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Here is the PDF file of the complete book: Did You Ever See A Horse Go By? A Coming Out Memoir (Revised, Re-edited with New material and Photos) (C) 2014, 2023 Frank DeFrancesco
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Hi Frank -- Oops, I just realized that I left my last comment re Chapters1-2 under the preceding (wrong) post. Just finished Chapters 3 to 5. You know, the Catholic church has a lot to answer for. One long saga of abuse and control. When I came out, it was so easy to see that the most guilt-ridden gays were all Catholics that it was almost a cliché. I met a guy on one occasion who was so self-loathing about himself and his gayness that talking to him was like being at the scene of a gruesome accident -- you didn't even want to look because you'd puke at the horror of it. I was so furious with the Catholic church because of what they did to him. I only met him that once. I think of him every now and then and I sure hope he had a better life eventually. Somehow I doubt it though. He really truly believed and internalized every horrible thing they taught him about homosexuality.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank -- I'm ba-a-a-a-ck! Just finished Chapters 6-8. I enjoyed the recounting of your university years, especially your time in Rome. I'm envious of your year abroad -- how I would have loved that too. But such opportunities didn't exist in my circumstances. I remember all the music you mention very well -- the soundtrack of my own adolescence, LOL!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. I am privileged to have you reading my memoir knowing what a creative and artistic soul you are. I hope you are entertained by my attempt at writing.
DeleteHi ya Frank -- Well, it took me long enough to get back here to continue reading, didn't it? But glad I did. Tonight I read chapters 8-13 -- your "closet years." You had a pretty terrible time of it. Boy, all those therapists you saw were useless assholes, weren't they, even Dr Frankel. But I guess they were all burdened by their own ignorance and homophobia (or repressed sexuality, like beach guy). I understand the "figuring it out for yourself" quest -- anyone I've ever know who pursued an interest in psychology (me included) were really trying to figure out themselves, their own sexuality and their lives. So far you've been giving a pretty easy ride to Christianity and its poisonous effect on us LGBTQ+ people, but I suspect that may change in the next few chapters. I'm looking forward to reading Chapter 14 -- Out with Dignity -- and the chapters beyond.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank -- Just finished reading your book this evening. "Dignity" sure proved to be a changing point in your life, which is great. Reading about your coming out, integration into the LGBTQ community and life, being out and proud after all your struggles -- what a triumph for you! And I also enjoyed reading about the ups and downs and drama of your "gay adolescence" -- all of us who came out as adults will recognize those experiences, LOL! I always love a book with a happy ending, and Leon is your happy ending for sure and you are his. My fave photo in the whole book is the one of you and Leon on your wedding day! Thanks for sharing your book with me and others -- a wonderful read!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra. Forgive my tardiness in replying. I don't always get notices and have to go through hoops to post replies! I really appreciate your comments and thank you for reading "DYESAHGB"
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