Gay like me : a father writes to his son

The Resource Gay like me : a father writes to his son
Label
Gay like me : a father writes to his son
Title remainder
a father writes to his son
Statement of responsibility
Richie Jackson
Creator
Author
Subject
Genre
Language
eng
Summary
  • "When Richie Jackson's son born through surrogacy comes out to him at the age of 18, Richie - now in his 50s, a successful producer and happily married - feels compelled to write him a letter. Gay Like Me is both a celebration of gay identity and a sorrowful warning. Jackson talks of his own progress and growth as a gay man coming of age through decades of political and cultural change. We've come a long way, he argues: discrimination is now outlawed in most states, gay men and women can marry, and there are drugs available to protect against AIDS. His son is going to be living in a newly liberated America. However, he also argues that nothing can be taken for granted. Bigotry and hatred still exist, nurtured by a President who draws votes and support by stirring up fear of The Other, and excluding minorities and anyone who can be labelled 'an outsider'. A newly constituted Supreme Court could revoke laws and turn the clock back. The gay identity can be worn with pride, but gay citizens needs always to be aware that their gains are fragile. Like Between the World and Me, this is a response to our times, and will strike a powerful chord with anyone who cares about human rights and the importance of tolerance and social progress. Angry, proud, moved, tender, this is also a powerful letter of love from a father to a son, relevant to everyone"--
  • When Richie Jackson's eighteen-year-old son came out to him, Jackson was compelled to reflect on his own experiences as a gay man. This is his celebration of embraced identity-- and a powerful warning. Despite the achievements of the past fifty years -- increased visibility of LGBTQ people, the legal right to marry, and more -- bigotry and hatred not only still exist but are ignited by a president and a vice president who have fanned the flames of homophobia with divisive rhetoric. Being gay is a gift, Jackson writes -- but the community cannot afford to be complacent. -- adapted from jacket
Assigning source
Provided by publisher
Biography type
contains biographical information
Cataloging source
DLC
Index
no index present
Literary form
non fiction
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