The book that I read approaches the issue of growing up gay. The protagonist talks about engaging in his first gay experience with another young boy in the book. The protagonist engages in a journey of self-discovery in a world where being gay has not been embraced in society. The author explains that “I don’t believe I had ever heard of “queer” or “homos”- the scorch of that disdain waited over the border of adolescence.” (Monette). From this sentence, it is apparent that the author faced trauma and stigmatization in his later years due to his sexual orientation. It, therefore, becomes apparent in the book that society still harbored prejudice against members of the LGBTQ community, as the author would later experience. The book also explores the issue of childhood friendships and sexual orientation. The protagonist talks about his declining relationship with his best friend when he discovers that he has sexual feelings for another boy.
From the reading, I took away that sexuality is inborn, and one gets sexual urges from a young age. One does not, therefore, realize their sexual orientation as an adult. I also learned that as a young individual battling sexual urges, a support system is essential, and one would benefit from sharing their feelings. It also became apparent from the reading that sexuality may cause a rift in platonic friendships, especially if both friends have different sexual orientations. Finally, just like in the book, I realized that society still harbors prejudicial thoughts about LGBTQ individuals, which is a cause for them to remain closeted and silent. In conclusion, the book delivers a compelling picture of self-acceptance and the transition of an LGBTQ person into adulthood.
Work Cited
Monette, Paul. Becoming a Man: Half a Life Story. San Francisco, Harper, 1992.