Free Your Mind

by Bass, Ellen; Kaufman, Kate

• ISBN13: 9780060951047
• ISBN10: 0060951044
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-06-01
• Publisher: Perennial

Summary

Free Your Mind is the definitive practical guide for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth -- and their families, teachers, counselors and friends. For too long, gay youth have wanted to be themselves and to feel good about it, but most have been isolated, afraid, harassed, or worse. Their very existence has been ignored, whispered about, or swept under the rug. But each day more and more lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are standing up, speaking out, breaking down stereotypes, demanding rights and recognition -- shining. In this book, young people share their joy and their pain, their hopes and fears, the formidable obstacles they have faced and overcome, and the exciting opportunities they have discovered. Free Your Mind speaks to the basic aspects of the lives of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth: Self-Discovery; Friends and Lovers; Family; School; Spirituality; Community. Alive with the voices of more than fifty young people, rich in accurate information and positive practical advice, Free Your Mind talks about how to come out, deal with problems, make healthy choices about relationships and sex, connect with other gay youth and supportive adults, and take pride and participate in the gay and lesbian community. Free Your Mind also presents detailed guidance for adults who want to make the world safer for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
We are everywhere	p. 3
Coming into your own	p. 15
Reaching out	p. 29
If I live, I'll be great: Making it through hard times	p. 44
Friends	p. 61
Love	p. 74
Sex	p. 89
HIV, AIDS, and safer sex	p. 106
Coming out to your family	p. 123
Your family's response	p. 140
Our pride and joy: for parents of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth	p. 160
School daze	p. 191
Making schools safe for lesbian, gay, and bisexual students: for educators	p. 215
Strategies for building a support program: for activists and educators	p. 238
Religious life	p. 259
The Bible	p. 277
Making changes in churches and temples: for clergy and congregations	p. 286
Living in your community	p. 307
Creating supportive community groups: for service providers and allies	p. 321
The gay, lesbian, and bisexual community	p. 335
Standing up for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: for the adult gay community	p. 356
Resources	p. 367
Index	p. 401
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.