American Savage is a memoir written by Dan Savage, an American author, media personality, and activist. The book was published in 2013 and covers the author’s life from his childhood to his adulthood. The book is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a specific period of the author’s life. In this book summary, we will provide a brief overview of each chapter and conclude with a summary of the book’s main themes.
Chapter 1: Growing Up in the Suburbs
The first chapter of American Savage introduces the reader to Dan Savage’s childhood in the suburbs of Chicago. Savage describes his upbringing as relatively normal, with a loving mother and a distant father. However, he also reveals that he was bullied relentlessly in school for being gay, which led to a great deal of emotional distress.
Chapter 2: Coming Out and Moving to Seattle
In the second chapter, Savage describes his experience of coming out to his parents and the challenges he faced as a young gay man in the 1980s. After coming out, he moved to Seattle, where he found a vibrant gay community and began writing a sex advice column for a local newspaper. This chapter also covers his first serious relationship and the death of his partner from an AIDS-related illness.
Chapter 3: Activism and the It Gets Better Project
The third chapter of American Savage focuses on Savage’s work as an activist for LGBTQ rights. He describes his involvement in the fight for same-sex marriage and his creation of the It Gets Better Project, an organization that aims to provide support and hope to LGBTQ youth who are struggling with their identity. This chapter also covers some of the backlash and controversy that Savage has faced as a result of his activism.
Chapter 4: Family and Parenthood
In the fourth chapter, Savage writes about his decision to become a parent with his partner Terry, despite the fact that they were not able to have biological children. He describes the challenges of adopting a child and the joys of parenthood. This chapter also covers the tragic death of their son from a rare disease.
Chapter 5: The Future of the LGBTQ Movement
The final chapter of American Savage looks towards the future of the LGBTQ movement and the challenges that remain. Savage writes about the importance of continuing to fight for equality and the need for allies to stand up for the rights of all people. He also reflects on the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.
Conclusion
Overall, American Savage is a powerful and moving memoir that provides insight into the life of a prominent LGBTQ activist. Through his story, Savage highlights the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ community and the importance of fighting for equality. Whether you are a fan of Dan Savage or simply interested in learning more about LGBTQ history, American Savage is a must-read.
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