When Richie Jackson's eighteen-year-old son came out to him, Jackson was compelled to reflect on his own experiences as a gay man. This is his celebration of embraced identity-- and a powerful warning. Despite the achievements of the past fifty years -- increased visibility of LGBTQ people, the legal right to marry, and more -- bigotry and hatred not only still exist but are ignited by a president and a vice president who have fanned the flames of homophobia with divisive rhetoric. Being gay is a gift, Jackson writes -- but the community cannot afford to be complacent. -- adapted from jacket.

My son -- Being gay requires double vision -- Visibility is not a cure-all -- Find and ignite your anger -- Coming out and joining in -- Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint -- Complicated/Worth it -- Otherness is a leg up to extraordinary -- Never diminish your essence -- Buttress yourself with gay history -- Have sex in the light -- AIDS is not over -- Character counts, not profile stats -- Grief is a manageable disease -- Dive heart first -- Coming out is every day -- Words matter -- It's still a straight man's world -- Being a good gay citizen -- Stonewall50 -- This parent's prayer.