Coming Home to America: A Roadmap to Gay & Lesbian Empowerment (Stonewall Inn Editions) [Paperback]

Torie Osborn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 1997 | Series: Stonewall Inn Editions

A book speaking to gays and lesbians and their families and friends emphasizes how every open gay or lesbian strikes a blow for social justice and change. Tour.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In this "roadmap to gay and lesbian empowerment," the former head of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force provides a blueprint for broad social revolution that starts by looking within one's own heart. Drawing upon the personal stories of queer Americans representing a diverse range of ages, races, religions and sexual orientations, Osborn celebrates the courage inherent in every decision to come out, and argues that simply by living our lives, each of us provides compelling arguments for our place in society. She then suggests ways in which gays, lesbians, and everyone else can come together and build inclusive communities of hope which serve as models not just for the gay rights movement, but for all Americans.

From Publishers Weekly

Despite its sentimental title and jargonistic subtitle, this is a seasoned overview and guide to the future state of the queer nation. Osborn, its lesbian activist author, describes it as "unabashedly a gay and lesbian movement cheerleader's attempt to inspire optimism during tough times." In chapters dealing with coming out, activism, community-building, politics and American society's future and the role in it for gays and lesbians, Osborn tempers her hopefulness with realistic warnings about pitfalls and defeats. The book is not an extended locker-room pep talk, and the case studies and personal anecdotes are presented well, and integrated into a powerful whole. Osborn has plumbed her 23 years of activism for enlightening and emotionally charged stories of individual triumph and joy in the midst of intense and extended tribulation, drawing from them valuable lessons. Though she leans on stereotypes to make some of her final points, the book as a whole reads like a summation and a plan for the road ahead offered in good faith and with good humor.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312168047
• ISBN-13: 978-0312168049
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,664,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Torie is a cheerleader for anyone who's coming out, August 21, 2000

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming Home to America: A Roadmap to Gay & Lesbian Empowerment (Stonewall Inn Editions) (Paperback)

This book gave me the courage to come out. What more can I say? Torie Osborn lays out the arguments for coming out thoroughly & convincingly. She doesn't deny that it's difficult & can be risky, but her point is this: the alternatives are much worse. I read this book, I decided I believed that author was correct, & then I changed my life. For the BETTER.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do Yourself a favor, BUY IT!, February 16, 2001

By 

"drevin13" (Kansas, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming Home to America: A Roadmap to Gay & Lesbian Empowerment (Stonewall Inn Editions) (Paperback)

This book has been an inspiration for me. I have begun to queston why American culture has promoted the feelings of fear and guilt that surround the gay culture. I don't believe it promotes a healthy or accurate view of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. This book asks questions, then provides real life stories to illustrate. Torie Osborn's book is a battlecry for compassion and equality. Empower yourself and better your community.