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  • To Be a Gay Man

  • By: Will Young
  • Narrated by: Will Young
  • Length: 4 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (207 ratings)
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To Be a Gay Man

By: Will Young
Narrated by: Will Young
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

In To Be a Gay Man, Will Young speaks out about gay shame, revealing the impact it had on his own life, how he learned to deal with it, and how he can now truthfully say he is gay and happy.

We know Will as a multi-platinum recording artist, Olivier-nominee, and the first winner of the Idol franchise. But his story began long before his first audition. Looking back on a world where growing up being called gay was the ultimate insult and coming out after a lifetime of hiding his sexuality, Will explores the long-lasting impact repressing his true self has had.

As Will’s own story demonstrates, internalised shame in childhood increases the risk of developing low self-worth, and even self-disgust, leading to destructive behaviours in adult life.

Will revisits the darkest extremes he has been to, sharing his vulnerabilities, his regrets, tracing his own navigation through it all and showing the way for others who might have felt alone in the same experience.

Here you will find a friend, champion and mentor, breaking taboos with frank honesty, and offering invaluable practical advice on overcoming the difficult issues too often faced within the LGBTQ+ community.

©2020 Will Young (P)2020 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

What listeners say about To Be a Gay Man

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just wonderful.

Will is incredibly honest about his life. The highs and the lows and he doesn't hold back with the difficult times he has come through.

There are quite a few laugh out loud moments too. The situations he found himself in and some of people he met on his journey.

He has a great sense of humor, is very self depreciating. I won't spoilt it for the future readers, but his loud, verbal reaction to the boys hassling the busker is a classic.

I found particularly interesting the section of the book on the way some journalists and media personalities had treated him. Pretty appallingly to be blunt.

I recommend this book as it is, in all honestly, seriously good.

A real pleasure to get to know much more about this talented chap's life.

Great read.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not sure

I was a bit conflicted listening to this- Will is obviously very passionate about gay rights and equality, which is totally correct, but it’s at times hard to relate to and it can be a bit ‘preachy’. It’s somewhat of a tough listen, i was just glad it wasn’t too long!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

To be or not to be Gay or Not a book for everyone to get the message

l went straight into the Audio book and could not stop listening to it. Will has a mesmerising voice. l just loved it and found Will’s journey throughout sad in parts and also so helpful to those going through
the same realisations. l also thought it would help straight people to have a better understanding of what gay people have to deal with

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It's Not A Choice

Extraordinary look into a very honest gay life. As a gay man myself I cried my eyes out for almost 4 hours listening at how relatable and accurate everything Will Young says. Anyone who finds it hard to understand sexuality should listen and learn. We're all humans on this planet just trying live our lives.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An engaging story of gay enlightenment

Whilst all to familiar a narrative, this was a lovely refreshing take on the journey to understanding once’s gayness.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it !

Couldn’t believe how much I connected with Will’s ‘story’. Listened to the whole thing on a rainy Sunday. Brilliant.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very well read

Great reading voice to listen to and very open and honest account of Will's life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very moving and honest account

Been a big fan of WY since pop idol and found this account very emotional and moving. A brave and open insight into his life as a gay man. Fascinating and horrifying in equal measure. Stay strong! Beautifully read by WY.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Struggled with this

There’s something grating about his somewhat patronising voice. I didn’t enjoy listening to his story at all.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good but not easy.

Not so much a Autobiograph/Story more a fact based seris of statements but & snippets.

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