Yay! You're Gay! Now What?

An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

I was interested when I read the description of the book and the book lives up to that.

It's a very personal, heartfelt yet humorous read.

In the book, author Riyadh Khalaf shares honest advice about everything, from relationships to labels, to dealing with bullies, to learning to love your boy, to finding your true friends.

I loved how transparent and honest that he was with everything while at the same time being light-hearted and heartfelt.

This is a good read for anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I like how it does start with steps through the process of figuring out that you're in the lgbt+ community. There are chapters on trans/gender identity, explaining labels in the LGBT+ community (includes aces y'all!), famous people talking about advice they'd give their younger self.

It also delves in the end into safe sex, what is sex, your body,etc.

There is a lot of focus on UK-ireland as...this is a book about an Irish gay YouTuber. However, the information is still useful/readable for those not from there :)


Downloaded from Netgalley (wishbone'd it), exchange for free/my opinion only review. I'm not scoring this with stars/spoons(in my case). As this is a guide, self-help/etc.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book, received through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is a great resource for young people, especially because it was written by someone who has been through it. Although I did not know Riyadh before reading this book, after watching his Youtube channel I have come to the conclusion that his book is a reflection of himself: straight-forward and honest. He is not afraid of delving into personal matters, there is a chapter on every doubt a teenager might have in the book and more that not only LGTBI people might find useful.

While it is mainly focused on Ireland and the UK, I feel like this book might be helpful for people anywhere.

My review will be posted on my website tomorrow

+++++++++

The descriptive bit: Yay! You’re Gay! Now What? by Riyadh Khalaf is a book for young queer guys. It covers pretty much everything you might want to know, including things you may not have even thought of! This book is a great resource for young people and it’s written by someone who has been through it! What makes this book different is the personal insight from Riyadh

My thoughts bit: I have been watching Riyadh on YouTube for years. He is honest and straight-forward, he’s hilarious, unapologetic and talented. On his channel, he has always shared personal details about his life that have helped people to realize they aren’t alone. This book is an extension of that sharing that Riyadh has always done.

This book has a chapter on pretty much anything you might wonder about if you’re a young queer man (and I would venture to say that a lot of it is relevant regardless of gender or orientation). You can read about coming out, developing crushes, telling friends, dating, sex, the queer community, bullying, and so many more useful things.

Physically, the book is a delight! The colours are vibrant (much like Riyadh!) and there are some great photos. It’s the kind of book that is fun to read despite being about some really life-changing subjects.

Throughout this book, Riyadh shares stories from his own life and experience. It’s this personal touch, complete with Riyadh’s candor and sense of humor that truly makes this book such a helpful tool. Interspersed with chapters full of useful information, there are notes from famous queer role models, and from everyday folks.

This book was a joy to read and very educational. While the focus is on those in the UK – I feel as though the information in this book could be helpful to anyone anywhere. The contact information included at the back of the book provides some great resources for people living around the world.

I received an ARC of this Yay! You’re Gay! Now What? by Riyadh Khalaf from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Childrens via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is exactly what it sets out to be, a guide for a gay cis male teen. Riyadh doesn’t profess to, or indeed want to, speak for any other groups, genders or orientations, as that would be inauthentic. What this is, is a calmly written, relatable overview of what it is to cope with being a gay teen in modern society. It’s not the most in depth analysis of what it is to be gay, but it is written with it’s audience firmly in mind.

It’s approach to sex, bullying, coming out, identity and advice is very personable and frank, without being sensational. Yes parents, there are sections on cumming, sexual roles, masturbation and others, but there are just as many on cyber bullying, where to seek help in a crisis, and how to emotionally engage with your friends and peers. Also emotionally affecting is the chapter written by Riyadh’s parents in an attempt to speak to the parents who may pick up this book.

It doesn’t shy away from the big topics or advise abstinence, but it does advocate for consent, respect for self and for others.

This is an unexpectedly welcome addition to the LGBTQ+ self help family. Now the publisher just needs to find an equally famous lesbian YouTuber, to produce a companion piece with as much warmth or heart as this.

