Full of scenarios that you always wanted help with but never
dared ask amongst friends (poll for the etiquette of fellatio,
anybody?) this bible of gay manners is crammed with questions
you're burning to have answered. Who picks up the bill on the first
date? What are on the rules on PDA? What do two brides wear to the
ceremony?
Presented in a practical way, this straightforward book
chronicles an entire gay lifetime: from the initial steps of coming
out, dating and civil partnerships; right through to parenting and
illness. It has every point of life covered, from the mundane, such
as dressing appropriately in the workplace, to the slightly
trickier aspects of life-time commitment and planning a family.
Written by gay journalist Steven Petrow, the book is an
expansion of his monthly column 'Queeries.' The comprehensive guide
is compiled from his readers' own experiences and whilst most of
the dilemmas are not strictly gay exclusive, he consistently
presents them with a LGBT spin.
The guide is well targeted at its audience, although at times it
feels Petrow is writing solely for his male readership. Women
clamouring for a lesbian focused handbook may be left a little
disappointed.
Many of the tips may seem common knowledge but are surprisingly
useful. It might seem obvious that same-sex couples have the option
of changing their surnames after marriage, but its still reassuring
to have guru Petrow confirm this.
The most entertaining parts of the book often come in the form
of the lesbian queries, although too few, which include: being
mistaken for sisters, the role of the mother-of-the-bride at a LGBT
wedding, and what to do if you feel awkward about your girlfriend
brandishing a dildo.
Petrow also touches on serious issues such as bereavement and
HIV and whilst all his subjects are tactfully approached, you can't
help feeling the book could have benefited from a dash more
humour.
The book is conveniently out for autumn, one of the highest
points in the year for a self-help surge, so expect to see it on
the shelves of a friend's home-library before Christmas. If you
haven't already bought it then take it down and have a sneak peek-
you could learn some manners.
Oh, and for those who were wondering, Petrow blows apart one of
the biggest myths of gay relationships: Just because you're a
same-sex couple it is NOT good etiquette to borrow your partner's
clothes!
Workman Publishing
448 pages
Buy it here
