Beyond the Straight and Narrow

Librarians can give gay teens the support they need

By Jami Jones -- School Library Journal, 5/1/2004

For a high school student named Ike, being gay means "you're always wearing a mask. You can't let your family, even your friends, see the real you." Ike, who attempted suicide, isn't suffering alone. According to researchers, the road to adulthood for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered teens is riddled with more potholes than for other teens. For starters, gay teens like Ike are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than straight teens. Gay teens also experience more verbal harassment, physical abuse, family problems, lower self-esteem, social isolation, substance abuse, and school failure than their straight counterparts. All teens need adults in their life who can lend an ear and support them as they mature, but gay teens are especially in need of caring.

How can librarians help? They can start by creating a tolerant environment that is respectful and supportive of gay teens. In the library, no one should have to listen to homophobic statements, such as "this is so gay" and "what a faggot." Surprisingly, gay teens hear these offensive comments not just from other students, but from teachers and administrators as well. Although teens may be able to tell their peers how hurtful these comments are, most likely they will find it too intimidating to confront offending teachers or administrators. A concerned librarian can intervene to make his or her colleagues more aware of insensitive comments.

Librarians can also use their research and information skills to locate articles, reports, and Web sites as well as fiction and nonfiction books to help adults understand homosexuality and its effects on teen development. Gay teens have social, emotional, and health concerns that straight kids don't. Gay teens also need to develop certain social and problem-solving skills in order to live in a society that can be hostile to them. For adults who work with teens, it is important to remember that it isn't about agreeing with their lifestyle, but rather helping them realize their potential.

Finally, librarians can provide resources that help gay teens understand homosexuality. Librarians can empower teens by teaching them how to conduct their own information searches and find reviews of relevant fiction and nonfiction books. Teens can also be encouraged to create book displays and reading lists throughout the school year. And they can plan special events, such as book discussions or lectures, to coincide with Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June and other significant events. Books can provide students with powerful portrayals of gay teen life. Some of the best titles include Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence (HarperCollins, 1995) edited by Marion Dane Bauer, Keeping You a Secret (Little, Brown, 2003) by Julie Anne Peters, and Rainbow Boys (S & S, 2001) by Alex Sanchez. Teens can use books like these to educate adults about the needs of gay youth, provide a forum for discussing diversity, and offer support to teens who often go it alone. It's been said that "books are the quietest and most constant of friends." But for gay teens, books take on a special meaning. Characters such as Sheila in Am I Blue? and Jason in Rainbow Boys can become their best friends and role models in ways that other kids simply can't.