Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies [Paperback]

Ellen Bass (Author), Kate Kaufman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 1996

"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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This very accessible basic guide for youth and those who care about them includes many valuable, practical suggestions and pointers to additional resources. Bass and Kaufman cover it all in chapters from "Friends" and "Love" to "Religious Life" and "Living in Your Community."
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Although the fact that June is Gay Pride Month has been well publicized in recent years, it may have escaped notice that June is also Lesbian and Gay Book Month (see News & Views, p.1636). This June brings the 13 titles reviewed here, one of which introduces a solid new mystery series hero: a trifle too hard-drinking reporter named Ben Justice. Other volumes of more than slight interest are a long-lost short novel by Margaret Anderson, who edited one of the most important little magazines in U.S. literary history; the first novel in 13 years from Andrew Holleran, the godfather, so to speak, of the modern gay novel; and Judy Nelson's report on life after Martina and Rita Mae and . . .

Like most popular literature on homosexuality, Bass and Kaufman's adviser for youth plays a mite fast and loose with social science research. Still, it is an excellent resource. The authors pepper the text with the words of a few dozen young people who have been through the experiences that the book's six sections address: self-discovery and coming out, dealing with friends and first love, dealing with family, defending and asserting oneself in school, finding solace in spirituality, and locating community support. Further, for the allies mentioned in the subtitle, Bass and Kaufman offer such chapters as "our pride and joy" (for parents) and "making changes in churches and temples" (no initial capitals are used in titles and headings). Of course, the book will infuriate those who give homosexuality no quarter and also, on account of its safe-sex counsel, those who don't want children to hear about sex. Even friendly adult readers may be discomfited by the glossing over of historical and religious complexities. Well, no book is perfect, and this one remains very good. Ray Olson

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial; 1st edition (May 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060951044
• ISBN-13: 978-0060951047
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,372 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Coming Out

More About the Author

A pioneer in the field of healing from child sexual abuse, Ellen Bass currently teaches in the MFA program at Pacific University in Oregon. Her poetry books include Mules of Love and The Human Line.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me through some tough times,, January 4, 2000

By 

Ben Symon (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies (Paperback)

I'm a gay teen who didn't know anyone who was gay and really needed to know that I was the only guy out there going through this stuff. Free Your Mind is an awesome book in many ways, because it's so full of comments and stuff from other people who share similar experiences, that it's hard to feel so alone and different after reading the book. The authors, as well, are really nice people, I've e-mailed them several times and they are incredibly friendly, supportive and loving. When I got it, I kinda hoped that Free Your Mind would provide me with all the answers... it doesn't, nothing can, but it provided me with a sense of hope, pride and one really intensely important message : I am not alone.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "I can't say enough about this book!", June 16, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Pittsburgh, Pa.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies (Paperback)

I have been actively researching homosexual youth and teen suicide for many months now. I could bury myself in books. I have also contacted guidance counselors across the U.S. to see what programs different schools have in their areas. It has taken me many, many hours. I could give you a synopsis from all I've read, however, most youth and parents included, will never do as much research as I have. I recently reread this book and I can honestly say that if I was able to offer one resource to a confused child/parent or other, this would be it. It focuses on just about every subject that one might have a question about. The book is not "sugar-coated" or biased it is only candid and honest. The current research I have been doing has brought me to this book. It is somewhat of a bible of the 30 or 40 books I read. If you have questions...read it! If you don't, read it anyway, you will be better for it. Kudos!!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best all-around resource/information book on gay youth, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies (Paperback)

I have to say, that I have read and reviewed a lot of books for a resource list that my non-profit has prepared to give to educators and youth in the local school systems. Of all that I have read, this is the one that I would suggest for just about anyone. It has so much helpful information for teachers/clergy/friends/family/parents and gay youth themselves. I wish that every educator, service provider, counselor, clergy-person that works with youth would read it and have a copy to give to others. It's that good!