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Coming Out Straight: Understanding And Healing Homosexuality
Richard Cohen, a former homosexual, now married with three children, struggled for most of his life with unwanted same-sex attractions. He tried desperately to find professionals who understood his condition and help him heal. Because "it was so difficult to explain myself to therapists, who didn't have a clue," Cohen eventually became a psychotherapist and developed both a groundbreaking understanding of same-sex attractions and a comprehensive treatment plan for healing homosexuality. "Coming Out Straight" not only details Cohen's personal journey out of homosexuality but also recounts his experiences helping thousands of men, women and adolescents heal their gender identity.
Recoginizing that the "gay rights movement" has done a great service in bringing the issue of homosexuality of the closet and into the light, Cohen points out that in the name of tolerance, society has now succumbed to acceptance. "If we embrace someone's homosexuality as normal and natural, their potential for wholeness will remain dormant beneath their emotional wounds. It's not bad to have same-sex attractions, as they represent a drive to heal unmet love needs. However, acting upon them leads to frustration and pain."
In simple language, "Coming Out Straight" presents the basic causes of same-sex attractions, a clear model for recovery, and stories of individuals who made the change. The book has three parts: In Part I, the author shares his own story and the root causes of same-sex attractions. Part II presents a four-stage model of recovery and healing. Part III discusses the healing of homophobia by overcoming fear and hatred of homosexuality.
While the book is meant to educate therapists, clergy, and other professionals, it also assists those who struggle with their own same-sex attractions as well as their loved ones. "Coming Out Straight" sets forth an easy to understand primer on homosexuality, both for family members and friends of homosexuals, as well as for the general public. It will open the door to a new, happier, and fulfilling heterosexual life.
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First published April 20, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
will-never-ever-read
May 2, 2013I bet Richard Cohen's secret boyfriend is pissed off right now... He ain't getting any tonight!
August 14, 2012
Three words. Stink. Stank. Stunk. It's official. I am ashamed to be a human being living on this planet. I have not read it, and death would be merciful if you see me reading this. I am seriously considering hypnotherapy to purge that awful moment I read the title and blurb out of my head forever. This book is a pathethic, worthless piece of crap. Homosexuality is NOT a disease! I know so many people everywhere who are openly gay and not ashamed to admit it. If anything, this book is making homosexuals feel insecure in the world. There was a college boy 1-2 years ago that killed himself because two people caught him having sexual intercourse with another guy on tape. And there was another guy who tried to embrace his sexuality and joined a Gays-Straight alliance but was bullied to death about his sexual gender and killed himself. So, Cohen, think about that next time you want to publish a disgusting, disturbing, worthless excuse for a book that claims to "heal homosexuals" and could very possibly lead to thousands of homosexuals killing themselves. Homosexuals, bisexuals, gays, and lesbians: You ARE beautiful. And society (i.e. Cohen) can just screw it. What the world is coming to scares the hell out of me. What kind of society are we living in? Apparently, a homophobic, disgusting, screwed-up one. And oh, Cohen, you can just kiss my ass. And my fist.
" You know, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - people are people." - Judith Light
" We are not heterosexual, homosexual, nor nonsexual. We are simply sexual. Deal with it." - Amy Birdsong
" Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" - Ernest Graines
" When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one." - Epitaph Of Leonard P Matlovich
" Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them than it does about homosexuality." - James Baldwin
" There is no such thing as “gay” or “straight” marriage, just marriage. When two consenting humans, opposite or same sex, join their hearts as one forever." - Unknown
" What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains." - Tennessee Williams
" It always seemed to me a bit pointless to disapprove of homosexuality. It's like disapproving of rain." - Francis Maude
" Love doesn’t have eyes, it doesn’t go by race or gender. Love goes by how the person makes you feel inside and sees the person for who they are on the inside." - Unknown
"You can't punch the gay out of me anymore than I can punch the ignorance out of you." - Unknown
Now, excuse me while I Google the closest hypnotist in my area.
" You know, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - people are people." - Judith Light
" We are not heterosexual, homosexual, nor nonsexual. We are simply sexual. Deal with it." - Amy Birdsong
" Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" - Ernest Graines
" When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one." - Epitaph Of Leonard P Matlovich
" Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them than it does about homosexuality." - James Baldwin
" There is no such thing as “gay” or “straight” marriage, just marriage. When two consenting humans, opposite or same sex, join their hearts as one forever." - Unknown
" What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains." - Tennessee Williams
" It always seemed to me a bit pointless to disapprove of homosexuality. It's like disapproving of rain." - Francis Maude
" Love doesn’t have eyes, it doesn’t go by race or gender. Love goes by how the person makes you feel inside and sees the person for who they are on the inside." - Unknown
"You can't punch the gay out of me anymore than I can punch the ignorance out of you." - Unknown
Now, excuse me while I Google the closest hypnotist in my area.
unread-forever
March 28, 2015
March 12, 2012
Haven't even read the book and never plan to, but any book that claims to teach how one "heals" homosexuality is fucked up and does not deserve to exist.
