In Your Face: Stories from the Lives of Queer Youth

I picked up this book at my local library,reading it in the corner, terrified, lest anyone see that I wasinterested in reading about gays. When I did relax enough to read it, I devoured it. I found a part of myself in all of the teenagers in the book.I felt their struggles. I'm living their lives. I cried when I finished the book. I yearn to be comfortable enough to discuss my sexuality the way these teens did. Reading about their fight out of the closet was a cpomfort to me, a bisexual teenager who is not yet all the way out. I recommend this book to students, teachers, and anyone who has to face issues dealing with homosexuality in their everyday lives. I am getting upthe courage to buy a copy so I can have it to keep.

Ms. Gray is a fabulous editor-selecting the most incredible queer youth to represent the community today. As a queer youth, I too would have loved to read something as powerful as this. As a queer teacher, it is a resource for all students to understand the diversity in our state and country. If introduced into the schools, perhaps our schools will become just a little bit safer for ALL students.

When we're young, one of the worst experiences is having someone else speak for us. This book by Mary Gray allows queer youth to speak from their own perspectives. Not only would I have liked this book as a youth, but I find it useful as an educator of late teens. Give it a try.