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Fairyboy: Growing Up Gay and Out in Pre-Stonewall New York and Beyond
When Garrett Glaser came out as gay to his mother at age fourteen, she said, “You are going to a psychiatrist right now, young man! We are going to nip this in the bud.” Fortunately, she came around to accept her son’s orientation, and Garrett used his psychiatric sessions to address the challenges of finding a boyfriend.
It was 1967, and Garrett was a tenth grader at the prestigious Dalton School in New York City. When he graduated, the headmaster was heard to say of Garrett and his friend, “We just graduated our first fags.” Such was the world before the Stonewall rebellion. It was a time before rainbow flags, when very few gay people were able to live honestly and openly.
Garrett was an unusually adventurous and self-assured teenager. In FAIRYBOY, readers will follow as he explores the hidden world of gay New York, from the infamous “trucks” along the West Side Highway to the Continental Baths in its opening weeks.
Garrett grew up to become an Emmy Award-winning TV news correspondent, with stints at CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS and Entertainment Tonight. During his thirty-year career, he interviewed the biggest stars and notables of the era, from Elizabeth Taylor and President George H.W. Bush to Oprah Winfrey and even Charles Manson.
In FAIRYBOY, Garrett muses on changes in gay politics over the decades and weaves stories demonstrating the importance of mentors—and of remaining true to oneself.
It was 1967, and Garrett was a tenth grader at the prestigious Dalton School in New York City. When he graduated, the headmaster was heard to say of Garrett and his friend, “We just graduated our first fags.” Such was the world before the Stonewall rebellion. It was a time before rainbow flags, when very few gay people were able to live honestly and openly.
Garrett was an unusually adventurous and self-assured teenager. In FAIRYBOY, readers will follow as he explores the hidden world of gay New York, from the infamous “trucks” along the West Side Highway to the Continental Baths in its opening weeks.
Garrett grew up to become an Emmy Award-winning TV news correspondent, with stints at CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS and Entertainment Tonight. During his thirty-year career, he interviewed the biggest stars and notables of the era, from Elizabeth Taylor and President George H.W. Bush to Oprah Winfrey and even Charles Manson.
In FAIRYBOY, Garrett muses on changes in gay politics over the decades and weaves stories demonstrating the importance of mentors—and of remaining true to oneself.
262 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2025
67 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Glaser
1 book3 followersGarrett Glaser was the first "out of the closet" local TV news anchor and correspondent in the United States. He "came out" while on the air on the Channel 4 News at KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, on December 5th, 1994, when he was 41. Garrett grew up in Manhattan in the early 1960's and knew he felt homosexual attractions by the age of eleven. He came out to his parents in 1967, at the age of 14. The first thing his mother told him was, "You're going to a psychiatrist right now young man and we're going to put a stop to this! Do you understand me?"
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 23, 2025
Great read
Well written Garrett Glaser was one of the first Tele journalists to come out being gay in a big city that didn't expect his life style. This is a great read with a lot of humor with encouragement for the LGBTQ community.
Well written Garrett Glaser was one of the first Tele journalists to come out being gay in a big city that didn't expect his life style. This is a great read with a lot of humor with encouragement for the LGBTQ community.
September 9, 2025
This is a book I really wanted to love, but could only like for the recounting of the details of his life. His opinions and pontifications on gender and the current state of LGBT+ affairs, however, only reinforce his self-avowed ability to deny the painful aspects of the things he got to observe and report on. He's typical of those gays who grow up privileged, protected, and praised for his "bravery" in living his life out and celebrated. Particularly galling is his willing in the final chapters to lock the door on trans people because they "upset the acceptance" gays have achieved. Clearly, his empathy is not as developed as his intelligence.
July 21, 2025
Kirkus Reviews:
Our Verdict: GET IT!