October 25, 2012
So, basically, a scorned fag I can say this as I am one, HA! had to conform with the fact that no other guy wanted him, so he impregnated some woman who settled for him and decided that all the pain and rejection he felt while not in denial as to what his sexuality was is some sort of disease gay people can evade if they just read his book.
...right.
...right.
March 13, 2012
I have not read this book. I will not read this book. Don't accuse me of reviewing a book I haven't read; to do so would be nothing more than a repitition of an obvious fact that nobody's disputing.
I have no qualms giving this book one star without reading it. I don't have to read it to know that I would find it utterly offensive and disgusting. There is nothing the author can say to change my rating. You can say this makes me close-minded if you like. I simply don't give a fuck. To me it would be like reading a book that denies the existence of a heliocentric solar system; I don't need to read it to know there's nothing the author can possibly say that will convince me of his hypothesis.
I'm not going to say this book shouldn't exist; it should exist as a reminder of the sort of pseudo-science that provides people with a "rational" basis for hating certain groups of people.
I have no qualms giving this book one star without reading it. I don't have to read it to know that I would find it utterly offensive and disgusting. There is nothing the author can say to change my rating. You can say this makes me close-minded if you like. I simply don't give a fuck. To me it would be like reading a book that denies the existence of a heliocentric solar system; I don't need to read it to know there's nothing the author can possibly say that will convince me of his hypothesis.
I'm not going to say this book shouldn't exist; it should exist as a reminder of the sort of pseudo-science that provides people with a "rational" basis for hating certain groups of people.
February 17, 2021
I will see your ignorance and raise you my middle finger.
As a queer person, I can very much assure you that the only "healing" I need is therapy for the mental health issues that have been caused by homophobia and emotional/mental abuse. Why did people treat me with abuse and homophobia? Because they were assholes like the author of this book. Fuck you to anyone who actually thinks this book can teach them something.
As a queer person, I can very much assure you that the only "healing" I need is therapy for the mental health issues that have been caused by homophobia and emotional/mental abuse. Why did people treat me with abuse and homophobia? Because they were assholes like the author of this book. Fuck you to anyone who actually thinks this book can teach them something.
November 26, 2016
I LOVE THIS AUTHOR. I absolutely think Mr. Cohen is adorable. My rating has therefore nothing to do with his sparkling and sympathetic personality, but with the book, which I read. Yup. Totally read it.
October 9, 2009
A hilarious comedy; a farcical descent into madness, the funniest feel good book of the year. With a foreward by noted bigot Dr. Laura.
February 4, 2016
What a fantastic book. I was only gay for 8 hours then i ordered this book. It is fair to say this really 'straightened' me out aha! I am now a fully committed christian man and I understand that being homosexual is against god's will. I am one with the lord, and the lord is one with me. Allahu akbar.
avoid
March 15, 2012To start, I am going to borrow a sentence from a reader that actually liked this book:
‘It was so fascinating to read where homosexuality comes from. People aren't born with it, but it is a result of many many factors a main one being abuse/neglect of one form or another. It wasn't a light read, and quite sad, but excellent. He calls homosexuality Same Sex Attachment Disorder.’
I am, by no means judging this reader. There are many ignorant people. People that will believe that homosexuality is a illness or a mental disorder that is very much treatable.
Well, let us turn the tables…could you then turn gay? Could your husband?
I pretty much know that my very straight, very clean cut fiancé would faint away at the possibility of somebody making him have sex with men. What does that have to do with this? It’s basically the same thing. You can not compel people to go against their own desires and instincts. It is who they are.
The problem in this story is the author of this book. I mean…how dare he? Just…how dare he??
And if in your world it is so easy to change something METHABOLICAL and HORMONAL (and therefore pretty much un-changeable) because you term it a MENTAL illness, then why don’t you do some real good and focus on making people with Down syndrome not have it! How about that, mister? Too big for you?
(how dare he term homosexuality a mental illness any way!)
This whole PROPAGANDA and from a (maybe) gay person? Utter frustration. I am not gay, but even I feel the weight of this thing even being published.
