HOMOSEXUALITY: The Secret a Child Dare Not Tell was written and published to educate the public about the obvious, yet irrationally-resisted, fact that homosexuals do not spring up at university enclaves and on city streets as fully-grown, mature sexual beings. First they were children, and as children, subjected to a great deal of hatred and other negativity. The book gathers surveys from many gay and lesbian adults and parents of gay and lesbian adults, and shows that all gays and lesbians shared the experience of having to hide something essential about themselves from their families and friends.
Mary Ann Cantwell wrote the book with the idea of educating the parents of all young children about the possibility that their child might be suffering needlessly and alone
This book, considered to be very "user-friendly," has been selected as an excellent source for use in diversity training, whether for schools, churches or for business. The author imagined a day when health care professionals would provide sexual orientation information along with the shots which protect the physical well-being of young children. She believes this information should strengthen the cohesion and nurturing power of all families.