Glaser shares memories of growing up in 1950s and ’60s New York City and his later career in media as an out gay man. The author first lays the foundations of his life, then reveals, through memory, the ways that he progressively opened himself up to the world. This openness came with an increasing amount of risk, as well as reward, as he revealed his sexual orientation to his family, to his friends, to his community, and, in 1994, over the air to the entire nation; he worked extensively in local TV news, and, later, as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. (As he notes, “I have too many anecdotes about 30 years as an out reporter to include here—there is enough material for another whole book.”) From the start, Glaser speaks with remarkably candid clarity and genuineness about topics that are sometimes emotionally difficult. As is true with many memoirs and personal essays, he begins by speaking directly to the reader, outlining how he will use language throughout the book, noting that it’s “easier” to use terms with which he’s familiar, and that he means no offense in their use: “I…find something rewarding in studying the terminology of earlier days: sexual inversion, deviant sexual behavior, sodomite, homophile, etc.,” he says, and he has an appreciation for terms such as “fag, dyke, homo, fairy and the like” that were once “used against us.” This early conversation serves an important, twofold purpose: First, of course, it prepares readers for how Glaser will relate to them for the rest of the work, but secondly, it effectively draws them close by identifying the storyteller as prepared to present an honest self-portrait. This makes for a wonderfully natural storytelling experience, and he rewardingly reinforces his recollections with citations from academic articles, films, and other sources to show that his experiences are only part of something much larger. Overall, the book is likely to appeal to anyone seeking to learn a bit of gay history via the framework of a revealing personal remembrance.
A striking account of one person’s life in a changing community.
Our Verdict: GET IT!
Glaser shares memories of growing up in 1950s and ’60s New York City and his later career in media as an out gay man. The author first lays the foundations of his life, then reveals, through memory, the ways that he progressively opened himself up to the world. This openness came with an increasing amount of risk, as well as reward, as he revealed his sexual orientation to his family, to his friends, to his community, and, in 1994, over the air to the entire nation; he worked extensively in local TV news, and, later, as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. (As he notes, “I have too many anecdotes about 30 years as an out reporter to include here—there is enough material for another whole book.”) From the start, Glaser speaks with remarkably candid clarity and genuineness about topics that are sometimes emotionally difficult. As is true with many memoirs and personal essays, he begins by speaking directly to the reader, outlining how he will use language throughout the book, noting that it’s “easier” to use terms with which he’s familiar, and that he means no offense in their use: “I…find something rewarding in studying the terminology of earlier days: sexual inversion, deviant sexual behavior, sodomite, homophile, etc.,” he says, and he has an appreciation for terms such as “fag, dyke, homo, fairy and the like” that were once “used against us.” This early conversation serves an important, twofold purpose: First, of course, it prepares readers for how Glaser will relate to them for the rest of the work, but secondly, it effectively draws them close by identifying the storyteller as prepared to present an honest self-portrait. This makes for a wonderfully natural storytelling experience, and he rewardingly reinforces his recollections with citations from academic articles, films, and other sources to show that his experiences are only part of something much larger. Overall, the book is likely to appeal to anyone seeking to learn a bit of gay history via the framework of a revealing personal remembrance.
A striking account of one person’s life in a changing community.
January 5, 2026
This book was a bit of disappointment. The author, a retired entertainment reporter and an activist left out any pre and post Stonewall mischief. He was denied admission to a 42nd Street porno bookstore.
Much of the book is dedicated to his career as a reporter, where he discusses being openly gay at work as well as citing some mentors and gay role models. The book is sincerely written but dedicated to a younger demographic than myself.
Much of the book is dedicated to his career as a reporter, where he discusses being openly gay at work as well as citing some mentors and gay role models. The book is sincerely written but dedicated to a younger demographic than myself.
July 4, 2025
Top reviews from the United States
Brian Scott Mednick
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Best Memoir in Years!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
Format: Paperback
In the last few years, I have read memoirs by some of my favorite stars - Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Paul Newman. But none can match the depth and intimacy of "Fairyboy: Growing Up Gay and Out in Pre-Stonewall New York and Beyond" by Garrett Glaser, an Emmy-winning news reporter who was a staple of New York local news when I was growing up in the 1980s. Best known as the strikingly handsome reporter for Channel 7 Eyewitness News and later Channel 4 in L.A., Glaser covered everything from hard-hitting news stories to entertainment with integrity, charisma, and flair. He was also one of the first broadcast journalists to come out as gay on-air during a story about the late AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser (no relation). I tore through his book in just a few days, and honestly slowed down because I just didn't want it to end.
This fascinating book tells of his growing up in Manhattan in the 1960s as an unusually mature yet rambunctious Jewish boy who loved magic, was entranced by Liberace, got into the prestigious Dalton School, and with remarkable courage and self-assurance came out as gay to his parents at 14 years old!
