Jocks: True Stories of America's Gay Male Athletes

These stories were very good for the most part. Some were current and others were from 20-25 years ago during the beginnings of gay liberation, but what I liked was that not all of the stories were of athletes who came out with 'big splashes' and became activists and all that. Many of the stories were of guys who are still not out or don't make a big thing out of being gay and I liked those stories the best. Actually I think it's probably a good thing that athletes don't make their sexuality public for the most part. What purpose does it serve except to feel better about yourself, and that IS a good thing, but it is not for everyone to do. I suppose we need the trailblazers, but not that many. I don't think most people take to homosexual athletes too well and I haven't seen any proof that it has become more widespread or known after all these years. People don't change their attitudes that much about this kind of thing. I also recently read a book about gays in college fraternities, and it's the same thing---dont' vocalize for the most part unless you are prepared to pay whatever price comes out of it.

"What happens when the final closet door--that of men sports--finally swings open? Is there life for gay athletes after coming out to their teammates? Is there life before coming out? And how does being in the closet affect athletic performance? As gay athletes and coaches openly move onto the playing fields, many are still grappling with the subtle messages they received while growing up: that homosexuality is something to be mocked, avoided, or feared and is completely incompatible with athletics. Journalist Dan Woog, himself an openly gay soccer coach, interviewed dozens of gay jocks and offers up over twenty-five inspiring stories of men who are truly today`s champions."--© zebraz

As mentioned by other reviewers, this book is not intended to titilate or be an erotic novel. Rather, it is a group of true stories of coaches and athletes at the high school, college and beyond levels of competition. Perhaps because I heard about the nature of the book from a friend before I bought it, I was not suprised and certainly not disappointed. So to those who are looking for some stories about sex-crazed jocks in a locker room, try somewhere else.The wonderful thing about this novel is that Woog's discussions really allow you to see the different reactions of both athletes and their friends and families when confronting the "gay issue." Some have good experiences; others not so good. Some are totally out; others are not out to a majority of those they work with. The reader can definitely see that being gay and being an athlete are not necessarily at odds as much of our society would have us believe.I actually had the pleasure of meeting one of the interviewees. One of my friends who plays hockey in both straight and gay clubs knew the interviewee prior to being included in the book. It was even more amazing to meet and talk with him on several occasions to see that the book was accurate. Neither sports nor being gay are all he's about. He's one of the fortunate ones who is comfortable about all aspects of his life. And I think that Dan Woog has done a great job of showing that throughout his book.Take a chance; you'll enjoy it.

I've read the 7 reviews, and decided to take the book anyway. And I was not disappointed.The book is very honest, Dan Woog makes it very clear in the foreword what the book is about, nonwithstanding the negative comments made by possible readers.I've only started reading the book, but it already has me commiserating with the various people who have had to endure abuse and hatred at the hands of their peers, colleagues, team mates and the world at large.This is a book to wake you up from the fantasy that the jocks always have it easy. They don't, and we as gay members of society should show our support openly for those who have had the courage to come out of the closet, and give encouragement to those still in there to come out too and live fully.

Never before has a book expressed my feelings and sentiments about being gay and an athlete. Many years ago I turned my back from the jock world because I thought I was alone. Clearly there were no role models for me and the journey of trying to explore my gay feelings in a jock world were too over-powering. This book expresses the isolation, thoughts, and struggles of many other guys just like me. How I wish this book was available to me when I was younger! Thanks Dan Woog!