WELCOME
Let me share with you the story behind my new book, ‘I was Screaming Inside: But Nobody Could Hear Me. Now The World Listens.’ It is the story of my journey from being a closeted gay man to finally finding the courage to step outside into the world as my true self. As the title suggests, my journey takes me over a period of many great changes in society and the social acceptance of being homosexual.
I wrote this book, not just to pen my personal experience but also in the hope that my words may empower other gay men and women who like me, have battled [or are still battling] with conflicting emotions and the fear of rejection, – should we make that ‘leap‘ into ‘living life authentically.’ Revealing our hearts and dreams for the future. I am as you will soon discover, a man of – say we say – mature age! But now, with the release of my new book, penned under my real name Andrew Brookman, I am stepping out from the shadows and into the light. I am being me. A man who is worthy of acceptance and love.
I Was Screaming Inside isn’t just about me – it’s about all of us who have struggled with finding our voice. From my childhood, when I felt like I didn’t fit in, to the years of anxiety and fear that came with hiding my true self, my journey was long and difficult. Hiding who I really was felt suffocating, and sometimes, I didn’t know how to breathe under the weight of it all.
As society began to change, and more people were able to live openly, my fear only grew. I saw younger generations living their truth, but I was too afraid to join them. The older I got, the harder it was to step into the light. I was afraid of rejection and felt like I’d missed my chance. Then, something changed. I started writing. Writing became my way to express all the things I had kept hidden for so long. It was through writing that I found my voice, my confidence, and my worth.
Now, as I get ready to release my book on August 1st, 2025, I am proud of who I am. This book is about my story, yes, but it’s also about giving hope to anyone who is still in the dark. It’s not just about “coming out” – it’s about the years of living quietly, struggling to breathe, and learning how to live your truth, even when the world around you feels tough. I am also proud to support the LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Ageing programme, which helps older LGBTQ+ people who feel isolated or rejected. A portion of the proceeds from my book will go to support this programme, and I encourage you to get involved, too.
This book is for anyone who feels like they don’t belong. There is always a way forward, even if it feels impossible. And sometimes, it starts with sharing your story.
And I start my story with saying goodbye to Julian Black…
