Youth
Following are resources for teens and their parents, teachers, and mentors. Many of the articles and books referenced may be adapted for discussion in youth group formats.
Like what you see here? Know of a resource we’re missing? We’d love to hear from you. Share your feedback and suggestions with us.
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Where All Can Safely Live: A Guide to Understanding Bullying in Our Communities
St. Paul, Minnesota, 2011
On the Male Side of Middle
It Gets Beautiful: One Rabbi's Perspective on Being Jewish and LGBTQ
Huffington Post, May 23, 2011
Let's Talk About Sex
Directed by James Houston, Not Rated
Family Acceptance Project
IMPACT, The LGBT Health and Development Program
Bob and Jack's 52-year Adventure
Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians
A Wiley Imprint, San Fransisco, CA, 2008
Put This On The Map
Bi-sex-u-al
For the Bible Tells Me So
We're All Angels
Call Me Malcolm
The New Gay Teenager
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2005.
Lesbian and Gay Youth
New York: Columbia University Press, 1998.
The Gift of Sexuality: Empowerment for Religious Teens
Ft. Wayne, IN: LifeQuest, 2006
Faith Matters: Teenagers, Religion, and Sexuality
(Ft. Wayne, IN: LifeQuest, 2003)
Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1995.
Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence
New York: HarperTrophy, 1994.
The Shared Heart: Portraits and Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young People
New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
Braving the Streets Her Way
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, October 3, 2004; Page A01
In the Bible Belt, Acceptance Is Hard-Won
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 26, 2004; Page A01
A Time to Speak: Faith Communities and Sexuality Education
Norwalk, CT: Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing, 2005.
I know a teen who is struggling with his/her identity. What can I do to help?
Most importantly, tell them you love them and support them as they are. Then assure them they are not alone. The It’s Gets Better Project has collected thousands of affirming video messages and The Trevor Project offers a free, 24-hour hotline for depressed, LGBT and questioning youth.
What can my congregation do to affirm LGBT youth?
Consider offering faith-based sex education that affirms the breadth of human sexuality, including LGBT orientations. Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive K-adult curriculum developed by the United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist Association that promotes self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, justice and inclusivity.
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