I was quite apprehensive about this book to begin with because of the title and I requested it out of curiosity and I’m really glad that I did because it’s a very interesting piece of non-fiction with a very interesting concept that we don’t often see in books today. This is one of those books that I would recommend to very certain people and would happily re-read again because of the messages embedded within.

I found Gay Like Me both an interesting and informative read. In it, a gay father passes along his lessons learned to his gay son heading off to college. He tells of his life as a gay boy, growing to adulthood in times when being homosexual was dangerous, and far less accepted than it is today.

The author rejoices in who he is, and despite the difficulties, embraces being gay as the best thing about himself. He hopes that his son learns to be proud and open about who he is as well, so that LGBT persons can become better known as the real people they are and not the characterizations so many within our society still cling to. Ultimately, this will lead to less marginalization of the LGBT community and gain them the civil rights they deserve as much as any other American.

He urges his son to become familiar with the history of gay rights and to be proud of the brave men on whose shoulders they stand. He also urges him to be an activist, helping others to accept themselves as they are, lending support, doing what he can to make it impossible for America to shame those within the LGBT community or to treat them as other or lesser.

As with all parents, he wants his son to be true to himself, to find what his passion and to pursue it, to find love, to live with joy, and to contribute to the world. This book rates 4 stars from me!

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions here are my own.

Five Stars*****
A complex and beautiful love note to his young son who also happens to be gay. This book was filled with tender and provoking thoughts on why remembering you are a gay man is so important. The author now is in his fifties and does not want his son to take for granted how much was fought to advance the gay community and get some of the basic rights always taken for granted by the heterosexual community. Marriage was a landmark decision offering an institution Mr. Jackson never dreamed he could participate in. He urged his son not to become complacent or forget foremost that he is gay. With the current political climate there has been much backtracking and equality is not guaranteed. There is still so much to be done to balance the scales for the LGBTQA+ community. His son feels he is accepted and things have changed. While times are more accepting it is no where near enough. The book was interesting with the author reminiscing about his youth and the struggles he endured. He credits all the special and brave activists and gay warriors that helped to pave the path towards acceptance. I appreciated the history lessons as it is always important to remember the bad times to hopefully prevent them from reoccurring. From activism to the horrors of Aids this story was chock full of important milestones. Aids was being ignored as a public health crisis. I cringe as I write this. Yes times have changed and lives have been improved but as a society there is much needed recognition that all people are equal and love is love. What the author dealt with between rejection from past love interests that were in denial and surviving the horrifying Aids outbreak at it's worst was so sobering. Aids is still a reality, prejudice is still here and sadly fueled by our current POTUS. Mr. Jackson is not only proudly standing but supporting his son. I am a straight woman that is hopefully viewed as an ally. This book is not only a beautiful gift to his son but an affirmation of hope. I highly recommend Gay Like Me.

Yes! Amazing! This is a much needed book. Gay parents and children of gay parents needed this. I think it should be read by everyone, not just people who necessarily identify as gay. It unveils a culture that exists and is under recognized.