In this book by popular LGBTQ+ activist and member, Riyadh, he takes us through everything to do with being gay or otherwise from coming out and how to manage any and every situation possible to find yourself in.



From coming out and all the reactions you could be faced with, bullying, first time sex and masturbation, dealing with anxiety and worries as well as having famous faces and their stories also featured in this handy little book he !makes sure to cover whatever topic could be effecting the person choosing to read his book.



As a supporter of the community and having friends who've come out over time, this book sums up everything a gay guy could need to know and handy information for others who are LGBTQ+ too as many issues can be relevant to others as well.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My "coming out" moment was not really a coming out moment. My parents sort of knew who and what I was at a very young age. Looking back, it would help me understand what I'm going through, how I should act, and how I should define myself if I have something like this book.

I haven't really heard of Riyadh Khalaf until my book wish for this book was approved by the publisher, but I was thankful they did! The book is a bible not only for gay boys, but also a manual for every single person who's confused of the LGBT+ community. I am part of this community, but I was still ignorant of how diverse this community was, and this book reconciled all of those confusions.

Direct, honest and fun. Yay! You're Gay! Now What?: A Gay Boy's Guide to Life is one for the books. I hope you get your hands on this book once it's released this month.

It’s about time someone wrote a book like Yay! You’re Gay! Now What? A Gay Boy’s Guide to Life. Riyadh Khalaf writes skillfully, knowledgably, truthfully, compassionately and humorously, leaving no stone unturned in bringing information to people who are trying to come to terms with their sexual identity.

Whatever your gender, sexual identity or sexual orientation, you will learn something from this book. Khalaf covers a wide range of topics under 5 sections:
• So you think you might be gay…
• Coming out
• Finding friends, finding love
• All about bodies
• Let’s talk about sex

I admire Khalaf’s honesty and humor, his willingness to lay open his personal experiences to help others, the way he presents information respectful of all cultures, and remains true to his messages: “There’s nothing wrong with you”, “It’s okay to be who you are”, “You are not alone”, “Be proud of who you are”.

This book will help a lot of people find the answers to questions they were afraid to ask, and the reassurance they need to become their true self. What could be better?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Books for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a lovely book that addresses so many things young gay men aren't getting elsewhere. To have a book about puberty, figuring out your sexuality, coming out, sex, and consent aimed specifically for and about cis gay men is necessary. I would love to see similar books with these topics aimed for gay women, trans folks, and other members of the LGBT+ community.

This book was everything.

I'm a questioning straight person but this book was more than for just gay people. It had answers for even anxiety issues.

In some points , this book was unrealistic . I come from a place where people traditionally think being attracted to same gender is abomination. Coming out is not as easy as it sounds here.

Overall , this book was positive and supportive.

I thanks the publisher and Netgalley for granting me an opportunity to read and review this amazing work.

An amazing book that discusses so many things useful for everyone to read and understand about being lgbt+.

It's not just for those apart of the community but for anyone who's questioning their sexuality or know someone on the spectrum.

It was informative and full of humour and the photography and artwork complemented each page and made it that much more enjoyable to read.

I can't wait to buy my own physical copy and share it with all my friends!

I work at a middle school and read this to gain perspective on what my students that come out as gay are going through emotionally. I think this is an inspiring read for any young person that is making the difficult decision to come out. Great writing!

This wonderful book is so essential for the new generations of queer kids to come. It conveys so much helpful information to help guide teens as they grow up and maintains a personable tone throughout. Khalaf handles difficult subjects with levity and personal anecdotes, along with letters from various gay celebrities. I flew through this book and couldn’t recommend it enough!

I am currently on page 35, and to save my eyes, I will be buying this book soon from Amazon. A short review for those 35 pages (and I will write a longer review when I have the book/read it). This is a very fun, interesting read, I really enjoy reading it even though I am not a gay boy (I am a bi woman). The writing style is very nice and pulls you in, I love the photographs, the addition of personal stories or quotes (either by celebrities or teens or other people) is very well done. All in all, a book I would recommend based on those 35 pages.

