I’ve previously written reviews that centered around books that dealt with the issues of being gay and non-white. This is a double whammie for some black members of our community who, already faced with a world that often turns their backs on them because they’re not white, now have to contend with being shunned by their own families and by the greater black community for being gay.
In the interest of seeking more information on the topic of the black community and the acceptance of it’s gay and lesbian brethren, I sought out some resources. I came across this 2006 book by Ben Setfrey that tells it like it is: DON’T SHOOT! I’m Coming Out ~ How to “Man-Up” and Set Heterosexuals “Straight”
This is a must read for the gay community, for the black community, for teens of color who are scared and in the closet, for the closeted in general…heck, everybody read it. It’s a few years old but there’s a lot of great, still very pertinent info here that can lead to greater understanding for the whole community.
I’m not going to rattle on about this book. The editorial review and the publishers synopsis for this one say everything about it that you need to know to compel you to read it. Here they are:
Review
WOW!A powerful, revealing and strong read that’s long overdue” – David Kopay, 1st NFL Player to annouce his homosexuality
Product Description
Benn Setfrey turns the tables and puts the Black community “on notice” for the sinful often-fatal atrocities that are perpetrated against homosexuals in his new book “DON’T SHOOT! I’m Coming Out ~ How to Man Up & Set Heterosexuals Straight”. Benn, an African American who has lived a very private life, risks public persecution by “coming out” to bring you his personal story of love, betrayal, discrimination, and damnation.
In his witty and thought-provoking style, Setfrey confronts the hypocrites, who sit in church every Sunday claiming to be saved while simultaneously condemning every gay man to hell.
Additionally, he shares the Creative Classroom Management Strategies he used while an educator for both Chicago and Milwaukee Public Schools. His tactics will indeed modify student conduct all over the country as he bends the rules by breaking the teacher code of silence. “If you show me 10 principals; I’ll show you 9 fools. How about No Child, Parent or Teacher Left Behind.”
Don’t Shoot! I’m Coming Out also includes a one-of-a-kind guide for gay men and men who feel trapped in the closet. The guide is not about “coming out” or being on the down-low; but more about developing a sense of manhood, gaining autonomy, and changing the paradigm on how the world views homosexuals and how homosexuals view themselves
Who will young black gay men turn to for guidance when their fathers turn their backs? We, according to Setfrey, have no MACHO gay role models and no rulebook to follow, but now that’s all about to change.
Thanks Shelly for the share.