"In 2000, I wrote a book on how to deal with all the negative feelings that gay men have about aging: Golden Men: The Power of Gay Midlife. In order to prepare the reader for understanding the exercises in the book, I had to elucidate in detail how and why the developmental process for becoming and feeling like an adult was different for gay men. Broadly stated, it is much more an internal process without the societal support that non-gay men have. In publicizing my book in social media, I discovered that there are many non-gay men’s groups that are dealing with new definitions on “how to be a man”—they are trying to develop a more positive perspecive. In many ways, their struggle is similar to gay men’s experience in learning how to feel they are adult men that does not necessarily meet many societal expectations . So I would like to have an open and safe discussion of this issue where all feel free to share their thoughts, feelings and questions."

Presented in English.

Harold Kooden, Ph.D., is a white and gay retired clinical psychologist living with his husband, Dr. John Hunter, in Oaxaca. He has had almost sixty years of clinical experience as a therapist, community activist and community mental health practitioner. He has authored many professional articles and books.