Gay Like Me

A Father Writes to His Son

By: Richie Jackson

Narrated by: Richie Jackson

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Chosen by Town & Country as one of the most anticipated books of the year | Named "An LGBTQ Book That'll Change the Literary Landscape in 2020" by O: The Oprah Magazine

In this poignant and urgent love letter to his son, award-winning Broadway, TV, and film producer Richie Jackson reflects on his experiences as a gay man in America and the progress and setbacks of the LGBTQ community over the last 50 years.

“My son is kind, responsible, and hardworking. He is ready for college. He is not ready to be a gay man living in America."

When Jackson's son born through surrogacy came out to him at age 15, the successful producer, now in his 50s, was compelled to reflect on his experiences and share his wisdom on life for LGBTQ Americans over the past half-century.

Gay Like Me is a celebration of gay identity and parenting, and a powerful warning for his son, other gay men, and the world. Jackson looks back at his own journey as a gay man coming of age through decades of political and cultural turmoil.

Jackson's son lives in a seemingly more liberated America, and Jackson beautifully lays out how far we've come since Stonewall - the increased visibility of gay people in society, the legal right to marry, and the existence of a drug to prevent HIV. But bigotry is on the rise, ignited by a president who has declared war on the gay community and fanned the flames of homophobia. A newly constituted Supreme Court with a conservative tilt is poised to overturn equality laws and set the clock back decades. Being gay is a gift, Jackson writes, but with their gains in jeopardy, the gay community must not be complacent.

As Ta-Nehisi Coates awakened us to the continued pervasiveness of racism in America in Between the World and Me, Jackson's rallying cry in Gay Like Me is an eye-opening indictment to straight-lash in America. This audiobook is an intimate, personal exploration of our uncertain times and most troubling questions and profound concerns about issues as fundamental as dignity, equality, and justice.

Gay Like Me is a blueprint for our time that bridges the knowledge gap of what it's like to be gay in America. This is a cultural manifesto that will stand the test of time. Angry, proud, fierce, tender, it is a powerful letter of love from a father to a son that holds lasting insight for us all.

©2020 Richie Jackson (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

very good

loved it had such a good story. enjoyed it from start to finish. enjoyed listening to it.

Stunning, fantastic.... I cried numerous times.

What a heartfelt message from a father to a son, but really from the author to all of us as children of the World.
Mr. Jackson eloquently uses historical context, and drives emotion throughout the entire book.
I had never read, nor heard of Mr. Jackson before this book. This book is now a “must read,” for every LGBT child of the World, their friends, families & allies.
Bravo Mr. Ritchie, now please get busy producing more wonderful material.

Unbelievably beautiful

This book is the most powerful I’ve ever read. I devoured it. Cried while listening. Have recommended to 10 people so far and feel absolutely changed, inspired, and whole. If I had read this as a young gay kid, it would have been life changing.

Awesome Book.

Loved it!! Hit home hard. Reminded me of how far we have come as a community!

Very imformative

I totally enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about what a gay person has to ensure on a daily basis.Very enlightening for me.

Helpful but overly fearful

I liked this book overall, but the author's attempt to infuse healthy fear in his son and audience was too much. I don't agree that some wounds never heal and it's not good to promote this idea, no matter how well intentioned.

a must read for anyone, queer or not.

At times preachy but overall a great book! More political than just a letter to a son. Highly recommend.

so validating to my experience

sharing this letter is like hearing a letter from the ancestors that a lot of us never got to hear or know. I value every word spoken and written here. :-) thank you for this gift :-)

I wish I could give this book 10 stars!

One of the best books I have read on the gay life. This heartfelt open letter of a gay father to his gay son is an important read for parents and kids, adults, and children alike.

There are quite a few gems in here

Overall I enjoyed this book and the author’s life story. There were moments I had to stop, really listen to what was being said and examine my own experience as a gay/queer (not sure which word really fits me) man. Sometimes I’d have to sit with a statement or idea and digest it for a few days. Other times I could hear my friends of color and of different socioeconomic wealth when they call me out on my privilege - and I wanted to do so with the author. Yet, he is frank about his experiences and sometimes even his privilege. He is frank about what he feels/thinks and exposes his underbelly at moments.

At first listen I found the book to be preachy but with time and contemplation I realized it was fatherly (more so than preachy) and remembered, when as a parent, how many times I’ve been accused of lecturing or preaching. I think it’s difficult sometimes to not come off as such. Also, the book is narrated by the author, so his inflections and tone match his fatherly, advice giving tone.

My favorite parts were when he focused on the importance of remembering our roots and specifically the strides made, and the fragility of our gained rights. This message (for me) seems so needed with the younger LGBTQ+ community. And yes, I’m around the author’s age so much of what I’ve experienced matches the author’s experience.

This book stirred up feelings and made me take the time to examine and contemplate my own history and life experiences. Isn’t that what a good book does?