Friday, April 19, 2013

Q-Questioning (LGBTQ) and Characters From YA Books


uestioning (LGBTQ)





Teen years are full of hormonal, emotional, and physical changes. It is a time many teens question their sexuality. Sexual orientation is the emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that a person feels toward another person.

LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning.

Transgender is not really a sexual orientation — it's a gender identity. Transgender is ofter grouped with LGB.

Here are some characters from YA books that are questioning gender and sexuality or dealing with coming out...

J from I am J by Chris Beam has always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up a "real boy" and started covering up his body, keeping himself invisible -- from his parents, from his friends, from the world. But after being deserted by the best friend he thought would always be by his side, J decides that he's done hiding -- it's time to be who he really is. And this time he is determined not to give up, no matter the cost.




Jordy from Becoming Chloe by Catherine Ryan Hyde is homeless, gay and abused. He finds a kindred spirit in childlike Chole.











Dade from The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd is a gay teenager who grapples with coming out, his parents impending divorce, and his nascent sexual relationships.








Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.


3 comments:

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Rebecca,

Teens coping with sexual identity really is a strong emotion. Their bodies are changing and their minds are traveling in so many different directions.

Parents in particular need to be patient and supportive of their teens at this time.

It's so difficult to feel like an outcast and question WHY ME? It's especially sad when their best friend doesn't understand and withdraws often becoming abusive.

These teens are targets many time from bullies in school to parents not equipped to handle this delicate situation.

Thankfully many stories are written and these teens can realize they are NOT ALONE...

Julie Flanders said...

Great topic for you guys to highlight.

Mark said...

Great post! We did Day of Silence in high school to protest for Gay rights.