issues that Brian McNaught has faced as a gay man. These include his loss of faith in organized Catholicism, experiences with gays in politics and organizations, how he made straight friends and allies, ways he came out to his family and formed a new family of gay friends, and his trials of fighting discrimination in the workplace (he was fired due to his sexuality). All his experiences are worth reading about. The only caveat I'd have is that the title of the book and the first chapter sort of make it seem like it's a how-to, self-help book for the perplexed gay man who doesn't fit in to the gay world and wants to adjust. The book really isn't that at all, except in the broadest sense in that you can learn to emulate McNaught as a role model through his autobigraphical tales. This is not a psychology book. There are many other books available that are more directly focused on providing advice and guidance to those who want to make the most of a gay life, and that do so with a more therapeutic perspective. So just be aware of what this book is, and is not, before you buy.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars being who you are, and enjoying it., July 23, 1999

By 

Kelly Pickell (South Bend, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Now That I'm Out What Do I Do? (Paperback)

Now That I'm Out was one of the first books I read after accepting the fact that I was gay. And of all the books I've read since coming out, this was probably my favorite. If you're dealing with your own sexuality, I strongly recommend this book. McNaught writes in a manner that's both lighthearted and serious. His wit and humor keep you turning the pages. And the variety of subjects he covers will provide every gay person with the help they need as they ask themselves the famous question: Now that I'm out, what do I do?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great addition to the sociology of being gay, November 28, 2004

By 

Dr. Joe Kort "(www.JoeKort.com)" (Royal Oak, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Now That I'm Out What Do I Do? (Paperback)

Brian McNaught is truly to heterosexism what Gloria Steinem is to sexism. McNaught takes what heterosexism does to gay and lesbian children and says what would it be like if heterosexual male and female kids and teens were forced to have to dance with, kiss and say, "I love you's" to members of the same gender to which they are not attracted to romantically or sexually? He points out how that would be sexual abuse and how there is no comparable public outcry to what happens to gay and lesbian children. McNaught has been a voice for gays and lesbians since the 1970's and is a true role model. I hope he writes more books and leads us to the next step!