I am definitely glad this book exists. Young LGBTQ people will now have a guide to growing up and embracing who they are while enduring whatever struggles life throws their way. This is going to be a necessity in elementary school libraries.

Yay! You're Gay! Now What? A Gay Boy's Guide to Life by Riyadh Khalaf is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I am not in the target range for this book but I still wanted to read this. I am so glad this book is out there to help those that are in the right demographic range. This book deals with a lot of personal issues that the author himself has faced and he passes on advice. He also has advice from other celebrities. Bullying, coming out, dating, and more are all addressed in here. The book is very open. It doesn't sugar coat anything but it does encourage people to be you! There is a lot of support in this book!
I think any one that is not in the LGBTQ community could benefit from reading this. Understanding goes a long way!
If someone feels they could benefit from this book because they might be a target audience, then don't hesitate to pick it up! You will be glad you did!

This is a wonderful book and a great guide and I think should be read by everyone regardless of sexual orientation. Light hearted and honest insights from a very genuine young gay man. This would be helpful to not only young men who may be questioning their sexuality or have come out, but also for family and friends. I believe the more we discuss and are open then it can only ever be for the better. This should be available in schools and libraries for teenagers. A wonderful read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This book is an extremely informative while also relatable and personal guide to everything gay and LGBT+ and I would recommend it especially to every young person out there, questioning or not. I loved reading a bout all these experiences, there were loads of helpful tips and insights in here and it's a quick fun read.

This book also deals with mental health and bullying and even the basic changes of puberty. It really has everything and while I think it is definitely most interesting for gay teen boys, I still think it can help extend everyone's world view.

Errata:
“...you’re going more than you’re sexuality“ that second one should be ‘your’.
“If you ignore the bully, and removing yourself from the situation...” 'Removing' should be 'Remove'.
“If you’ve already come out to friends at school, as if they have any LGBT+ pals” Ask if they have!
This isn't so much an error as a point of order, and it wasn't the author who said this, but Simon Anthony-Roden in his advice to his younger self, but there’s no evidence that it was Oscar Wilde who said “Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.“ People are misquoted or misattributed all the time, so no big deal.

This book is a complete guide to how to handle your discovery that you're gay - or at some other place on what's commonly referred to as 'the spectrum' but which I prefer to think of as a slide since a spectrum implies something that's fixed, and I think very few people are solidly fixed in whatever position they're in. Your orientation and preferences can change over your life and no, thats not the same as saying 'gayness can be cured' because there's nothing to cure.

There were times when it felt a little bit over the top for me, but you can't blame a guy for reveling in who he is, so that's no big deal. There were also times when I felt he went a little in the wrong direction - like seemingly implying right up front that gay guys don't play soccer (Justin Fashanu, Robbie Rogers, and and the entire amateur team of Paris Foot Gay would disagree, as would Eudy Simelane, had she not been raped and murdered in 2008), but usually when he seemed to be veering, it was for a reason.

The book covers pretty much anything a young person may want to know if they have perhaps been wrestling with identity and how to face what's becoming obvious to them, and deal with accepting it, and whether to come out and who to come out to. It doesn't matter what your question is, you will find valuable advice in this book, and not just from the author, but also from an assortment of others who have walked this same path.

it begins with asking if you think you might be gay, and moves on to coming out, finding friends and finding love, then appropriately gets to "all about bodies" and "Let's talk about sex," both of which contain excellent guidance and advice. Be warned, there are no punches pulled here. For a gay guy, the author tells it straight! Each of these sections is filled with personal anecdote, good advice and comments on their own sexuality and advice they would have given to their younger selves by some celebrities, the only two I'd heard of, I have to confess, were Stephen Fry, of whom I'm a fan, and Jin Yong, who I heard of only recently. Others are Clark Moore, Simon Anthony-Roden, Rory O'Neill, James Kavanagh, Matthew Todd, Shane Jenek, and Ranj Singh. That said, I'm not a big TV watcher. There is only a few shows that I tend to watch, and I've never been a fan of RuPaul Andre Charles, so I've never seen his Drag Race, but I have heard of Cortney Act, Jenek's alter-ego, a stage name I've long thought was choice!

