The Journey Out: A Guide for and About Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens [Hardcover]

Rachel Pollack (Author), Cheryl Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

This is a self-help book for gay, lesbian, and bisexual teenagers, showing how to cope with the emotions, prejudices, and risks they may face. Individual chapters deal with such topics as internalized homophobia, family pressures, peer prejudice, how to avoid high risk behaviour, AIDS and other health issues, myths and stereotypes, and spirituality. Each chapter will open with original letters, interviews, quotes from other homosexual and bisexual teenagers and there are interviews and quotes from leading psychologists, counsellors, and health professionals. There are lists of further reading and major legal, health and youth service agencies across the country.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"You are not alone" is the intrinsic message of this frank, reassuring book aimed at teenagers who either are questioning their sexual orientations or have acknowledged that they are gay. The authors repeatedly emphasize the importance of self-acceptance as they offer advice on such topics as coming out to family and friends, coping with prejudice and rejection, reconciling one's sexuality with the sometimes conflicting tenets of organized religion and combatting myths and stereotypes. In addition to their own authoritative counsel, they include copious quotes from gay or bisexual teens and supply an extensive list of sources of additional information and help, including community centers, crisis hotlines and supportive religious organizations. An explicit discussion of sexually transmitted diseases concludes with basic facts about AIDS and a characteristically sound admonition: "Become a responsible adult?not a statistic." A candid, accessible resource. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up?Teens looking for help with sexual identity will find it in this gentle, informative, well-written guide. It offers a range of options on building self-esteem, whether and how to discuss sexual identity with parents and friends, staying healthy, combatting myths and stereotypes, and leading a spiritually fulfilled life. Throughout these discussions, the authors successfully use the second-person "you" to engage readers. Also included are a chapter about sexual minorities in history; comprehensive lists of local and national social services, advocacy groups, and religious resources; and an excellent annotated list of suggested readings. An antidote to isolation for despairing kids, this hopeful, kind book encourages both affirmation of self and taking an understanding, loving attitude toward others.?Claudia Morrow, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile; 1 edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670858455
• ISBN-13: 978-0670858453
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,427,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extremely helpful in my journey out., April 2, 1998

By 

Sunshine A. Burgos (S Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Journey Out: A Guide for and About Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens (Paperback)

I found this book extremely helpful in my journey out. It is geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, or just plain curious teenagers. However, it would be helpful to anyone, no matter the age. The book is written in a simple style and very easy to read. There are lists of resources that a person can utilize to help them on their journey out. The most important part of the novel was the chapter on coming out. This chapter gives the reader advice on how and when to come out. Another plus is that there are little blurbs from actual people interspersed in the book. This book is a must read for anyone who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual!