"Matthew Todd's book had been on the periphery of my mind since it's publication earlier in the year. I'd wanted to read it as soon as it came out, but something stopped me. I was afraid of opening its pages and confirming what I already knew about myself: that is the huge amount of baggage that is thrust upon a gay child. Todd gives names to that baggage, 'shame' and 'trauma'. It's obvious, even though I was born in 1987, that society's sneering and ignorant attitude towards being different was so palpable. It brought a whole condition of being back to me, especially those feelings of body image, inadequacy and loneliness. I haven't had any personal experience of the drug and alcohol addictions or living with HIV which is described in the book. BUT reading about it has taught me so much about members of my gay brotherhood that I only feel more compassion, more understanding, more love and most of all more RESPECT for them, that to do battle both internally and externally everyday deserves support and our humanity. I feel educated by this book, which lays out not only the patterns of self-destructive behaviour of a new generation, but also sound ideas to build a stronger, healthier and more cohesive community. Todd's book is a call to arms to love ourselves (and each other) for who we are and tto make the world a better place. I thank him for this timely book and advise everyone to read it!!"
Simon Jay can currently be seen in his 5 star Donald Trump satire Trumpageddon at King's Head Theatre in London.
