cover image Out Law:  What LGBT Youth Should Know About Their Legal Rights

Out Law: What LGBT Youth Should Know About Their Legal Rights

Lisa Keen, . . Beacon, $13 (158pp) ISBN 978-0-8070-7966-9

A journalist covering LGBT issues and gay legislation for more than 20 years, Keen delivers a sharp and coherent analysis of legal issues affecting LGBT kids today. After expertly guiding readers through a brief, easily digestible history of gay legislation, Keen empowers young gay people to not only know what their rights are but to stand up for them—whether facing threats or harassment from police, a teacher or a kid at school. In each case, she spells out what those rights are and how to properly assert them. Along the way, Keen relates some horrifying and tragic accounts of civil and constitutional rights abuse against LGBT kids, as well as extraordinary examples of those who stood up and made a difference, not only in their own communities, but in shaping the overall climate of gay legislation today. Geared to LGBT teenagers, this important, eye-opening book is also an essential read for any parent with a gay child. Loaded with appendixes, Keen’s book gives useful information such as how to look up a law, a time line of legal landmarks, how and where to find legal help and organizations for LGBT youth. (June)