It's OK to Be Gay: Straight Talk About Homosexuality for Gay People and Those Who Love Them

by Sean Lemson

Overview

Teenage suicide rates are rising and a disproportionate number of the victims are homosexual. It is this alarming trend that motivated author Sean Lemson to write "It's OK to Be Gay." Lemson knows from experience the challenges that so many gay, lesbian, and bisexual people face while coming of age and becoming comfortable with their own sexuality. So many struggle alone wondering whether friends and loved ones will understand and accept them, or reject them.

Lemson starts by teaching us an important skill we'll need: how to challenge our own opinions. He then moves methodically through the most common objections to homosexuality from religion to internalized homophobia. Along the way he dispels stereotypes and gives tips to safely come out of the closet and deal with bullying. The book speaks to both gay and straight readers about the value of living an authentic life - and to trusting that life can get better even when things are feeling hopeless.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733004206
Publisher:	S Lemson Publishing
Publication date:	01/15/2020
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Sean Lemson is a leadership coach, instructor, and public speaker. He lives in Oregon with his husband and partner of fifteen years along with their dog, Kisho. When he's not remodeling the inside of their house, he's building something on the outside of it. Sean's hobbies are playing piano, studying psychology, printing useful things in 3D, writing music, woodworking, and setting up home automation.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Your Mind. Friend or Foe?

• Movie Magic
• Reality Magic
• Pathways to Reality
• Example: Three Paths to Reality
• Re-act and You’ll See the Same Play Again
• Perspective

Chapter 2: Empathy and an Open Mind

• The Golden Rule
• Letting Go of the Ego
• Developing Self-Awareness

Chapter 3: Stereotypes and Myths

• Myth 1: Being Gay Is a Choice
• Myth 2: All Gay Men Are Effeminate/All Lesbians Are Masculine
• Myth 3: Gay People Are Easy to Spot
• Myth 4: Gay Men Are Attracted to All Men
• Myth 5: AIDS Is God’s Punishment for Homosexuals
• Myth 6: Gay Parents Raise Gay Children
• Myth 7: It’s Just a Phase
• Myth 8: Strong/Weak Parenting or Childhood Trauma Causes Homosexuality
• Myth 9: Gays Should Just Keep It to Themselves
• Myth 10: Homosexuals Are Pedophiles Experience Is Your Teacher

Chapter 4: What Does It Mean to Be Gay?

• A Spectrum of Sexuality

Chapter 5: Homosexuality and the Media

• Confirmation Bias
• Choosing the Right Sources

Chapter 6: Gay Rights

• Serving in the Military
• Same-Sex Marriage

Chapter 7: Homosexuality and Religion

• Real Stories, Real Teenagers
• You Can’t Punish the Gay Away
• Shame vs. Religion
• Interpreting Religious Texts
• Citing with Ignorance
• The Sin of Sodom
• Jesus and the New Testament
• Leaders Who Need to Be Led Instead
• The Power of God
• Handle Your Weapons with Care

Chapter 8: So, You Have a Gay Child

• Homophobia and Bigotry
• Fear for Your Child’s Safety
• Creating a Safe Place to Come Out
• Parents Have a Closet Too
• Gay Reparative Therapy
• What Support Looks Like
• Siblings and Extended Family
• You Are Only in Control of You

Chapter 9: When Your Child Is Bullied

• A Rite of Passage?
• It Gets Better
• If Your Child Is the Bully

Chapter 10: Internalized Homophobia

• What Is Internalized Homophobia?
• Accepting Your Body
• A Note About Being Transgender

Chapter 11: If You’re Being Bullied

• Personal Security
• Tactics and Strategies
• Allies May Appear
• It’s About Them, Not About You
• It Gets Better
• When It’s Time for Help
• When You Witness Bullying

Chapter 12: Coming Out

• Location, Location, Location
• Why Come Out
• Who to Come Out To
• When to Come Out
• How to Come Out
• A Journey, Not an Event

Chapter 13: A Life Worth Living

• Parents of Gay Children
• Gay Readers
• A Final Word