Being Homosexual: Gay Men and Their Development

by Richard A. Isay

Argues that homosexuality is biologically innate, suggests a natural developmental path for homosexuals, and discusses the problems faced in long-term gay relationships

Genres: Psychology, Gay, Nonfiction, Queer, LGBT, Sexuality

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Arie]

I only want to read about gay and I only want to read about psychoanalysis So this was very good. I think there is a dearth in the realm of gay ""self-help""/psychology and all contemporary content relating to that is unforgivable slop/Memoir/autofiction/queer eye style PSA.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this book would have be incredible in 1989 it has dated which is to be expected. Regardless of this, it was a powerful thought provoking book which gave me a glimpse into what it would be like being LGBTIQ in 1989. It also prompted welcomed moments of self reflection.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically psychoanalysts treat homosexuality as a psychopathology worthy of conversion therapy. Not Isay, a psychoanalyst. His unique psychoanalytical approach gives insight into sexuality, especially in speaking of gay men's relationships with their fathers. An insightful book with perspectives other psychological orientations are unlikely to provide.

[Stewart Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent excellent. This book helped me tremendously to know myself better and to know how to help others that have dealt with similar issues. The authors observations are very well researched and clearly documented. In addition, Dr. Isay wins the award for the longest sentences I've ever read using words that I had to re-read several times.

[RobinTheWings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected more of a broad comprehensive walk through the development of gay men. But nonetheless there was great wisdom and fascinating insight from a deeper dive in homosexuality and Psychoanalysis. At times overly precise and minutely focused it is still full of many important gems.

[Demo · Rating 3 out of 5]

bit dated. still pretty interesting

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a thoroughly thought-provoking book, Dr. Isay treats the reader to a novel approach to the ideas of psychotherapy concerning the development of gay men. He first undertakes the task of explaining why the prevalent attitude of psychotherapy of the late twentieth century was so harmful to the gay men that sought its help and by going to Freud himself, justifies the need to acknowledge the right and dignity of gay men to a supportive therapy environment. His insight into the different development stages of gay men, while expressed completely in Freudian terms, is severely thought-provoking and definitely worthwhile reading.

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isay has a way of writing that is very warm and open. I love reading him for that reason alone. He also presents a difficult subject like psychotherapy in a way that a person who doesn't know anything about can wrap his head around.

This book was very informative and contained a lot of insight about the development and psychology of gay men.

[Zweegas · Rating 2 out of 5]

My brother Bruce sent me this book for Christmas 6 or 7 years ago. I read it and at the time it seemed interesting and there are certain things about it that seemed true and stuck with me, but with the passage of time I don't think the advice turned out to be all that good, at least for me.

[Salvatore · Rating 2 out of 5]

A product of 1980s psychology certainly, but interesting that it was one of the first books of its kind in such gender/gay psychology studies and acceptance.

[Harold Coutts · Rating 2 out of 5]

kinda outdated views tbh