Matthew

A Must Read and Must Critique

Reviewed: 11-08-21

Alan Downs presents his thesis on the origins of the unique neuroses of the gay man with enjoyable style and a typically American confidence. He clearly demonstrates his psychological expertise in his quite original formulation of the gay experience, integrating concepts from behaviourism, cognitive psychology and psychoanalysis in a way which is satisfying to those of us able to recognise them, and completely accessible and unintimidating to the layman. Unfortunately, Downs begins from a perspective of wealthy, privileged and presumably white cis-heteronormativity from which he fails to break or deviate at any time. His personal anecdotes, in early chapters especially, may alienate some readers as they did my partner, although I would encourage them to try to see past these restricted illustrations to the genuine insight beneath. More than anything, this book and books like are symbolic of the progress from queerness being labelled as deviant psychopathology to being understood compassionately through normative psychology. Therefore, it is an essential read, so that we can develop and improve on the ideas presented, towards a more inclusive and relevant thesis.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!