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Straight-Face
Brandon Wallace, of thegaychristian.com, spent his entire life trying to hide behind a mask. Growing up in the delta of Arkansas, he knew only two things about himself: he was called to ministry and he was attracted to the same sex. Afraid that coming out would destroy his reputation, livelihood, and ministry, he hid his sexual identity in hopes of finding love and acceptance. However, God would take him on a journey he never expected. Straight-Face is the memoir of that long and profound journey from hiding behind a mask to living an authentic life; from running from himself to accepting his orientation and ultimately his faith. It is a story about life, about love, and about reconciling the unique beauty of both in a world that is slowly but surely learning to do the same.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
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13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 28, 2024
This book was good, but not as good as I expected. Here are pros and cons (contains spoilers):
Pros:
- Interesting concept of author having to wear a mask he calls “straight-face” to conceal his gay identity. He does a good job giving vivid detail and descriptions of the tension and trouble that hiding yourself causes.
- Good, solid explanations on the Biblical passages on homosexuality and how they should be interpreted. This part of the book makes it a good resource to have.
Cons:
- At times, he gets a little too preachy with the "God's goodness and God's love" content and things of that nature. I would be eager for him to just get back to telling the story.
- The most surprising part of the book was reading how much support he had. He was not alone by any means with what he was facing: he has an older gay brother who supported him, local friends who supported him, a progressive group at his church, a mom and dad who accepted him when he came out to them.
Not to invalidate his struggle, but this is very mild compare to what others have faced. I came out to my parents in 2005 - fresh out of high school - and was kicked out of the house. Instead of doing what other recent graduates were doing (like preparing for college and a program of study), I was out in the world, trying to figure out how to survive on my own. I had NO friends or family to turn to. I had to call a helpline and talk to a complete stranger who lived states away. In the present time, things are no better with my parents. I received an aggressive lecture a few months ago from my mom on how displeased God is with me and neither of my parents are speaking to me – because I’m gay. Things aren’t any different with my folks almost 20 years later.
So, although I sympathize with Brandon Wallace because of what he went through, my sympathy does have its limits because there are others who go through so much more stress and aloneness. I’m glad I read this book, but I wouldn’t read it again. I’m sure there are also other books out there more impactful for those struggling to come out, those who have felt alone or hopeless after they came out, or those having difficulty accepting loved ones who have come out.
Pros:
- Interesting concept of author having to wear a mask he calls “straight-face” to conceal his gay identity. He does a good job giving vivid detail and descriptions of the tension and trouble that hiding yourself causes.
- Good, solid explanations on the Biblical passages on homosexuality and how they should be interpreted. This part of the book makes it a good resource to have.
Cons:
- At times, he gets a little too preachy with the "God's goodness and God's love" content and things of that nature. I would be eager for him to just get back to telling the story.
- The most surprising part of the book was reading how much support he had. He was not alone by any means with what he was facing: he has an older gay brother who supported him, local friends who supported him, a progressive group at his church, a mom and dad who accepted him when he came out to them.
Not to invalidate his struggle, but this is very mild compare to what others have faced. I came out to my parents in 2005 - fresh out of high school - and was kicked out of the house. Instead of doing what other recent graduates were doing (like preparing for college and a program of study), I was out in the world, trying to figure out how to survive on my own. I had NO friends or family to turn to. I had to call a helpline and talk to a complete stranger who lived states away. In the present time, things are no better with my parents. I received an aggressive lecture a few months ago from my mom on how displeased God is with me and neither of my parents are speaking to me – because I’m gay. Things aren’t any different with my folks almost 20 years later.
So, although I sympathize with Brandon Wallace because of what he went through, my sympathy does have its limits because there are others who go through so much more stress and aloneness. I’m glad I read this book, but I wouldn’t read it again. I’m sure there are also other books out there more impactful for those struggling to come out, those who have felt alone or hopeless after they came out, or those having difficulty accepting loved ones who have come out.
January 14, 2015
Straight-Face by Brandon Wallace
Wow! I don't know where to start.
I guess I'll start by being upfront about a few things. First, Brandon is a friend. I met him while he was in high school. Second, I'm straight. Third, I don't believe anyone chooses to be homosexual. There are many reasons I believe this. The biggest reason is medical science has proven biological differences in brain function. Something that can't be faked or chosen. Lastly, and most importantly, God doesn't create mistakes.
Straight-Face is the story of Brandon's struggles to reconcile his religious upbringing with his homosexuality. How he wore a "Straight-Face" for all the world to see and kept the real Brandon hidden.
The church Brandon's family attended preached on the evils of homosexuality. Stated they were condemned to Hell. This goes on in churches all over the world. Instead of teaching God's love for all, they single out homosexuals as beyond God's grace.
