Contents

Foreword

Introduction

A Changing World

About This Book

Chapter 1: GLBTQ 101

GLBTQ Terminology

A Biology Lesson? The Science of GLBTQ

Your Personal Geography: Exploring Who You Are

Myths, Generalizations, and Just Plain Absurd Ideas About GLBTQ People . . . and the Truth

Chapter 2: Homophobia

The 411 on Hate: The Roots of Homophobia

The Big Bad World? Homophobia in Society and at School

Responding to Homophobia

When Homophobia = Ongoing Harassment

The Good News

Chapter 3: Coming Out

What Is Coming Out All About?

How’s the Weather Out There? Deciding If You’re Ready (and If It’s Safe) to Come Out

I Have Something to Tell You: Coming Out to Your Family

Chicas, Peeps, and Brahs: Coming Out to Your Friends

Coming Out at School

Chapter 4: Life at School

School Life for GLBTQ Teens: The Big Picture

Feeling Invisible . . . or Too Visible

Exercising Your Rights as a GLBTQ Student

The Voice of Authority: Talking to Teachers and Administrators

Club Life: Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Other Queer-Friendly Activities

Moving On: Deciding If You Need to Change Schools

Chapter 5: GLBTQ Friends

Part of the Family: The Utterly Diverse, Somewhat Cohesive, Always Interesting GLBTQ Community

IMRU2? Meeting Other GLBTQ Teens

Making Connections: GLBTQ Online Communities

Queer Compadres: GLBTQ Friendships

Straight But Not Narrow: Other Friends

Chapter 6: Dating and Relationships

Soul Searching: Figuring Out If You’re Ready to Date

Who Gets the Check? GLBTQ Dating Basics

Being “Out” on a Date

Singing the Breakup Blues

Abusive Relationships: Recognizing Them and Getting Help

Chapter 7: Sex and Sexuality

Making Sound Decisions About Sex

Five Myths (and Truths) About GLBTQ Sex

The Big Picture: STIs and Pregnancy

Chapter 8: Staying Healthy

Chilling Out: Dealing with Stress as a GLBTQ Teen

When Stress Turns Into Depression

Thinking About Drinking: Making Decisions About Alcohol

The Truth About Tobacco

Avoiding Drugs

Chapter 9: Religion and Culture

States of Being: Religious Life and GLBTQ Life

Making Room in Religion: Reconciling Your Personal Beliefs

Cultural Differences, Being GLBTQ, and You

Chapter 10: Transgender Teens

What Does It Mean to Be Transgender?

How Do You Know? Figuring Out If You’re Transgender

Now What? Options for Trans Teens

Trans Pride: Responding to Transphobia

Chapter 11: Work, College, and Beyond

Finding a GLBTQ-Friendly Company

Being GLBTQ in the Workplace: Your Decisions and Your Rights

A Perfect Match: Finding the Right School

Going with the Flow: Some Thoughts on Getting Older

Glossary

Resources

Selected Bibliography

About the Author