The bottom of page 171 (page 86 on the iPad I was using) ended with “You don’t need an” but page 172 (87 on the tablet) was the start of a new chapter! I guess we’ll never know how that sentence ends!

This is yet another case of a print book farmed-out to reviewers as an ebook for convenience, but I often wonder if publishers ever consider what a poor impression one of these 'afterthought ebooks' leaves. As it happens, and apart from a very negative experience on my iPhone before I switched to a tablet, this book wasn’t so bad. There was an occasionally 'sticky page' (and no, not that kind of sticky - but sticky in the sense it wouldn't swipe easily tot he next or previous page, and took two or three times to move it. On the iPhone there were also times when pages came up on the wrong oder, so I wouldn't recommend reading it on a device that small.

This book wasn't so bad, but I’m honestly at the point now where I will negatively review a poorly conceived ebook regardless of its literary merit. Here’s why: the modern concept of an ebook was initiated almost half a century ago by Michael Hart who founded Project Gutenberg and even ePub books have been around for some two decades. There really is no excuse for substandard ebooks these days, and if authors/publishers are going to issue one to reviewers, they need to look at the thing in the e-version on one or two different devices to make sure it's worthy of issuing!

That said I commend this ebook for being a worthy read and a useful contribution to helping those in need of advice and a leg up here and there.

I read this book in an effort to understand and empathize with those going through a life not like my own. I learned a lot from a first perspective. I felt like this book would help me understand if my own child was going through if this was their situation. I look forward to reading other reviewers to see what the intended audience thought of it.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley!!

I adore the cover. This book is a fantastic resource for other young teens trying to sort out their sexual identity.

This is a really useful book for all gay young people and also everyone else so they can understand the struggles of growing up gay. This book is full of practical and relatable advice from many different gay men. Each section is a nice manageable chunk of information and can be put down and picked up when needed. Really really useful book!

5★

“People were onto me, and I was becoming less capable of manipulating who I was to survive the war zone that was school, and for that matter, the world. Something had to give or I was going to crumble.”

Brand new, terrific book. Lightheartedly serious, seriously informative, factually funny. And above all, real.

“Feeling different. That’s where it normally begins for a queer person. You may ask yourself, ‘Am I broken? Sick? Weird?’ The answer is no. There is nothing wrong with you—there’s just something slightly different about you.

Throughout the book, some well-known gay men write advice to their younger selves.

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Picture of Stephen Fry saying ‘Stephen, it’s going to be fine.’

Adults are familiar with Stephen Fry, but for kids who aren’t, the author reminds us he’s the voice of Harry Potter books. And once you’ve heard his voice, you’re not likely to forget it! Fry is probably a good example of the rest of Khalaf's comment about difference.

“In time, that difference will become the greatest gift you could ask for. It will bring you love, identity, community, and eventually the freedom to be yourself. I promise. Life is a wonderful mess of successes, mistakes, joy, heartbreak, and learning. It can be even more intense if you’re gay. In this book, I hope to give you some golden lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Illustration of the page showing gayness is a gift

There is a long table of contents, with sections about coming out, finding love, body development, and sex. Written like that, it sounds pretty boring. Trust me, it’s not. The author throws in plenty of personal anecdotes about his embarrassing moments as well as including more from famous people. A lot of it is very entertaining.

First up, the abbreviations! He uses “LGBT Plus” to cover everybody. Makes sense.

“LGBTTQQIAAP+

What does that mess of letters and symbols mean?! I’m going to use the acronym LGBT+ (which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus) in this book to stand for our big diverse queer community. This is a shortening of a much longer acronym that also includes queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally, pansexual … and this STILL leaves some people out!”

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Illustration of being different

Later in the book, he describes finding your own tribe.

