booksofjades's profile picture

booksofjades 's review for:

Straight Jacket: Overcoming Society's Legacy of Gay Shame by Matthew Todd
3.0
challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
The dedication alone in this had me moved. 
“Dedicated to the memory of mark houghton, and all those lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning or intersex young people who’s lives ended too soon, and to their families with the hope of change.”
As a queer individual, for many of us shame just becomes an integral part of our reality and this book is a wake up call to how that’s not okay and we deserve better. 

It talks about the benefits of community in combatting your rock bottom and defeating addictions. Additionally it highlight how those with ACE (adverse childhood experiences) are more vulnerable to mental health struggles and addiction and the how heavy the weight of bullying can be in contributing to that for queer individuals that is different to their hetero peers. 

Matthew bears his soul, while also sharing vital support information and specialist advice from friends and peers in the community. It’s divided into three parts: shame, escape and recovery and is likely to be a journey of selfdiscovery for many who read it.  He bares his soul to let us know we’re not alone. It’s an essential read both for gay men to know they aren’t alone as well as the wider queer and none queer community to help them better understand and change for the better. 

This is one of the first books I’ve read that has highlighted how truly important it is for straight society to support their friends and family who are queer, how damaging it can be when they’re not and the power of their privelaged voices when they stand up for us. Though my heart is with those who have gone through the worst of losses, I thank them for their continued advocacy and honour them with my pride. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings