When Someone You Know Is Gay - Hardcover

Cohen, Susan; Cohen, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 087131567X ISBN 13: 9780871315670

Publisher: M Evans & Co, 1989

Synopsis

Describes the history, possible causes, and social, religious, and political aspects of male and female homosexuality, with an emphasis on the problems experienced by gay teens in coming out to family and friends. Includes a list of organizations to contact for help and more information.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5 Up-- An estimated one in ten teenagers is homosexual. This book addresses the other nine. The Cohens discuss emotions, attitudes, and facts that shape our perceptions of gay and lesbian people in America today. One informative chapter answers questions "you would be to embarrassed to ask," such as "Is it catching?" and "What should I do if a gay person comes on to me?" Another chapter gives a short history of social attitudes toward homosexuality. There is a frank discussion of the spread of AIDS and, at the back of the book, an annotated list of films, books, and videos. Interviews with teenagers who are struggling to come to terms with their sexual orientation help straight readers understand the realities that their gay and lesbian counterparts face. In trying to address the subject on a teenager's level, the Cohens have used some highly charged language (Oscar Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, is referred to as an "upper-class twerp"). Statements such as, "Being gay is a social disaster. Who wants to be known as "the faggot's friend?", while intended to show that the authors understand teens' feelings, also sell readers short. Elaine Landau's Different Drummer (Messner, 1986) offers a more even-toned presentation of similar material. Unique to the Cohens' book is an excellent and thorough discussion of religion and homosexuality. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

This book performs a needed service; while gay teens will read it, learn and feel less alone, the target audience is the friends and classmates of gays. The authors' views are that homosexuality just happens, and that friends shouldn't try to change others: "You can make someone miserable but you can't make them straight." The book offers specifics of what gays do, defines the differences between gays, transvestites and transsexuals, discusses gay rights, gay pride and the current AIDS epidemic. Historical and religious attitudes are included (e.g., misinterpretations of Biblical texts), but the emphasis is on understanding. The authors call being gay "a social disaster" in high schools, and commiserate with the special difficulties of not being old enough to navigate gay culture. About accepting and helping a friend who "comes out," they laud loyalty but are realistic, advising readers that if they can't remain friends with gays, they must at least observe rules of respect and privacy. Included are a list of organizations, books and films. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: M Evans & Co
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 087131567X
• ISBN 13: 9780871315670
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 170