School's Out: The Impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America's Schools

Woog has written a truly wonderful book. It is a direct back hand to the outrageous notion that there are no gay people in todays education. Through a series of interviews, Woog tells the story of gay students, teachers and educators who came out in school and have worked to educated others. America has this great notion that their schools are gay free, but this book slaps them all in the face. If your an educator, student, straight or gay, i think you'll find this book is filled with great insight and knowledge. No matter what sexuality you are.

School's Out is an overly expressive interview about students and teachers who are seeking approval from their straight and bigot communitiies. We all know teachers and principals as well as students who take years and years to come out of the closet. I guess we all know the Mr. Andersons and his partner. But it was totally amazing how the so-called jock or the so-called dyke took extra precautions to keep their sexuality hidden from parents. The west coast is a lot different from the east coast gay/lesbian partners. After all, San Francisco is where the Gay Pride movement began, and the strongest voice of Tom Ammiano changed the attitude of many schools from heterosexual parenting to homosexual thinking. I was really concerned about the constant use of the word "faggot" because I am sensitive about my own minority status. With all the advocacy we do, the major thrust is to break through the silence in schools so that we can normalize the discussion of gay/lesbian issues. The homosexuals do not have a voice, so organizations such as BANGLE are an outlet for them. Many students need this support. I learned interesting things from this book, such as the rainbow scarves, double ear piercings, and pink triangle pins. I think everyone should read this book for future reference with the same incidences in schools.

Overall,this is an resource for anyone to keep on hand,especially if you know anyone struggling with their homosexuality.The passages give personal accounts of coming to terms with accepting homosexuality as an integral part of ones life.The stories tend to have positive outcomes for the individuals,which could prove to be beneficial for those who have had less than favorable response to thier lifestyles.In the final section,organizations are discussed,thier beginnings as well as the various ways they can be of assistance,not only gay and lesbian teachers and students,but the straight community as well.

This book was a series of true stories about gay and lesbian kids, teachers, counselors, coaches, and principals. It brought home the issues surrounding the plight of gay's in our school. It also gave some programs that have been started around the country. Excellent look into what g/l's have to deal with everyday in our school.