Abstract: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth face formidable challenges, but are beginning to proclaim their worth and power and to assert their rightful places in the world. Being lesbian or gay means that a person's primary romantic, emotional, physical, and sexual attractions are with someone of the same sex. Bisexual people have these attractions to both sexes. This guide for young people includes the experiences of other gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth as a help in explaining the processes young people go through and how they can make it easier to develop. The book is divided into six parts that speak to the basic aspects of the lives of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth: (1) "Self Discovery"; (2) "Friends and Lovers"; (3) "Family"; (4) "School"; (5) "Spirituality"; and (6) "Community." Section 4 focuses on the ways in which schools have been hostile environments for the young person of gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation, as well as the ways some schools are beginning to change to become more accepting and supportive of gay youth. Programs that teach tolerance are being introduced and support groups are being formed. Numerous sidebars, quotes, and anecdotes offer supportive commentary to help the young gay person realize that there are millions of young people in similar situations. A list of 212 resources suggests organizations, hot lines, online services, and publications that can help. (SLD)

Title: Free Your Mind. The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth--and Their Allies.
Author: Bass, Ellen; Kaufman, Kate
ISBN: 0-06-095104-4
Note: 441p.
Publication Year: 1996
Document Type: Book (010); Non-classroom Material (055)
Target Audience: Teachers and Practitioners
ERIC Identifier: ED398297
Clearinghouse Identifier: UD031104
Available from: HarperPerennial, Division of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 ($14).
This document is NOT available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS).

Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Elementary Secondary Education; * Equal Education; * Homophobia; * Homosexuality; Minority Groups; Peer Acceptance; Peer Relationship; * Self Esteem; * Social Discrimination; Social Support Groups; * Student Attitudes

Identifiers: *Bisexuality