Pain Before the Rainbow

About The Book

This gripping book chronicles the life of a man who was acutely aware of being gay as a boy in an unaccepting world—a time before the rainbow. Cooper presents an eloquent narrative through a series of stories that engage the reader’s mind and heart in this skillfully composed exploration of identity and compelling perspective through the lens of a man who lives and loves outside the lines of the oppressive heterosexual boxes that society and religion drew and that condition boys to think and act according to a preset definition of masculinity.Cooper brilliantly navigates the shame and secrecy, tragedy, and trauma, as well as strength and courage, that grow out of living one’s truth in a disapproving and often hurtful world.Pain Before the Rainbow: a biomythographical anthology by Jack Cooper is available for presale and will be published as a paperback and ebook on June 1, 2025.

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About The Author
Jack Cooper lives with his husband and Great Dane, Jack, in upstate New York, where he writes and renovates properties. He has an MA from Union College, spent 20 years in the private sector, and taught at the secondary level for 25 years.Jack Cooper's work has been published in the Flumes Literary Journal, Weasel Press, Limit Experience Journal, Coffee People Zine, Miracle Monocle, Plentitudes Journal, Prometheus Dreaming, Two Sisters Writing and Publishing, Pride and Presents, Red Noise Collective, Running Wild Press Short Story Anthology, Wingless Dreamers Publication, Wild Sounds Writing Festival, Beyond Words, Beyond Queer Words, and RIZE Short Story Anthology.Contact me at [email protected]

Reviews for Pain Before the Rainbow

“In Anthony’s Sin, Jack Cooper takes us into the minds and hearts of two young men as they discover beautiful passion while grappling with poignant pain inflicted by a world that does not yet accept or celebrate love outside its rigid hetero norms. Hence, the fitting title of this brilliant collection, Pain Before the Rainbow. It’s important to read this novella that takes place only a few short decades ago, before the rainbow helped cultivate and sustain today’s freedoms. Cooper’s powerful stories help us remember and reflect on the pain of the past, before same-sex marriage was legal, before Pride month marches electrified cities around the world, and before LGBTQ+ people were included and celebrated in the media and mainstream society. While his stories show how bad it once was, they renew our commitment to never allowing the world to slip backwards. Courageous and insightful writers like Cooper help us move forward with respect, love, and harmony for all.”
Elizabeth Ann Atkins, Co-Founder, Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®_______“Cooper’s perfectly flowing prose reaches that elusive place where reality and fiction—biomythography—collide
seamlessly. His ability to infuse his characters and settings with heartbreaking depth makes this anthology unforgettable. Both
uplifting and somber, Cooper’s heart and humanity reflect the wisdom of his journey.”
Glenn E. Kakely, Author of The Power to Create You_______“A time before the rainbow was a period in America when the vileness of those who didn’t understand the humanity of
the LGBTQ+ community was immeasurable. Given the current political environment, it appears to be a ‘here we go again
moment’. Cooper’s Pain Before the Rainbow is timely as it is historical… implications of loss and time, and what it means to be
haunted by both. Cooper’s biomythography is a reminder not to allow a return to the time before the rainbow.”
Laureen R Violante, CMT, CYT, certified meditation and yoga teacher and co-founder of YogaTales_______“These stories explore enduring glimmers of compassion, hope, love, and kindness in the shadow of a purity culture
and the Church’s darkness. Your heart will bleed—maybe for the first time—and it should.”
James Buono, Family Trauma and Loss Counselor_______“This phenomenally well written book is the story of personal pain; seconds, minutes, days, and decades of tears, screams, hurt and ugliness, despair, and loss of hope. This book is about the absolute bravery it takes to write and talk about what really needs to be said… Jack Cooper finds no more hiding. No more rehashing the traumas. This book is about YOU! Your tears will eventually dry up as you open and engulf every page; discover your gorgeous rainbow brilliance in being the most amazing you.”
Joanie Lindenmeyer, Best Selling Author of Nun Better: An Amazing Love Story, Co-author with Elizabeth Ann Atkins_______Heart wrenching. How does one endure and continue? Difficult but compelling. So very glad I found this treasure. To enable a reader to see another’s soul and anguish so clearly, what an honest and talented author._______An amazing piece of literature! Such truth and understanding of the pain this life brings and the ultimate unfairness of it. Jack Cooper, you have written words that I felt deep in my soul. Don’t stop writing!_______I just finished Jack Cooper's "Pain Before the Rainbow," and it really got to me. He makes you feel his journey in a powerful way. This book is his life story, a raw look at growing up gay when the world wasn't ready. He's incredibly honest about the shame and heartache he faced "before the rainbow," especially with strict religion. It really opened my eyes to those past struggles.
But it's not all tough stuff. What really stuck with me is the courage and hope that shine through. It's not just a sad story; it's about the incredible strength it takes to be yourself, no matter what. His writing feels so real. If you want to understand the fight for self-acceptance, definitely check out "Pain Before the Rainbow." It's powerful._______I couldn’t put it down. The raw emotion and anguish drew me in immediately. Jack Cooper bared his soul and took us on a journey that was painful, beautiful and hopeful. This is a must read for everyone. Thank you for sharing._______