The preface of this non-fictional series of essays is written by Dan Savage. While known for his advice columns in alternative publications, Dan is also a partner in a gay relationship and the father of a child he and his partner adopted. The foreword is written by Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, Ret. PhD. and her son, Tom. Cammermeyer was the subject of a movie, Serving in Silence with Glenn Close, which chronicled her experience in confronting the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the military. The introduction is written by the editors, which explains their purpose in putting together the anthology.
Published in 2000, this book features essay by the children of gay, lesbian and transgender parents. These essays cover the broad variety of experiences children, adolescents and those coming into adulthood have had as they experienced parents coming out, divorce, maintenance of a marital relationship, coping with their parents' partners, and handling siblings. But the most outstanding feature among the essays is the role societal values as exhibited by individuals, organizations, religions, employment places, and most predominantly, schools has played in their lives. In many ways, America should be ashamed when the nation purports to be concerned with the welfare of ALL children.
Reading these very personal stories, written by teens and reflections from adults about their youth, should give anyone interested in America's youth a wake-up call. These essays were obviously written in recalling pain, harassment, and, most of all, loneliness.
I read these essays because they hold knowledge about issues I need to understand in my personal and professional life. However, this is not only a valuable book for today's youth, but also for the teachers, parents, mentors, and all others concerned with the concept of social justice.
Published in 2000, this book features essay by the children of gay, lesbian and transgender parents. These essays cover the broad variety of experiences children, adolescents and those coming into adulthood have had as they experienced parents coming out, divorce, maintenance of a marital relationship, coping with their parents' partners, and handling siblings. But the most outstanding feature among the essays is the role societal values as exhibited by individuals, organizations, religions, employment places, and most predominantly, schools has played in their lives. In many ways, America should be ashamed when the nation purports to be concerned with the welfare of ALL children.
Reading these very personal stories, written by teens and reflections from adults about their youth, should give anyone interested in America's youth a wake-up call. These essays were obviously written in recalling pain, harassment, and, most of all, loneliness.
I read these essays because they hold knowledge about issues I need to understand in my personal and professional life. However, this is not only a valuable book for today's youth, but also for the teachers, parents, mentors, and all others concerned with the concept of social justice.