Synopses & Reviews
When it was first published in 2003, GLBTQ quickly became the indispensable resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning teens. This fully revised and updated edition retains all of the straightforward information and practical advice of the original edition while providing a contemporary look at society and its growing acceptance of people who are GLBTQ. Included are updates on efforts to promote equality, including the current status of legislative initiatives concerning safe schools, gay marriage, workplace equality, transgender expression, and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Issues-based information and advice address coming out, prejudice, getting support, staying safe, making healthy choices, and thriving in school. This frank, sensitive book is written for young people who are beginning to question their sexual or gender identity, those who are ready to work for GLBTQ rights, and those who may need advice, guidance, or reassurance that they are not alone.
Review
“Readers will find all sorts of useful information in the revised, updated second edition of GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens.”—Gregg Shapiro, Bay Area Reporter
Review
“This is a book I would have stolen from my library. GLBTQ is a book that needs to be in every junior high and high school library. The book is thorough and could help empower so many young people who are going through their adolescence full of fear.”
—Jamie McGonnigal, Talk About Equality blog
Review
“Uplifting wisdom . . . GLBTQ is sage advice, and a strong gift to any teenager.”—Midwest Book Review
Review
"This book forays into the dynamic reality of queer adolescence not only with valiance, but also with warranted accuracy.”—Alyssa V., winner of the Paul A. Anderson Youth Leadership Award
Review
“Addresses the most critical issues faced by contemporary GLBTQ teens . . . the information it provides for teens makes it a valuable addition to any high school or public library collection.”—VOYA
Review
“This book is one of queer life’s essentials—a must have for any LGBTQ young person, parent, or person working with youth. It is a book that can save and transform young lives and we need it to be everywhere.”—Out in Jersey Magazine
Review
“This book should be in every school and public library in America. Scratch that. In the world . . . Kelly gets the tone just right: informative, clear, helpful, encouraging, patient and warm.” — Lee Wind, writer and blogger at www.leewind.org
Review
“One of the best guides available for queer teens and their allies . . . Huegel unflinchingly and clearly explains what young adults, parents, and educators want and need to know . . . An excellent choice for libraries of all types.”—School Library Journal
Review
“For school counselors looking for a book that will provide professional development by deepening empathy for LGBTQ students, this book is a must-have. But even more importantly, by loaning the book out to students, school counselors can provide assurance to LGBTQ students that they are not alone and that there is an adult ready to help them process through any questions without judgment.”—ASCA School Counselor
Review
“GLBTQ’s subtitle promises that this text is a survival guide, and in many ways, it delivers on that promise. For youth needing basic resources . . . GLBTQ will provide both help, and hope, for our most vulnerable community members.”—Curve magazine
About the Author
Kelly Huegel is the director of public-private partnerships for a military medical foundation. Previously, she worked for the Metropolitan Washington DC chapter of PFLAG, where she helped provide support and educational services for GLBTQ people and their families. The author of two books and more than fifty published articles, Kelly has a special passion for working with teens and holds a degree in secondary education. She welcomes readers to follow her updates on GLBTQ politics and people or message her direct via Twitter @GLBTQguide. Kelly lives with her girlfriend in suburban Washington, D.C.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
A Changing World
About This Book
Chapter 1: GLBTQ 101
GLBTQ Terminology
A Biology Lesson? The Science of GLBTQ
Your Personal Geography: Exploring Who You Are
Myths, Generalizations, and Just Plain Absurd Ideas
About GLBTQ People . . . and the Truth
Chapter 2: Homophobia
The 411 on Hate: The Roots of Homophobia
The Big Bad World? Homophobia in Society and at School
Responding to Homophobia
When Homophobia = Ongoing Harassment
The Good News
Chapter 3: Coming Out
What Is Coming Out All About?
How’s the Weather Out There? Deciding If You’re Ready(and If It’s Safe) to Come Out
I Have Something to Tell You: Coming Out to Your Family
Chicas, Peeps, and Brahs: Coming Out to Your Friends
Coming Out at School
Chapter 4: Life at School
School Life for GLBTQ Teens: The Big Picture
Feeling Invisible . . . or Too Visible
Exercising Your Rights as a GLBTQ Student
The Voice of Authority:
Talking to Teachers and Administrators .
Club Life: Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Other Queer-Friendly Activities
Moving On: Deciding If You Need to Change Schools
Chapter 5: GLBTQ Friends
Part of the Family: The Utterly Diverse, Somewhat Cohesive,
Always Interesting GLBTQ Community
IMRU2? Meeting Other GLBTQ Teens
Making Connections: GLBTQ Online Communities
Queer Compadres: GLBTQ Friendships
Straight But Not Narrow: Other Friends
Chapter 6: Dating and Relationships
Soul Searching: Figuring Out If You’re Ready to Date
Who Gets the Check? GLBTQ Dating Basics
Being “Out” on a Date
Singing the Breakup Blues
Abusive Relationships: Recognizing Them and Getting Help
Chapter 7: Sex and Sexuality
Making Sound Decisions About Sex
Five Myths (and Truths) About GLBTQ Sex
The Big Picture: STIs and Pregnancy
Chapter 8: Staying Healthy
Chilling Out: Dealing with Stress as a GLBTQ Teen
When Stress Turns Into Depression
Thinking About Drinking: Making Decisions About Alcohol
The Truth About Tobacco
Avoiding Drugs
Chapter 9: Religion and Culture
States of Being: Religious Life and GLBTQ Life
Making Room in Religion: Reconciling Your Personal Beliefs
Cultural Differences, Being GLBTQ, and You
Chapter 10: Transgender Teens
What Does It Mean to Be Transgender?
How Do You Know? Figuring Out If You’re Transgender
Now What? Options for Trans Teens .
Trans Pride: Responding to Transphobia
Chapter 11: Work, College, and Beyond
Finding a GLBTQ-Friendly Company
Being GLBTQ in the Workplace: Your Decisions and Your Rights .
A Perfect Match: Finding the Right School
Going with the Flow: Some Thoughts on Getting Older
Glossary
Resources
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Author