‘It was so fascinating to read where homosexuality comes from. People aren't born with it, but it is a result of many many factors a main one being abuse/neglect of one form or another. It wasn't a light read, and quite sad, but excellent. He calls homosexuality Same Sex Attachment Disorder.’
I am, by no means judging this reader. There are many ignorant people. People that will believe that homosexuality is a illness or a mental disorder that is very much treatable.
Well, let us turn the tables…could you then turn gay? Could your husband?
I pretty much know that my very straight, very clean cut fiancé would faint away at the possibility of somebody making him have sex with men. What does that have to do with this? It’s basically the same thing. You can not compel people to go against their own desires and instincts. It is who they are.
The problem in this story is the author of this book. I mean…how dare he? Just…how dare he??
And if in your world it is so easy to change something METHABOLICAL and HORMONAL (and therefore pretty much un-changeable) because you term it a MENTAL illness, then why don’t you do some real good and focus on making people with Down syndrome not have it! How about that, mister? Too big for you?
(how dare he term homosexuality a mental illness any way!)
This whole PROPAGANDA and from a (maybe) gay person? Utter frustration. I am not gay, but even I feel the weight of this thing even being published.
May 24, 2020
"Richard Cohen, a former homosexual"...
Former homosexual? That's like saying "former human". It's not something you have control over or should try to change.
..."Tried desparetly to find a proffesional who understood is condition..."
Condition? CONDITION?!?!? WHAT THE FUCCCCCCKKKKKKKK
..."It's not bad to have same-sex attractions, as they represent a drive to heal unmet love needs. However, acting upon them leads to frustration and pain."...
tell that to the millions of happy lesbian and gay couples
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Former homosexual? That's like saying "former human". It's not something you have control over or should try to change.
..."Tried desparetly to find a proffesional who understood is condition..."
Condition? CONDITION?!?!? WHAT THE FUCCCCCCKKKKKKKK
..."It's not bad to have same-sex attractions, as they represent a drive to heal unmet love needs. However, acting upon them leads to frustration and pain."...
tell that to the millions of happy lesbian and gay couples
| Goodreads | Blog | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
March 12, 2012
Whenever a book has "Healing Homosexuality" in the title, I don't think that I should have to read it in order to give it one star.
August 8, 2014
"If we embrace someone's homosexuality as normal and natural, their potential for wholeness will remain dormant beneath their emotional wounds. It's not bad to have same-sex attractions, as they represent a drive to heal unmet love needs. However, acting upon them leads to frustration and pain."
You can NOT heal homosexuality! It is not a fucking disease!!
Stupidity is the disease.... and you fucking HAVE IT!
If this:
Offends YOU, then YOU are what is wrong with the world, NOT them!!
March 13, 2012
Look, if people want to appease bigots by passing, I can certainly understand why. The bigots will kill you, and not everyone can withstand that kind of threat. But if you really want healing you need to fight for social justice and an end to bigotry for all. Appeasement is not a solution.
March 9, 2012
Okay um here's what I think. You're still gay! There's no way to "heal" homosexuality. Say you're straight all you want. You just got tired of being ridiculed so now you're faking being straight. You can't just go from being gay to straight. THAT'S unnatural. Either that or you're just using this book to preach your belief about homosexuality and you were never gay at all. People like you can take you're healing crap and shove it up your ass. This is just another form of racism. I'm sick of people like you saying gay people have a demon and shit. Gay people are way nicer and put up with a lot more shit than straight people ever will. People like you are the ones who are going to "burn in hell" if you keep this crap up.
July 29, 2025
Healing Homosexuality? Really? REALLY?
This is perhaps one of the most ridiculous and DISTURBING books I've come across. No, I didn't read it. I don't need to read it to know that it's full of crap. Homosexuality is neither a choice nor a mental illness, and to suggest that one can be healed from wanting/needing to be with a same-sex partner is ludicrous.
This is perhaps one of the most ridiculous and DISTURBING books I've come across. No, I didn't read it. I don't need to read it to know that it's full of crap. Homosexuality is neither a choice nor a mental illness, and to suggest that one can be healed from wanting/needing to be with a same-sex partner is ludicrous.
Read
May 8, 2013I just created a a new bookshelf for this one... The concept alone is highly offensive and really, people who actually believe that homosexuality can (or should!) be healed need to spend their energy on something more constructive, like creating a one-way-ticket time machine and catapult themselve back to the Middle Ages.
I don't like giving stars to something I haven't read, so I'm not giving out the one star I'm dying to give it. I'll let my opinion on this subject suffice. There's no way I'm supporting Cohen by spending my bucks on his book, so unless he's willing to give me a free copy to review, I won't read it. I'm pretty sure my local library doesn't have a copy of this book.