Glaser’s writing is such that it reads like a great novel, reminiscent of the best work of Edmund White, David Leavitt, Philip Roth, and Pete Hamill in recalling a long-gone New York, the gay rights movement, horny adolescence, and the culture of the times. I especially was reminded of White's "The Beautiful Room Is Empty" and "A Boy's Own Story."
It's refreshing to read someone's story who actually had a charmed life. There's no bitterness or self-pity. And why should there be? Glaser was blessed with wonderful parents and a wonderful stepfather. The world of pre- and post-Stonewall New York is seen through the eyes of this remarkable teenager who frequented Christopher Street and the then secretive bar scene while not even old enough to drink.
He quickly rose to the ranks of television journalism, traveling to different venues throughout the country to get his feet wet. One particular story really irked me as he recalls having lunch with reporter Greg Pelkot. Glaser overstepped his boundaries and hit on him, leaving the uptight Pelkot to overreact and later badmouth Glaser, something that would haunt him when he finally got his big gig at WABC in New York. Pelkot’s name sounded familiar so I looked him up, and it was not a shocker that, of course, he works for Fox (he belongs there!).
As for the book, the writing is really just terrific. Glaser also expanded my vocabulary with words like "Intercrural" and "seroconversion." With respect to the former, his writing at points is extremely erotic, a quality most great books have.
Growing up in New York in the 1980s, I was a news junkie even then, and I remember watching Glaser all the time. He spent several years in L.A. working on "Entertainment Tonight" but, despite watching it religiously in the 1980s, for some reason I don’t remember him on it. He interviewed almost everybody who was anybody, including Gene Wilder, Oprah, George H.W. Bush, George Clooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert De Niro, Cher – well, the list is too long.
"Fairyboy" is a book that captures a turbulent time seen through the eyes of an ambitious young man who felt he had to be his true self. Holden Caulfield had nothing on Garrett Glaser, who today is retired and happily living in San Diego with his partner of 25 years. He also happens to be as down to earth and nice as anyone I’ve encountered in the industry.
I really can’t remember the last time a book has had this much of an impact on me. "Fairyboy" is a wonderful achievement - mazel tov, Garrett! Add this book to your cart ASAP!
Brian Scott Mednick
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Best Memoir in Years!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
Format: Paperback
In the last few years, I have read memoirs by some of my favorite stars - Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Paul Newman. But none can match the depth and intimacy of "Fairyboy: Growing Up Gay and Out in Pre-Stonewall New York and Beyond" by Garrett Glaser, an Emmy-winning news reporter who was a staple of New York local news when I was growing up in the 1980s. Best known as the strikingly handsome reporter for Channel 7 Eyewitness News and later Channel 4 in L.A., Glaser covered everything from hard-hitting news stories to entertainment with integrity, charisma, and flair. He was also one of the first broadcast journalists to come out as gay on-air during a story about the late AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser (no relation). I tore through his book in just a few days, and honestly slowed down because I just didn't want it to end.
This fascinating book tells of his growing up in Manhattan in the 1960s as an unusually mature yet rambunctious Jewish boy who loved magic, was entranced by Liberace, got into the prestigious Dalton School, and with remarkable courage and self-assurance came out as gay to his parents at 14 years old!
Glaser’s writing is such that it reads like a great novel, reminiscent of the best work of Edmund White, David Leavitt, Philip Roth, and Pete Hamill in recalling a long-gone New York, the gay rights movement, horny adolescence, and the culture of the times. I especially was reminded of White's "The Beautiful Room Is Empty" and "A Boy's Own Story."
It's refreshing to read someone's story who actually had a charmed life. There's no bitterness or self-pity. And why should there be? Glaser was blessed with wonderful parents and a wonderful stepfather. The world of pre- and post-Stonewall New York is seen through the eyes of this remarkable teenager who frequented Christopher Street and the then secretive bar scene while not even old enough to drink.
He quickly rose to the ranks of television journalism, traveling to different venues throughout the country to get his feet wet. One particular story really irked me as he recalls having lunch with reporter Greg Pelkot. Glaser overstepped his boundaries and hit on him, leaving the uptight Pelkot to overreact and later badmouth Glaser, something that would haunt him when he finally got his big gig at WABC in New York. Pelkot’s name sounded familiar so I looked him up, and it was not a shocker that, of course, he works for Fox (he belongs there!).