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Illustration of being like others of your tribe

He has good advice on how to choose whom to come out to first and suggests starting slow. His choosing three girls he was close to and telling them together that he was bi, meant the entire school knew about it within hours. Saying he was bi wasn’t going to dampen the enthusiasm of the bullies – he knows bullies have their own problems. I quite liked this quote about not giving up from someone who has had to deal with bullies in the spotlight.

“Things will get easier, people’s minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.”—Ellen DeGeneres

There is a lot of information on what to do, who to turn to, and how to deal with cyberbullying and people who threaten you with “I know where you live”. There is also a section on how to deal with sexuality and faith. Kids brought up in religious families may feel extra pressure from religions that may excommunicate members or promote gay conversion therapy.

There’s a section for parents and families and how to support kids who’ve come out, plus there’s a section on the LGBT+ community, groups, marches and pride. There are also handy tips about being safe in public.

“But the sad fact is, there are people out there who don’t like us, so it’s important to balance being authentically yourself with being safe.”

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Illustration of what some pr**k may do to your parade balloon

Khalaf really has covered the lot! Dating, apps, online presence, drugs, and relationships, including monogamish (occasional outside action) and throuples (three people - the old ménage à trois).

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Illustration introducing the topic of sex

First dates, first kiss, heartbreak, hormones, pubes, boners, masturbation, you name it, I bet it’s here. HIV, STDs, condoms, lube, and whether or not people want penetrative sex or not (many don’t, just so you know), and what the physical results may be afterwards (possibly more than you expected to know).

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned:One illustration of a few health issues to be aware of

I was particularly delighted to see Aussie Shane Jenek featured, as we in Australia have just been treated to Courtney Act on Dancing with the Stars. He appeared as both his original Shane-self in interviews and rehearsals but danced as the gorgeous Courtney, high heels and backwards, like Ginger Rogers.

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Photos of Courtney/Shane and professional dancer (and good pal) Joshua Keefe from Australia's Dancing with the Stars 2019

One spectacular number brought the house down. Fully wigged and costumed, she dances and strips the glamour off to reveal him.
https://twitter.com/courtneyact/statu...
The best comment I’ve ever heard to describe Courtney’s performance was a man who said something like
“She is great! . . . um
He is great! . . . um
THEY are great!”

That’s also the best example of how and why to use THEY as a personal pronoun for non-binary people. He/She/They are wonderful! Shane/Courtney (although as far as I know, Shane identifies as male but performs as Courtney).

My Goodreads review includes a picture captioned: Picture of the inimitable, unforgettable Shane Jenek/Courtney Act

But wait – there’s more! So much more. Good table of contents, excellent personal and medical advice, plus comprehensive information about services available in many countries and how to contact them.

All in all, a first-rate publication and resource for communities, schools, libraries, and families. Many thanks #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for this upbeat, real handbook for kids and teens (to leave around for their parents to read, too)! LOVE IT!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for supplying me with an ARC of this book*
Yay! You're Gay! Now what? is quite self explanatory on what the content of the book is about. I found that the book is very easy to read, with tips and stories for anyone who is coming out or has just come out and needs advice but no one to turn to.
Although the target audience for this book wasn't me, I found it insightful as it helped me see what someone who is LGBTQ could be going through/has probably already gone through.
All the different sections of the book were very helpful, as well as the list of useful contacts available at the back of the book. I think that this would be a perfect read for someone who is in need of advice due to their sexuality.

It made me laugh so much I can barely believe it! Riyadh has an great sense of humor but also teaches everything a young gay boy should know to come into terms with his sexuality. Great job. I would recommend this to straight peoole as well to get to see hos it is to be a minority in a world that sees them as a danger and as unnatural.

While I am not a gay boy/man, I think this would be an excellent resource for teens and young adults who are. Encouraging, optimistic, and realistic, the book addresses a variety of topics, including coming out, being safe online, sex, and finding your community. It also addresses how race, class, and other marginalizations can intersect with sexuality. I appreciated that while it was directed at gay boys, it also acknowledged bisexual boys, too. At the end of the book, resources are listed to help those who need support.