I'd just like to repeat that I find this topic highly - HIGHLY - offensive. I never went through any sort of childhood trauma and I can't (or want to) be "cured" of my true nature. Cohen was never gay; was bisexual but has now repressed that other side of him; or if he wasn't bisexual - just pure gay - he still is but has managed to let family/friends/society/religion/own-homophobia fill his head with the idea that his true nature can be "healed". So, so sad when people aren't allowed to feel free to be themselves.
Cohen, are you being attacked by GLBT and GLBT-supportive people? Yes. Why? Because, with this book, you're injecting ammunition into the guns of homophobics who have been attacking us since the dawn of time - oh wait, I meant to say since religion came about. We're living in the 21st century, buddy, where objective scietists have studied homosexuality. The church and homophobic societies are NOT objective scientists. So, yes, you are being subjected to prejudice. Welcome to our world!
I don't like giving stars to something I haven't read, so I'm not giving out the one star I'm dying to give it. I'll let my opinion on this subject suffice. There's no way I'm supporting Cohen by spending my bucks on his book, so unless he's willing to give me a free copy to review, I won't read it. I'm pretty sure my local library doesn't have a copy of this book.
I'd just like to repeat that I find this topic highly - HIGHLY - offensive. I never went through any sort of childhood trauma and I can't (or want to) be "cured" of my true nature. Cohen was never gay; was bisexual but has now repressed that other side of him; or if he wasn't bisexual - just pure gay - he still is but has managed to let family/friends/society/religion/own-homophobia fill his head with the idea that his true nature can be "healed". So, so sad when people aren't allowed to feel free to be themselves.
Cohen, are you being attacked by GLBT and GLBT-supportive people? Yes. Why? Because, with this book, you're injecting ammunition into the guns of homophobics who have been attacking us since the dawn of time - oh wait, I meant to say since religion came about. We're living in the 21st century, buddy, where objective scietists have studied homosexuality. The church and homophobic societies are NOT objective scientists. So, yes, you are being subjected to prejudice. Welcome to our world!
February 16, 2021
This is why not even the aliens want us.
People don't realize the kind of bullshit they write about? They're so stupid to think that this is not harmful for someone? Well, I have no hope for humanity anymore. Nope.
People don't realize the kind of bullshit they write about? They're so stupid to think that this is not harmful for someone? Well, I have no hope for humanity anymore. Nope.
Read
January 7, 2017I will not read this book!! My GAY uncle and his PARTNER have been TOGETHER in a COMMITTED relationship for 27 YEARS.
Never in a million years could I ever imagine my uncle any differently.
My uncles partner has a son who is 29 years old.... WELL, isn't he a walking contradiction! OMG, he was straight and now he's not... Whatever shall we do!!!
This book is a piece of shit that doesn't deserve to see the light of day! Anyone who has the gall to rate this thing high is nothing more than a closed minded bigot.
Never in a million years could I ever imagine my uncle any differently.
My uncles partner has a son who is 29 years old.... WELL, isn't he a walking contradiction! OMG, he was straight and now he's not... Whatever shall we do!!!
This book is a piece of shit that doesn't deserve to see the light of day! Anyone who has the gall to rate this thing high is nothing more than a closed minded bigot.
April 2, 2012
Um..
....
....
May 27, 2021
Dear author.
It's far too late for you. The gay is everywhere, creeping in, taking over your friends, your children, maybe even you. You can feel it deep down can't you? The gayness taking over. Soon the world will be fully overtaken.
As I type, I can feel it taking hold of me too. I have an sudden urge to listen to Lady Gaga and kiss girls.
But there is nothing you can do to stop it. It's coming for you.
It's far too late for you. The gay is everywhere, creeping in, taking over your friends, your children, maybe even you. You can feel it deep down can't you? The gayness taking over. Soon the world will be fully overtaken.
As I type, I can feel it taking hold of me too. I have an sudden urge to listen to Lady Gaga and kiss girls.
But there is nothing you can do to stop it. It's coming for you.
imma-just-nope-the-fuck-out-of-here
February 16, 2021ahahhahaAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA NO
JUST NO
JUST NO
never-will-i-ever
March 19, 2012
Read
November 12, 2012Dude, fuck you. Seriously. People like you are the reason that teenagers are jumping off fucking bridges because they think there is something so extremely wrong with them that no one can fix. Do the world a favor, go get some real therapy, stop writing, and learn to accept yourself. Being gay is NOT a problem, although I'm sure it can be a challenge. So get some self respect and stop preaching about shit you obviously know nothing about.
