A groundbreaking and controversial book which explores
contemporary gay and bisexual culture and asks if gay people
are as happy as they could be. Todd explores why statistics show a
disproportionate number of gay people suffer from mental health
problems, and why significant numbers experience difficulty in
sustaining meaningful relationships. It is a call-to-arms for
society to protect and nurture young people, regardless of their
sexual orientation.
Matthew Todd is one of the UKs leading gay writers. He was the
editor of the UK's bestselling gay magazine, Attitude, between 2008
and 2016 where he won three British Society of Magazine Editors
Editor of the Year Awards, a Stonewall Journalist of the Year Award
and was given the Freedom of the City of London. Prince William
made history by sitting for the cover of Matthew's final issue as
editor.
Matthew's first book, Straight Jacket was voted Boyz LGBT Book of
the Year 2017, and has been called 'an essential read for every gay
person on the planet' by Sir Elton John, 'utterly brilliant' by
Owen Jones and as 'game changing' and 'life saving' by readers.
He has written for national newspapers, including the Guardian,
Observer, Telegraph and Sun. He appears regularly on TV and radio
and is a regular speaker at conferences and events, including the
Terrence Higgins Trust HIV Prevention CHAPS conference. He lives in
London. His work appears in This Is Not A Drill (Penguin), Letters
to the Earth (Harper Collins) and The Queer Bible (HQ). His second
book PRIDE- The Story of the LGBTQ Equality Movement (Welbeck) is
out now.
This is an essential read for every gay person on the planet.
*Elton John*
Utterly brilliant.
*The Guardian*
Amazing. A seminal work. It will be used as a study book.
*Will Young*
Todd doesn’t hold back in calling for a shift both outside and
inside the gay community. He calls out hook-up apps such as Grindr,
the 'mean girls' persona that so many gay men adopt, and the gay
press itself… Straight Jacket isn’t just a self-help book. It’s a
resource for anyone with an interest in knowing what needs to
change to bring about real equality... For that, Matthew Todd has
another reason to be proud.
*Evening Standard*
The book everyone is talking about… This is probably the most
important thing I’ll ever read as a gay man. Full of profundity and
fearless honesty.
*Calum McSwiggan, Youtuber*
I recommend it to everyone I meet. I've bought 15 copies to give to
people. In my opinion it should be on every teacher's reading list.
Whoever you are - especially if you are straight - go and buy it
now. It could help change your life and the world around you.
*Rankin (Photographer & Director)*
One of the most powerful books, sensitively and elegantly written,
I think, that I have ever read.
*Lord Michael Cashman CBE*
If only this had been written twenty years ago I can only imagine
the lives that could have been saved sooner. This is a hugely
important book for everyone. It's changed the way I see myself,
other people and the world.
*Paris Lees, author and British Vogue Contributing
Editor*
Matthew Todd dares to shine a light on the dark legacy of gay shame
[and] it’s not a pretty sight…There are some uncomfortable and
downright terrifying truths to be confronted in Todd’s brilliant,
essential new book. It’s difficult to underestimate the importance
of Straight Jacket. If you are struggling and want help and don’t
know where to look, this book is a great place to start. But even
if you’re not, [it] is by far one of the most important books
you’ll read this year.
*Gay Community News Ireland*
An essential book... Part sociological polemic and part self-help
book, it zones in on some of the issues that disproportionately
affect the gay community, from depression and anxiety to drug and
alcohol addiction and body and eating disorders. I found myself
both deeply upset and hugely relieved by its candour. After reading
the book, tender as it is, you can’t help but want to share your
own experiences. Consider Straight Jacket a call to arms.
*Independent (i)*
Matthew Todd thought he had long since dealt with the demons
surrounding his sexuality. In [his] new book, he reveals the crisis
of shame facing the gay community – and how to solve it.
*The Observer*
Straight Jacket is a really brilliant and moving read for
everybody, especially LGBTQ+ people. Thanks Matthew.
* Years and Years singer Olly Alexander*
Straight Jacket documents Todd’s own childhood experiences, and the
long-term mental health and addiction issues he has suffered; he is
also using it to call for a government inquiry into the experiences
of LGBT children at school.
*Guardian*
There are some uncomfortable and downright terrifying truths in
Todd’s brilliant, essential new book... It’s difficult to
underestimate the importance of Straight Jacket. It’s fundamentally
a call to arms, a wide-ranging, desperately heartfelt cri de coeur…
The gay community needs to look at ways of taking better care of
itself, being nicer to each other and offering and providing
support when it’s needed.
*Gay Community News, Dublin*
Cannot put it down… a book like this is long overdue.
*Charlie Condou*
An honest and perceptive book.
*Sunday Express*
A smashing book.
*Paul O'Grady*
Excellent… A valuable contribution to mental health and a must
read.
*Dr Christian Jessen*
It’s an important book. I had to read it right through. It tackles
some tough issues and is searingly honest
*Lorraine Kelly*
I got so much out of that book and I know a lot of people have.
It’s helping a lot of people. It’s a bible.
*Performance artist David Hoyle*
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