O.C. Gay Men's Book Club

This January we are reading "Cis White Gay: The Making of a Gender Heretic" by Ben Appel.

"A gay survivor of a Christian cult finds new purpose in LGBT activism and attends Columbia University with the aim of becoming a journalist, only to find himself in a new cult devoted to “queerness,” anti-Zionism and anti-Western radicalism.

In 1983, Ben Appel is born into the Lamb of God, a Christian covenant community in Maryland. From an early age, his gender nonconformity is evident, and he is made to feel sinful and bad in God's eyes. When his parents’ marriage crumbles and his family is exiled from the sacred community, Ben is thrust into the real world, which he finds to be even less tolerant of “girly” boys than the Lamb of God.

Unable to reconcile his gay identity with his religious programming, he prays obsessively for God’s forgiveness and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. Within a few years, his inner demons drive him to the edge of mental and emotional collapse."

We will gather again at the Twisted Vine in downtown Fullerton to discuss. Delicious Wine and some food is available. Please bring cash to make paying a combined bill easy. (See menu here: https://www.twistedvinewines.com/menu) Join us to share your thoughts and friendship.

For the month of January we have selected “The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde. Please read or listen to the book ahead of time and come prepared to share your thoughts.

We meet at Urth Cafe, in the alley by the Starbucks. Urth cafe has a variety of food and drink options (see the menu here: https://www.urthcaffe.com/orange). There is free parking on adjacent streets surrounding the Orange Circle. There is also a Parking Structure on Maple and Lemon.

Every month, some group members come early to grab a brew at Provisions Cafe (143 N Glassell St.)

If we reach a group size of 16 or more we may break into two groups for improved intimacy and ability to hear.