Gay youth today describe themselves as proud, happy, and grateful – something many of us would have found surprising a generation ago. Yet many adults seem skeptical about this change in perceptions and attitudes. What does it mean to be gay today?

In a Chats in the Stacks book talk, Ritch Savin-Williams, professor emeritus of developmental psychology in the College of Human Ecology, will discuss his new book, Becoming Who I Am: Young Men on Being Gay (Harvard University Press; Sept. 19, 2016). He has written eight books on adolescent development. 

Savin-Williams’ book explores identity and sexuality as told by today’s generation of gay young men, and through a series of in-depth interviews with teenagers and men in their early 20s, he offers a contemporary perspective on gay lives in present day America. After spending forty years researching the lives of gay teens, he finds huge gaps still remain in our knowledge about their basic developmental needs, their sexual and romantic life, and overall well-being. Savin-Williams will share his insights about the future of gay youth in an age of growing tolerance.

Savin-Williams is a licensed clinical psychologist and has consulted for MTV, 20/20, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. He has been interviewed by National Public Radio, Newsweek, Time, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today.

Buffalo Street Books will offer books for purchase and signing. Refreshments served.

The book talk series at Mann Library is supported by the Mary A. Morrison Public Education Fund.