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A review by caoilo
Yay! You're Gay! Now What?: A Gay Boy's Guide to Life by Riyadh Khalaf
5.0
Given the title of the book is Yay! You're Gay! Now What? It is probable not a surprise that Khalaf's book is aimed at teenage or young gay men.
Though that is the case Khalaf does often point out that his advice it to the whole LGBT+ community. The book deals with a lot for it's 224 pages. Khalaf manages to cover the whole spectrum of a boys life. From sexual feelings to erectile dysfunction. All with honesty, self sacrifices and dab of humor.
From his first inklings to his first time Khalaf does not leave the reader in any doubt, they are most certainly not alone.
Even with the seriousness of some of the topics, such as safety, the author manages to keep the subject light and even humorous. Lesser books would have the reader out buying weapons. The chapters feel balanced and do not leave the reader catastrophizing.
Again unsurprisingly I was drawn to this book because of its cover, the art inside the book and also the light hearted blurb. I could tell it would be a fun read and I may learn something about the LGBT+ community that I didn't already know.
What might surprise you, because it surprised me, is how much this book spoke to me. After all I am a 33 year old, Cis, het woman with a disability.
Perhaps the reason I am an Ally is because I know what it is like to be in a minority, not because I am gay but a minority none the less and so I know how it feels to suffer prejudices, injustice, and to face adversity.
Growing up as a girl in "Catholic Ireland" during the 80's and 90's meant there was no such thing as sexuality,
That is why I think this book is so brilliant. I think had the title been Yay! You Are You! Now What? I would not have even drawn myself outside of the intended readership.
I think all teenagers should read this book regardless of their orientation, particularly, I feel the chapter on consent. I'd even go so far as to say it should be reading material for P.D./Sex Ed classes.
I for one know that if I had read this in Secondary School I would not have so many body or sex hang ups now in adult life.
Have a strong feeling this is a book I will keep coming back to, for building my self esteem and working on my Anxiety.
Though that is the case Khalaf does often point out that his advice it to the whole LGBT+ community. The book deals with a lot for it's 224 pages. Khalaf manages to cover the whole spectrum of a boys life. From sexual feelings to erectile dysfunction. All with honesty, self sacrifices and dab of humor.
From his first inklings to his first time Khalaf does not leave the reader in any doubt, they are most certainly not alone.
Even with the seriousness of some of the topics, such as safety, the author manages to keep the subject light and even humorous. Lesser books would have the reader out buying weapons. The chapters feel balanced and do not leave the reader catastrophizing.
Again unsurprisingly I was drawn to this book because of its cover, the art inside the book and also the light hearted blurb. I could tell it would be a fun read and I may learn something about the LGBT+ community that I didn't already know.
What might surprise you, because it surprised me, is how much this book spoke to me. After all I am a 33 year old, Cis, het woman with a disability.
Perhaps the reason I am an Ally is because I know what it is like to be in a minority, not because I am gay but a minority none the less and so I know how it feels to suffer prejudices, injustice, and to face adversity.
Growing up as a girl in "Catholic Ireland" during the 80's and 90's meant there was no such thing as sexuality,
That is why I think this book is so brilliant. I think had the title been Yay! You Are You! Now What? I would not have even drawn myself outside of the intended readership.
I think all teenagers should read this book regardless of their orientation, particularly, I feel the chapter on consent. I'd even go so far as to say it should be reading material for P.D./Sex Ed classes.
I for one know that if I had read this in Secondary School I would not have so many body or sex hang ups now in adult life.
Have a strong feeling this is a book I will keep coming back to, for building my self esteem and working on my Anxiety.