Acts of Disclosure
The Coming-Out Process of Contemporary Gay Men

You will find its discussions straightforward, honest, and direct, as it broaches the following topics: coming out in American schools expressing your sexual identity on the job the harmful effects of involuntary public exposure why some parents adjust better than others to the fact that they have a gay child the damaging effects of social myths attached to homosexuality the emotional and behavioral reactions wives have after discovering that their husbands are gay how to anticipate a possible "outing" against oneself and the advantages of coming out to prevent such an act compulsory social programming that may be deeply injurious to gay adolescents disclosing your sexual identity after the onset of AIDS Gay males of all ages, parents, friends, children, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and educators who read Acts of Disclosure will realize their error in treating gay sexual identity as undesirable, shameful, or second-rate. As you turn the last page of this comprehensive and enlightening book, you will likely find yourself with an appreciation of gay male sexuality as well as with a better understanding of the complexities of human nature.

Contents Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Coming-Out Process
The Origins of Homosexuality
Stage 1: The Pre-Coming-Out Years Stage 2: Coming Out to Oneself
Stage 3: Exploration and Experimentation
Stage 4: Coming Out to Others
Stage 5: Commitment and Integration
Suggestions
Chapter 2. The Family Sphere: Gay Sons, Husbands, and Fathers
Reasons for Not Telling the Family
Telling One's Parents
Telling One's Wife
Telling One's Children
Suggestions
Chapter 3. The Professional Sphere: Coming Out in the Workplace
Elementary and Secondary Education
The Sciences
Business and Industry
The Military
Current Trends
Suggestions
Chapter 4. The Public Sphere: Managing Widespread Exposure
The Public Crucible Outing and its Effects
The Decisions to Go Public
Suggestions
Appendix. Coming-Out Resources
The Family
The Workplace
HIV Prevention and Treatment
Legal Concerns Religious Issues
Notes
Bibliography
Index