9781422275283

Within the following pages, you will discover the historical and current significance of coming out and how it can be an empowering part of existence for an LGBTQ person, as well as a bold affirmation of the community as a whole. You will learn why accepting yourself is one of the most important—and hardest—parts of the experience. From there, the book delves into the process of coming out at home, at school, at work, on social media, or simply to the general public. Young people have many pros and cons to weigh as they select the right time to share their gender identity or sexual orientation with the people in their lives. Additionally, those people are bound to respond in a variety of ways. Some people may already have suspected you identified other than cisgender or straight. Some will be incredibly supportive and look forward to developing their relationship with you in a way that respects and incorporates this emerging information. Some may need time to understand or adjust to thinking of you in a new way. And, unfortunately, some might reject you. This book helps prepare young people for all those circumstances, while urging them to keep in mind that how other people respond is a reflection of themselves. People who respond negatively are dealing with their own insecurities, confusion, homophobia, or misunderstanding, but none of that means there is anything wrong or abnormal with your unique identity. When it comes to school, work, and other social institutions, however, teenagers have a right to expect an environment that is safe and accepting. There are local, state, and federal laws guaranteeing a discrimination-free workplace, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Schools are not as regulated, though, and while many try to create an environment that is welcoming for all students, others decidedly do not, often as a reflection of the prevalent attitudes and culture of the larger community. Teenagers can read about what to do in such situations and whom to talk to if they experience discrimination or harassment in those environments. This book also explores the importance of making connections within the LGBTQ community and with supportive allies. It can be difficult to go through life feeling isolated or ostracized for any reason,

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Introduction