I'm a gay man who only recently decided to come out of the closet in his late forties. I'm ashamed to admit how long it took me to break through all of my own prejudices against the gay community.The closet is a place where most of us languish out of fear. Yes, that fear is mostly about the reactions we will receive from our family and friends when we finally do find the courage to come out. But for me, and I think for some other closeted gay people, we hesitate to come out because we have allowed the straight world's prejudices to color our own view of gay people.My life began to change when I came to know wonderful, supportive people in the gay community who loved and accepted me. I came to see the simple value and dignity of their lives and realized that, after years of confusion and concealment, I could finally find a place in their world and proudly claim my true identity."Gay Lives" is a wonderful, introduction to a wide palate of Gay men and women from throughout human history. For those who are contemplating coming out, or for those who have been out for years, these stories are a source of enlightenment and inspiration. I felt a sense of recognition as I read many of these brief biographies.In addition, the book gives Gay people a good reason to feel proud. The achievements of these men and women, from every field of human endeavor, prove that the self-discovery involved in coming to terms with our sexual identities can also release and engender a well-spring of powerful creativity. The world in which we live is a better, brighter, and livelier place because of the Gay Lives described here!The book is also great for browsing. Open to any page and you will encounter a memorable personality.