I cannot remember exactly how or when I first came across Jeremy Hooper's blog Good As You; perhaps through a link from the Advocate or Human Rights Campaign or just the trusty old Google. What I can tell you is that it is a rare day that I don't visit his site at least once to read up on the latest slings and arrows that have been tossed in this current culture war. Jeremy's writing coupled with his investigative skills have provided a unique, reasoned and calming voice in the battle for full equality.
But who is this young man who has taken on the anti-gay pundits, whom he refers to as `mo foes, with both wit and reason? In his book, If It's A Choice, Jeremy openly and honestly tells his story. I, who am only 5 years his senior, found that his coming out process was very similar to my own. The awareness, the implications, the fear of discovery, the hiding; these were all what Jeremy, myself, and indeed hundreds of LGBT youth went through and are currently going through. While the steps might be different for some, and not always as humorous, what comes through to the reader is that this is an honest story and it could very easily be your story too.
Through the clever use of chapters taken as an aside to the main story, the "Despite what you may have heard" sections are Jeremy's clever way of confronting LGBT stereotypes with his caustic wit, humor and open honesty. After all, when it comes to the stereotypes who are you going to believe, the anti-gay fear mongers or those of us who are actually LGBT?
Several years ago, I was talking with my Dad about some comments made by the Church in response to marriage equality and homosexuality; I was furious at the hypocrisy in light of the scandal the Church was involved in. "Who were they," I argued, "to make such comments about sin and immoral behavior when all this had been going on for years!" My Dad's response was simply "You know, in my day, these discussions wouldn't have even been possible. Think about how far things have come in such a short amount of time." As with most things, my Dad was right. The discussions and progress made in the fight for full equality have been, not in small steps, but in leaps and bounds thanks to people like Jeremy Hooper standing at the forefront showing everyone that we are all as Good As You.
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2012
Top reviews from other countries
- TrockReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2013
Great book-just like chatting to a friend!