December 23, 2020
The heteros are back at it again
Read
August 13, 2012 "If we embrace someone's homosexuality as normal and natural, their potential for wholeness will remain dormant beneath their emotional wounds. It's not bad to have same-sex attractions, as they represent a drive to heal unmet love needs. However, acting upon them leads to frustration and pain."
I'm sorry but....
What the fuck is this?
You know what, no. I'm not sorry at all.
How dare you not only write a freaking book that treats homosexuality as a disease that needs to be healed, but also outright say that people leading homosexual lives are "incomplete", "wounded" and just basically expressing Mommy and Daddy issues?
Seriously, fuck you Cohen.
You did not "came out straight". You just allowed someone else to tell you that you were doing the wrong thing by being who you were. You weren't lost and in need of guidance, you just bought the bullshit someone fed you, denied yourself who you were and what you wanted because it didn't fit with some intolerant asshole's vision of the world.
You know who gives gay people "frustration and pain"? People like you, like the so-called psychiatrist that told you it was okay to hate yourself and bury who you were beneath a layer of falsehoods to please someone else's delicate sensibilities and whoever published this piece of shit with your hate and intolerance and your disgusting bigotry.
You know who's going to live a life with a "dormant potential buried beneath emotional wounds" and who will have to go through every day feeling nothing but "frustration and pain"? You Mr. Cohen, when you realize the mistake you made in fitting yourself into the little box someone pre-determined for you. Because you allowed someone else to tell you were not good enough, that you were a mistake and that everything you loved was disgusting, a disease, simply because you were different. Turning straight and getting a wife and kids definitely didn't make you a better person, seeing as how you are willing to spread hate and intolerance with your book.
Shame on you, Cohen, as a man, as an author and as a human being.
I'm sorry but....
What the fuck is this?
You know what, no. I'm not sorry at all.
How dare you not only write a freaking book that treats homosexuality as a disease that needs to be healed, but also outright say that people leading homosexual lives are "incomplete", "wounded" and just basically expressing Mommy and Daddy issues?
Seriously, fuck you Cohen.
You did not "came out straight". You just allowed someone else to tell you that you were doing the wrong thing by being who you were. You weren't lost and in need of guidance, you just bought the bullshit someone fed you, denied yourself who you were and what you wanted because it didn't fit with some intolerant asshole's vision of the world.
You know who gives gay people "frustration and pain"? People like you, like the so-called psychiatrist that told you it was okay to hate yourself and bury who you were beneath a layer of falsehoods to please someone else's delicate sensibilities and whoever published this piece of shit with your hate and intolerance and your disgusting bigotry.
You know who's going to live a life with a "dormant potential buried beneath emotional wounds" and who will have to go through every day feeling nothing but "frustration and pain"? You Mr. Cohen, when you realize the mistake you made in fitting yourself into the little box someone pre-determined for you. Because you allowed someone else to tell you were not good enough, that you were a mistake and that everything you loved was disgusting, a disease, simply because you were different. Turning straight and getting a wife and kids definitely didn't make you a better person, seeing as how you are willing to spread hate and intolerance with your book.
Shame on you, Cohen, as a man, as an author and as a human being.
March 13, 2012
Wonder where he got his research from? The whole gang of accredited medical bodies here state otherwise. Who the hell is he? Notice he has a MA. Is that a master of arts? ARTS? Yeah...right...
Looks like he chose to fill his void with Asian women. Hmmm, the mystical oriental, kinky arts of pleasure boggle the mind...
Looks like he chose to fill his void with Asian women. Hmmm, the mystical oriental, kinky arts of pleasure boggle the mind...
Read
February 16, 2021If I ever come out straight or cis, all of you need to admit me to a mental hospital.
Or just kill me then and there. Take me out of my misery
Or just kill me then and there. Take me out of my misery
February 16, 2021
Language warning ⚠️
Garbage book. Hello my name is Fen I'm transgender, my pronouns are he/they and I don't give a flying fuck what heterosexuals think of me.
I'm also asexual and biromantic
I hope everything I just said pisses off homophobes because I live to displease you sweetheart. If your worst nightmare is gay people well let me tell you I'm the cryptid screeching outside your window.
Don't read this. Don't even waste your time.
We don't need your approval to live so fuck off ;)
Garbage book. Hello my name is Fen I'm transgender, my pronouns are he/they and I don't give a flying fuck what heterosexuals think of me.
I'm also asexual and biromantic
I hope everything I just said pisses off homophobes because I live to displease you sweetheart. If your worst nightmare is gay people well let me tell you I'm the cryptid screeching outside your window.
Don't read this. Don't even waste your time.
We don't need your approval to live so fuck off ;)
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