I have been invited by the Irish Stammering Association (ISA) to speak as part of their Speaker Series this Friday October 21st on the topic of 'Being Seen, Being heard'. This is to help mark International Stuttering Awareness Day 2022 and highlight the importance of people who stutter being seen and heard in society.
This invitation has been a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with the ISA and share my story. A huge thank you to Stephen Greene, Jonathon Linklater and Naill Walsh for making this speaking event happen and for the two very favourable reviews of Just One More Drive: The true story of a stuttering homosexual and his race car.
Our conversation will take place online this Friday from 7:00 - 8:00pm Irish time and 11:00 - 12:00pm PST. It is free to join and you can register at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/isad-speaker-series-tickets-397003196247
Review by Stephen Greene - Current Board member and past Chair of Irish Stammering Association.
"Robert’s book was an excellent and engrossing read. His account of his life of coming to terms with and understanding of his identity as a gay man who stutters was an honest and authentic exploration.
What stood out was the effect of suppression and masking of these identities could have on one’s life and the need to make up for lost time after coming out and how is one equipped mentally and emotionally when they are immersed in the communities of stuttering and LGBTQIA+ and wider society.
Another stand out from the book was the theme of love and support Robert had from his family and allies. As a person who stutters I am very thankful that Robert has shared his story with us and that allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and embracing our identities can lead to happiness in our lives. Thank you Robert."
Review by Niall Walsh - Current Board member and Company Secretary of Irish Stammering Association.
"I was so entranced by this book, it is a wonder I can drag myself away from it for long enough to write this review of it!
Yes, it’s very subject matter (and book title) is a draw in itself, but that hardly guarantees anything.
This book guides the reader through Roberts personal journey from child to adult with all the ups, downs, blockages and stutters in between.
Robert writes with a brutal honesty about what it’s like to have a stammer in Ireland as a child (we’ve all had that one teacher, regrettably!..) to young adult life struggling with self-confidence and identity which, as I would imagine, resonates with many readers.
This book is told through the eyes of a young stuttering gay Irish man with a disarming honesty and a wicked sense of humour. However, under the relatable sci-fi references and wit, the author gives us so much more: he explains, educates, inspires, and shares his stuttering story."