So I've been out for almost ten years (I'm also not a guy which seems to be the main audience of the book), but I still really wanted to read it, and see if I could recommend it to my friends that are still figuring themselves out.

First of all, I loved all the information! It explains things like LGBTQQIAAP+, which is something I know most of people don't even use, or know what it stands for. It illustrates perfectly the feelings I've had when I was still struggling with my sexuality and it was so amazing reading this. It features stories of famous people and it was just so heartwarming.

Something else I really loved was that there was a section about dealing with your sexuality and faith, and a section for parents. My situation has been a combination of the worst part of these things and I wish I had this book when I was growing up, really.

And there's talk about sex. LGBTQ+ sex. I mean, there's hardly any talk about straight sex in most countries, but this book talks about health issues, stds, condoms, lube. It's really something people are afraid to ask others and sometimes they end up in dangerous places because of it.

Finally, I loved the advice people are giving to their younger selves. I know I would give so much advice if I could, but I also cherish what I have because despite not knowing everything. This is definitely a book I would recommend. Maybe in combination with Jack of Hearts (and other parts) because it goes amazing with it.

I have been a fan of Riyadh for a long time, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It's chock full of invaluable advice for young people who are questioning their sexuality, or are coming to terms with it. It's slightly IE/UK centric, as Riyadh is from Ireland, but the advice is pretty much universal.

It's a fantastic read for everyone, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. It's a book I wish were available when I was 10 years younger,

As an almost 30 year old reading this, there were some moments when I wondered if it was really for me, but that had nothing to do with the book and more my own brain being rubbish.

"Yay! You're Gay! Now What?" is the is exact book I wish I'd had when I was a long gay boy. It took me ages to come to terms with it, and even longer to be ready to tell my family. Sitting here, now happily married, I wish I could have had this beacon of hope to show me that it's ok, that I didn't need to have all the answers, and that there were other people like me out there.

Riyadh speaks in a very friendly, knowledgeable way, but at no point does it come across as patronising or condescending. Instead, its like a big brother is talking you through stuff that he thinks you'll need to know, but leaves it up to you what to do with that information. Since reading it, I've been flinging it (sometimes literally) at the young queer kids who come into my department looking for advice and positive resources.

Given the title of the book is Yay! You're Gay! Now What? It is probable not a surprise that Khalaf's book is aimed at teenage or young gay men.

Though that is the case Khalaf does often point out that his advice it to the whole LGBT+ community. The book deals with a lot for it's 224 pages. Khalaf manages to cover the whole spectrum of a boys life. From sexual feelings to erectile dysfunction. All with honesty, self sacrifices and dab of humor.

From his first inklings to his first time Khalaf does not leave the reader in any doubt, they are most certainly not alone.

Even with the seriousness of some of the topics, such as safety, the author manages to keep the subject light and even humorous. Lesser books would have the reader out buying weapons. The chapters feel balanced and do not leave the reader catastrophizing.

Again unsurprisingly I was drawn to this book because of its cover, the art inside the book and also the light hearted blurb. I could tell it would be a fun read and I may learn something about the LGBT+ community that I didn't already know.

What might surprise you, because it surprised me, is how much this book spoke to me. After all I am a 33 year old, Cis, het woman with a disability.

Perhaps the reason I am an Ally is because I know what it is like to be in a minority, not because I am gay but a minority none the less and so I know how it feels to suffer prejudices, injustice, and to face adversity.

Growing up as a girl in "Catholic Ireland" during the 80's and 90's meant there was no such thing as sexuality,

That is why I think this book is so brilliant. I think had the title been Yay! You Are You! Now What? I would not have even drawn myself outside of the intended readership.

I think all teenagers should read this book regardless of their orientation, particularly, I feel the chapter on consent. I'd even go so far as to say it should be reading material for P.D./Sex Ed classes.

I for one know that if I had read this in Secondary School I would not have so many body or sex hang ups now in adult life.

Have a strong feeling this is a book I will keep coming back to, for building my self esteem and working on my Anxiety.