Straight Jacket

Reviews / Votes

"This is an essential read for every gay person on the planet." -- Elton John "An essential book... Part sociological polemic and part self-help book, it zones in on some of the issues that disproportionately affect the gay community, from depression and anxiety to drug and alcohol addiction and body and eating disorders. I found myself both deeply upset and hugely relieved by its candour. After reading the book, tender as it is, you can't help but want to share your own experiences. Consider Straight Jacket a call to arms." * Independent (i) * "Matthew Todd thought he had long since dealt with the demons surrounding his sexuality. In [his] new book, he reveals the crisis of shame facing the gay community - and how to solve it." * The Observer * "Straight Jacket documents Todd's own childhood experiences, and the long-term mental health and addiction issues he has suffered; he is also using it to call for a government inquiry into the experiences of LGBT children at school." * Guardian * "Matthew Todd dares to shine a light on the dark legacy of gay shame [and] it's not a pretty sight...There are some uncomfortable and downright terrifying truths to be confronted in Todd's brilliant, essential new book. It's difficult to underestimate the importance of Straight Jacket. If you are struggling and want help and don't know where to look, this book is a great place to start. But even if you're not, [it] is by far one of the most important books you'll read this year." * Gay Community News Ireland * "Todd doesn't hold back in calling for a shift both outside and inside the gay community. He calls out hook-up apps such as Grindr, the 'mean girls' persona that so many gay men adopt, and the gay press itself... Straight Jacket isn't just a self-help book. It's a resource for anyone with an interest in knowing what needs to change to bring about real equality... For that, Matthew Todd has another reason to be proud." * Evening Standard * "Cannot put it down... a book like this is long overdue." -- Charlie Condou "An honest and perceptive book." * Sunday Express * "Utterly brilliant." -- Owen Jones * The Guardian * "A smashing book." -- Paul O'Grady "Excellent... A valuable contribution to mental health and a must read." -- Dr Christian Jessen "One of the most powerful books, sensitively and elegantly written, I think, that I have ever read." -- Lord Michael Cashman CBE "The book everyone is talking about... This is probably the most important thing I'll ever read as a gay man. Full of profundity and fearless honesty." -- Youtuber Calum McSwiggan "It's an important book. I had to read it right through. It tackles some tough issues and is searingly honest" -- Lorraine Kelly "I got so much out of that book and I know a lot of people have. It's helping a lot of people. It's a bible." -- Performance artist David Hoyle "I'm about to read Straight Jacket for a second time. Brilliant, important, inspiring, brave." -- Rucomingout.com's Wayne Dhesi "An honest insight into LGBTQ life that everybody should be enlightened about regardless of sexuality." -- Rylan Clark-Neal "This powerful book, I believe, will save lives. I'd like to see every gay man read this." -- Juno Dawson * The Guardian * "A superb book... Have read it twice now." -- Oliver Thring, Times journalist "The book we should all be talking about." * Prowler magazine * "Thank you for writing this book. It is a must read." -- Activist Bisi Alimi "One of the best books we have ever read. Honest, thought provoking and much needed." * Q Scene magazine * "Finally started to read Straight Jacket. I'm already blown away. An incredibly honest and insightful read. Bravo Matthew." -- Journalist Tom Knight