He realized he was different from other boys at a young age. Well before he understood the concept of sexuality. At 13, Brandon admitted to himself he was gay.
"This can't be true. Why does this have to be true?,
I thought to myself. ...Why
would you do this God? ...I don't understand."
"God, I'm gay? Seriously?"
"Can't you change this, God?"
Thus began his journey behind his Straight-Face mask.
Remarkably, Brandon made this journey without turning against religion. He did struggle and have doubts about God but in the end he built a stronger relationship with God. He wants to bring God's love to others and help them find their way.
This book moved me in so many ways. I wanted to hug that 13 year old and hold on tight and give him comfort. I wish I could have helped him navigate his path from Straight-Face back to Brandon. To have made his struggles easier by letting him know I believed in him. That others believed in him, too. The book made me very proud of Brandon and the man he has become.
I am proud to say "Brandon is my friend."
5 Stars
Wow! I don't know where to start.
I guess I'll start by being upfront about a few things. First, Brandon is a friend. I met him while he was in high school. Second, I'm straight. Third, I don't believe anyone chooses to be homosexual. There are many reasons I believe this. The biggest reason is medical science has proven biological differences in brain function. Something that can't be faked or chosen. Lastly, and most importantly, God doesn't create mistakes.
Straight-Face is the story of Brandon's struggles to reconcile his religious upbringing with his homosexuality. How he wore a "Straight-Face" for all the world to see and kept the real Brandon hidden.
The church Brandon's family attended preached on the evils of homosexuality. Stated they were condemned to Hell. This goes on in churches all over the world. Instead of teaching God's love for all, they single out homosexuals as beyond God's grace.
He realized he was different from other boys at a young age. Well before he understood the concept of sexuality. At 13, Brandon admitted to himself he was gay.
"This can't be true. Why does this have to be true?,
I thought to myself. ...Why
would you do this God? ...I don't understand."
"God, I'm gay? Seriously?"
"Can't you change this, God?"
Thus began his journey behind his Straight-Face mask.
Remarkably, Brandon made this journey without turning against religion. He did struggle and have doubts about God but in the end he built a stronger relationship with God. He wants to bring God's love to others and help them find their way.
This book moved me in so many ways. I wanted to hug that 13 year old and hold on tight and give him comfort. I wish I could have helped him navigate his path from Straight-Face back to Brandon. To have made his struggles easier by letting him know I believed in him. That others believed in him, too. The book made me very proud of Brandon and the man he has become.
I am proud to say "Brandon is my friend."
5 Stars
January 31, 2015
Just finished Brandon Wallace’s book, Straight Face. Started it yesterday, finished it today. Couldn't put it down.
In order to hide the fact that he was gay, Brandon lived a false reality he refers to as Straight Face. He felt he had no options as a young, sincere Christian, living in what refers to as the belt buckle of the Bible belt. He worked hard to make Straight Face somebody God could love. In the end, he discovers God never loved Straight Face.
Wow, what a story. In many ways, the story is a lot like mine.
Brandon was the ideal Christian on the outside, and hated himself on the inside. His journey was one of discovering that he was loved -- not Straight Face, but Brandon, the real Brandon. I think it’s a journey many of us have been on. It was cool to see how Brandon was aided by many of the same authors as I have been.
Even as a straight person, I identified so much with the masks we wear to protect ourselves. Everyone will be moved and encouraged by Brandon’s story, and motivated to live more authentically.
In order to hide the fact that he was gay, Brandon lived a false reality he refers to as Straight Face. He felt he had no options as a young, sincere Christian, living in what refers to as the belt buckle of the Bible belt. He worked hard to make Straight Face somebody God could love. In the end, he discovers God never loved Straight Face.
Wow, what a story. In many ways, the story is a lot like mine.
Brandon was the ideal Christian on the outside, and hated himself on the inside. His journey was one of discovering that he was loved -- not Straight Face, but Brandon, the real Brandon. I think it’s a journey many of us have been on. It was cool to see how Brandon was aided by many of the same authors as I have been.
Even as a straight person, I identified so much with the masks we wear to protect ourselves. Everyone will be moved and encouraged by Brandon’s story, and motivated to live more authentically.
May 4, 2016
It’s an okay book. It contains a few too many typos and is a little stretched in length, but I enjoyed his arguments and refutation of the traditional understanding of verses on homosexuality. I generally enjoy reading about theology, especially when a theologian introduces context and conflict in translations behind religious verses. But this book was a little boring at times.
August 15, 2015
I can't recommend this book enough. An honest and revealing look at Christianity through the eyes of a gay man, and coming to terms with being gay through the eyes of a Christian.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews