Living Proud! Coming Out and Seeking Support

When Sarah recognized she was a lesbian, she found support first from a gay teacher in her high school. Ed was sent to an ex-gay ministry when he first told his family he was gay. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres confirmed her sexual orientation on national television, and international pop star Ricky Martin announced to the world that he was gay on his website. The experience of publicly identifying oneself as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) is deeply personal for each...
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When Sarah recognized she was a lesbian, she found support first from a gay teacher in her high school. Ed was sent to an ex-gay ministry when he first told his family he was gay. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres confirmed her sexual orientation on national television, and international pop star Ricky Martin announced to the world that he was gay on his website. The experience of publicly identifying oneself as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) is deeply personal for each individual. But while the particulars vary, there are issues and questions shared by all. Should I come out? When should I come out? Who should I come out to first? The most important thing to know is that you're not alone. In addition to friends, family, and teachers, groups such as GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and PFLAG (formerly known as Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays) are there to provide support to young people coming out. Each title in this series contains a foreword from the founder of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.