Ben Cohen, the straight former professional rugby player who has become a champion against bullying, will publish his first book, according to his non-profit organization, the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation. The book, called ‘Do You,’ will be published by Penguin Random House and will tackle issues of bullying and how to support victims of bullying. The book will be released Aug. 4 and is currently available for pre-order.
Cohen has become a symbol of hope since his father was murdered protecting a gay man from a bully. Cohen has also become a champion of the LGBT community. His foundation has worked closely with many LGBT-rights organizations and is a founding member of the LGBT Sports Coalition.
Check out the full press release from StandUp, including thoughts from Cohen, and see the cover art for the book below.
ATLANTA, July 23, 2015 – The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation today announced the publication of DO YOU!, the first book from its founder and chairman, rugby World Cup champion Ben Cohen. The book aims to help young people deal with bullying, and to be a supportive guide for parents and educators alike.
Published by Penguin Random House under the Pam Krauss Books imprint, the book offers inspiration and encouragement for anyone who was ever bullied, left out or pushed aside. The book lifts the spirits and gives practical guidance to anyone struggling with bullying and rejection, doing so in 20 brief, memorable, visually rich sections. Real-world words of encouragement from fans and supporters of StandUp are also included in the book.
"It's a small book with a big impact," said Ben Cohen. "Much of it comes from my own experience dealing with the loss of my father, as well as the advice I would give my own daughters. I want readers to know they are not alone, that someone understands, and that they can make it through."
DO YOU! encourages readers of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and to live the life that is best for them. "I am really trying to let people know that they are absolutely fine just as they are. My goal has been to connect with them as a friend and a supporter, as they have connected with me," said Cohen.
The book was developed from Ben's experiences, values, and vision for how to make the world kinder for all, and crafted by the team at StandUp with him. It is on-sale August 4, 2015, in time for back-to-school reading, and available wherever books are sold.
Shop for DO YOU! at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, iBooks/Apple or Google Play.
