I Was Born This Way, How About You?

In this book, Doug Green shares his seventy year search for identity, acceptance and legitimacy. Since before he took his first steps, inner commands compelled him to follow his nature, often not in synch with parental and societal expectations. Guidelines available in 1939 didn't cover people who were different. Exceptions were viewed as aberrations, as "queer". Life, for an effeminate child, then a gay adolescent and young adult, was filled with rejection, disapproval, hostility and derision. Posing as straight was a transparent lie and increased stress. There was no escape.