This is part one of the two-parter episode on The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs. I have a lot to say, lots to quote, and lots to cover about The Velvet Rage so this ended up being a two-parter.

In this episode, I introduce the book and its 3-stage model on overcoming toxic shame as a gay man. I cover each stage and relate it to my experience, detailing where I think I am.

The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World is detailing of the gay male experience with shame and the processes we go through. Alan Downs, a clinical psychiatrist, uses his own experience and that of his patients to describe and guide gay men through his 3-stage model.

In the next episode I will continue with The Velvet Rage, covering Alan's three key pillars of authenticity, questions to ask yourself that I noted down, and conclude with the life lessons that Alan offers.