The Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem Book: A Guide to Loving Ourselves (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Most people have a general idea about what the term self-esteem refers to, but when you really think about it, what exactly is the self?..." (more)
Key Phrases: conditional beliefs, distorted messages, empty chair technique, Daily Thought Record, United States, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For gays and lesbians, self-acceptance means challenging society's persistent stereotypes and prejudices about homosexuality. Rather than translating self-esteem guidance from books with a hetero- centrist viewpoint, Kimeron Hardin has created a personal growth book specifically aimed at helping gays and lesbians deal with the very particular issues they have in their lives. He examines feelings of shame left over from childhood; discusses how careers, relationships, and lifestyle choices are affected by self-doubts; and suggests a variety of proven healing strategies. He also includes exercises that readers can use to change what they say to themselves, begin to recognize their strengths, and develop new directions for self-growth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241314
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241312
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #296,339 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem Book, March 31, 2000

By	Katherine Bowman (San Francisco, California) - See all my reviews

Dr. Hardin's book is a powerful book that presents information vital to healing the wounds inflicted on gays and lesbians, both by society and by individuals, in a manner that is friendly, accessible and eminently usable without compromising on the complexity of the topic. The respect with which the subjects of his book and the readers are treated is healing in and of itself. This book is a must read for all gays and lesbians, their family, friends and coworkers and anyone interested in preventing the damage inflicted on individuals simply because of their sexual orientation. It speaks indirectly as well to members of other groups who likewise suffer discrimination because of group membership. As a woman, in a male dominated society, I found much of relevance to my own situation in his book. This book is an easy, accessible read whose implications and potential to better the lives of its readers are profound and anything but simplistic. I highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More for gay men than lesbians, August 22, 2008

By	Kat - See all my reviews

Nice book... it makes some good points.

But it really should be called "The Gay Self-Esteem Book" instead of "The Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem Book". I appreciate the author's attempts to include token lesbian examples, but the examples are two-dimensional and unconvincing, and many issues that are specific to lesbians are left out entirely.

So, probably a great book for gay guys, but if you're a lesbian, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Inspiring Reading!, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This book is excellent and very inspiring. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to other gays and lesbians who are carrying a heavy burden of guilt from their childhood on. Reading it and completing the exercises led me on a splendid and magical, healing journey to wholeness. For the first time in my life of over 30 years, I actually feel good about myself and my life and my sexual orientation. The message of this wonderful book is: Society is the problem -- NOT your sexual orientation! I agree 100%. This book's message is easily applicable to all other minorities with an alternative lifestyle, as well. Please read this book, for yourself and for your loved ones. Self-esteem is the greatest gift which you can give to yourself as well as to your partner and the other people in your life. READ IT today! And a warm hug and THANK YOU to Dr. Hardin for sharing this tremendous message! ;)