The Velvet Rage Poetry before each chapter draws together

before each chapter draws together key findings from the interviews

the sibling revelry is always tempered with a large dose of sibling rivalry

this heart-stoppingly candid memoir reflects on the challenges of balancing idealism and pragmatism

The image of violence enacted by a male aggressor to a female victim dominates public perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV)

Our Journey from the Shadows

The Velvet Rage Poetry before each chapter draws togetherOvercoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World. Today's gay man enjoys unprecedented, hard won social acceptance. Despite this victory, however, serious problems still exist. Substance abuse, depression, suicide, and sex addiction among gay men are at an all time high, causing many to ask, "Are we really better off?" Drawing on contemporary research, psychologist Alan Downs's own struggle with shame and anger, and stories from his