When Our Children Come Out

How do we support our young people as they struggle with issues around their sexuality? For many of them, the process of ‘coming out’ to their families, schools and communities can be very traumatic. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered young people wrestle – all too often in isolation – with the difficulties of being ‘different’. Fears of rejection and alienation often lead to mental health problems, self-harm and even suicide.

They need families, schools and communities to ‘come out’ with them; to provide support, understanding and affirmation; and to be their allies against homophobia. This valuable guide features the experiences of young people, parents, teachers and youth workers from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli, Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin University, is internationally recognised for her publications on gender, ethnicity and sexuality.

‘So much of this book is expressed in the words of people who have made the journey of coming out … It is a gentle companion to help us, whatever our sexuality, to “get real”.’
The Hon Justice Michael Kirby, High Court of Australia