As for the book, the writing is really just terrific. Glaser also expanded my vocabulary with words like "Intercrural" and "seroconversion." With respect to the former, his writing at points is extremely erotic, a quality most great books have.
Growing up in New York in the 1980s, I was a news junkie even then, and I remember watching Glaser all the time. He spent several years in L.A. working on "Entertainment Tonight" but, despite watching it religiously in the 1980s, for some reason I don’t remember him on it. He interviewed almost everybody who was anybody, including Gene Wilder, Oprah, George H.W. Bush, George Clooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert De Niro, Cher – well, the list is too long.
"Fairyboy" is a book that captures a turbulent time seen through the eyes of an ambitious young man who felt he had to be his true self. Holden Caulfield had nothing on Garrett Glaser, who today is retired and happily living in San Diego with his partner of 25 years. He also happens to be as down to earth and nice as anyone I’ve encountered in the industry.
I really can’t remember the last time a book has had this much of an impact on me. "Fairyboy" is a wonderful achievement - mazel tov, Garrett! Add this book to your cart ASAP!
July 15, 2025
Book overview:
I wrote this memoir. I worked on it for ten years. Although I wouldn’t automatically give myself high marks for my work, I’m doing it this time. Hope you’ll read some of the reviews on Amazon and Facebook. People like it and that makes me happy.
———-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. FROM THE FLAP.
When Garrett Glaser came out as gay to his mother at age fourteen, she said, "You are going to a psychiatrist right now, young man! We are going to nip this in the bud." Fortunately, she came around to accept her son's orientation, and Garrett used his psychiatric sessions to address the challenges of finding a boyfriend.
It was 1967, and Garrett was a tenth grader at the prestigious Dalton School in New York City. When he graduated, the headmaster was heard to say of Garrett and his friend, "We just graduated our first fags." Such was the world before the Stonewall rebellion. It was a time before rainbow flags, when very few gay people were able to live honestly and openly.
Garrett was an unusually adventurous and self-assured teenager. In FAIRYBOY, readers will follow as he explores the hidden world of gay New York, from the infamous "trucks" along the West Side Highway to the Continental Baths in its opening weeks.
Garrett grew up to become an Emmy Award-winning TV news correspondent, with stints at CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS and Entertainment Tonight. During his thirty-year career, he interviewed the biggest stars and notables of the era, from Elizabeth Taylor and President George H.W. Bush to Oprah Winfrey and even Charles Manson.
In FAIRYBOY, Garrett muses on changes in gay politics over the decades and weaves stories demonstrating the importance of mentors-and of remaining true to oneself. #
I wrote this memoir. I worked on it for ten years. Although I wouldn’t automatically give myself high marks for my work, I’m doing it this time. Hope you’ll read some of the reviews on Amazon and Facebook. People like it and that makes me happy.
———-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. FROM THE FLAP.
When Garrett Glaser came out as gay to his mother at age fourteen, she said, "You are going to a psychiatrist right now, young man! We are going to nip this in the bud." Fortunately, she came around to accept her son's orientation, and Garrett used his psychiatric sessions to address the challenges of finding a boyfriend.
It was 1967, and Garrett was a tenth grader at the prestigious Dalton School in New York City. When he graduated, the headmaster was heard to say of Garrett and his friend, "We just graduated our first fags." Such was the world before the Stonewall rebellion. It was a time before rainbow flags, when very few gay people were able to live honestly and openly.
Garrett was an unusually adventurous and self-assured teenager. In FAIRYBOY, readers will follow as he explores the hidden world of gay New York, from the infamous "trucks" along the West Side Highway to the Continental Baths in its opening weeks.
Garrett grew up to become an Emmy Award-winning TV news correspondent, with stints at CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS and Entertainment Tonight. During his thirty-year career, he interviewed the biggest stars and notables of the era, from Elizabeth Taylor and President George H.W. Bush to Oprah Winfrey and even Charles Manson.
In FAIRYBOY, Garrett muses on changes in gay politics over the decades and weaves stories demonstrating the importance of mentors-and of remaining true to oneself. #
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews