Pollack, R. & Schwartz, C. (1995). The journey out: A guide for and about lesbian, gay and bisexual teens. New York City: Puffin.

OVERVIEW

The Journey Out is a manual to help teens understand their sexual orientation while also learning how to accept themselves. The two female authors, one gay and one straight, hope that, by reading this book, teenagers will discover that they are not alone and will find new ways to alleviate the rejection and isolation that they may feel. Pollack is a freelance journalist who writes for teen-oriented magazines like Seventeen. Schwartz is executive director of the Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Community Services Center of Colorado. Together they have produced a readable and concise book written directly to teens. Scattered throughout the book are quotes from both gay and straight high schoolers which are used to convey the experiences of gay teens while also connecting with youth who struggle with their sexuality.

The first chapter opens the book with a series of questions under the heading "Who am I?" The authors offer brief answers to typical questions like, "What is sexual orientation?", "Do I have to have sex to know if I’m gay?", "Do I have to be ‘out’ to be gay?", and "Do I have to fit a stereotype?" Next, in "The Journey to Self-Acceptance," the authors use the experiences of gay teens to illustrate the process of learning to become comfortable with one’s sexuality. Chapter three, "I Think I have something to Tell You…," gives gay teens some tips and warnings about telling family and friends about their homosexuality. Chapter four, "Could This Be Love?," talks about initiating romantic relationships with others. The advice given is similar to what one would read in a book written to straight teens, except that it explores the gay culture and subculture as places to meet others. Chapter five, "Coming to Terns with the Terms" is a short glossary which the authors call a " ‘queer’ primer." Chapter six, "To Your Health," covers general health issues like cancer, STDs, and AIDS, as well as high risk behavior in the gay community like drug and alcohol abuse and suicide. Chapter seven, "Myths and Stereotypes and How to Fight Them," debunks the idea that there is a homogeneous gay culture. Here, the authors encourage gay teens to embrace their individuality. They also discuss violence against gay teens and give practical suggestions on how to survive in a "homophobic world." Gay teens are also informed of their rights, especially the rights to report incidents of gay bashing and to receive education. "Keeping the Faith: Religion and Spirituality" details Roman Catholic and other conservative Christian beliefs. The authors delve into key biblical passages, trying to debunk the exegesis of these two groups. The authors conclude the chapter by negatively viewing organized religion, while choosing to embrace spirituality and communal belonging for strength and support. Chapter nine, "Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going," offers a brief study of gays in history and of the contemporary gay rights movement. Chapter ten is entitled, "Youth in the Lead." Offering practical suggestions, this chapter encourages gay youth to get involved in making change on personal, interpersonal, community, state, and national levels. An epilogue, "The Best of All Possible Worlds," quotes teens who dream of a perfect world for gays and lesbians. The book closes with community and social service resources listed by state, as well as national and religious organizations.

The main message of this book is one of self-acceptance and understanding. Instead of promoting a so-called "gay agenda," these authors give advice on sexuality to a community of gay youth who are often rejected by a homophobic society. This book is important for youth workers to read. The authors’ perspectives toward clergy is relatively positive, seeing them as an avenue of support for gay youth. The glossary is valuable and tries to sort some confusing terms. The resources are helpful, but incomplete. This is a good introductory book on topics related to gay and lesbian youth. The reader who wants more solid information can look to the suggested reading found at the end of the book.

QUOTATIONS

Being gay is not about the way the external world sees you, but how you see yourself…Being gay is about embracing your individuality and understanding your humanity—the things that make you ‘you’—not about living up (or down) to someone else’s misconceptions. (p. 70)

‘I want my parents to love me. I want my brother to talk to me. I want to walk in the park holding my girlfriend’s hand. I want acceptance, not "tolerance," taught in all schools. I don’t want secret code words, knowing glances, whispered conversations. I don’t want to have to "come out." I want to already be there. I want the next march I go to to be so inclusive, so open and free, that it just turns out to be a celebration, with no one left to watch, jeer or taunt. I want who I love to be secondary to that I love.—Jean, 21 (p. 114)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How do you feel when you read Jean’s statement? What does it invoke in you?
2. What are the differences between acceptance and toleration?
3. How is gay youth culture different from straight youth culture? How are they similar?
4. How can religious institutions and organizations support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth? Should they? Explain.

IMPLICATIONS

• Gay and lesbian youth are at higher risk for disease, drug abuse, and suicide. A process of self-acceptance can help gay teens live healthier lives.
• Counselors, teachers, clergy, support groups, parents, and friends can help during times of crisis. Instead of being hindrances, these groups of people should find ways to help teens in their process of self-acceptance, understanding, and education.
• People who work with youth must be educated on the terminology, statistics, and issues concerning gay youth.