This is a book Benjamin Law wishes he’d had when he was growing up gay in Australia. To ensure today’s youngsters have access to such a publication, he invited dozens of writers who have been out of the closet for some years to write autobiographical anecdotes or short essays on their life experiences.

David Marr was 17, gay and fearful of the disapproval of his family and the world when he and other senior year students gathered in the assembly hall for a talk by the school doctor. Dr Day said you can tell whether a person is homosexual. He paused, and quite a few students froze awaiting immediate discovery of their secret. The doctor went on to say you can tell by the decor in their apartments.

Marr writes that he invested a decade of his life determined not to be homosexual. He tried religion, alcohol and marriage. Eventually he realised heaven was not meant for him and decided to just be himself. Sooner or later, life conspires to reveal you to yourself. Many in the book thought they were the only gay in the village, or in Australia, or in the world. How they coped – and didn’t cope – is here for all to see.

Growing Up Queer in Australia is sad, disturbing and, in parts, hilarious. All contributors are to be commended for their courage, their honesty and their tenacity.

It’s a book for every youngster who feels they are ‘different’ and concerned they may not be heterosexual. It’s a book for parents, teachers and every school library.

If Growing Up Queer in Australia stops one person from feeling shame or self-loathing, from feeling alone in the world, or dispelling thoughts of suicide, it will have done what the author wants.

Reviewed by Clive Hodges