ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the eight gay men who were interviewed for this project and studies the first section of the transcribed interviews. It considers the overarching patterns, themes, and narratives that emerge from these texts and explores both commonalities and particularities. As far as possible, each man is allowed to speak in his own voice, but close attention is also paid to developmental stages as they emerge. First, familial contexts are considered, then these men’s journeys from infancy and childhood, through puberty and adolescence, and on into their college years are explored. Second, their initial experiences of coming out are discussed, and the gradual development of provisional personal stability in early adulthood is examined.
