Goldberg Variations - Taylor Jonathan A.

Jamie Goldberg, hoping desperately to avoid dealing with his sexual abuse in early childhood, is quick to pin any symptoms of trauma on any convenient issue of the day. Newly out of the closet in 1980 Detroit, he thinks coming out would solve his problems. Yet, allusive darker traumatic secrets linger in his mind. He discovers human sexuality is more complex than merely declaring one's sexuality. He also learns the struggles of suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and sexual acceptance only fester when suppressed. In short, he realizes his search keeps leading him where he does not want to go. Sometimes he is sustained only by his own wry sense of humor, love of music or the theater. Eventually a cast of Detroit characters accept him as he is, even if he does not, which prepares him for a date with his past he cannot escape. That confrontation threatens to damn him or possibly redeem him.