Finally Out

Psychiatrist Loren A. Olson has frequently been asked two questions: "How could you not know that you were gay until the age of forty?" and "Wasn't your marriage just a sham to protect yourself at your wife's expense?" The author answers these questions by telling the inspiring story of his evolving sexuality, into which he intelligently weaves psychological concepts and gay history. This book is a powerful exploration of human sexuality, particularly the sexuality of mature men who,...
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Psychiatrist Loren A. Olson has frequently been asked two questions: "How could you not know that you were gay until the age of forty?" and "Wasn't your marriage just a sham to protect yourself at your wife's expense?" The author answers these questions by telling the inspiring story of his evolving sexuality, into which he intelligently weaves psychological concepts and gay history. This book is a powerful exploration of human sexuality, particularly the sexuality of mature men who, like Dr. Olson, lived a large part of their lives as straight men--sometimes long after becoming aware of their same-sex attractions. Readers will come to understand topics such as how stigma has created mental health problems for isolated and closeted men, how sexual function changes but perhaps even improves for older men, why conversion therapy does not work and may be harmful, and how to overcome the shame and guilt experienced by men who are sexually attracted to other men.