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A Positive View of LGBTQ: Embracing Identity and Cultivating Well-Being
A Positive View of LGBTQ starts a new conversation about the strengths and benefits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGTBQ) identities. Positive LGBTQ identities are affirmed through inspiring firsthand accounts. Focusing on how LGTBQ-identified individuals can cultivate a sense of wellbeing and a personal identity that allows them to flourish in all areas of life, the authors explore a variety of themes. Through personal stories from people with a variety of backgrounds and gender and sexual identities, readers will learn more about expressing gender and sexuality; creating strong and intimate relationships; exploring unique perspectives on empathy, compassion, and social justice; belonging to communities and acting as role models and mentors; and, enjoying the benefits of living an authentic life. Providing exercises in each chapter, the book offers those who identify as LGBTQ and those who support and love them, as well as those seeking to better understand them, an opportunity to explore and appreciate these identities.
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 12, 2012
I really liked how this book was written. It was incredibly positive and touched on many subjects that we've discussed in my Pride Group at school. There were many points made,such as:
*Being more accepting of yourself will make it easier to accept others (this is true- I can attest to this personally though it is no easy feat).
* The need to combat society's general assumptions that everyone is straight and they identify with the gender that they were born with because these assumptions are not always true.
* The need to add and support positive examples of GLBTQ (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans* Queer) lifestyles in the media order to combat the negative stereotypes about our community.
*More Good GLBTQ Role models are needed in the media and in communities (though we've got some fabulous ones if you know where to look- Ellen, Rupaul, Chris Colfer, Robyn Ochs, Tim Gunn, Wanda Sykes, ect.)
*Families are about who REALLY loves you for you! That may or may not include the family you were born into originally. This can be one of the reasons why being GLBTQ maybe difficult for some people. The book realistically portrays knowing of this possible rejection (not just from family but from society in general- there is a part about how being a minority effects people in positive and some times negative ways).
*The Dire need for community safe spaces. The Authors raise a wonderful point- "If a community is not safe for GLBTQ members then it's not safe for anyone." I love that piece even though it unfortunately seems to have been proven true to me many times.
The writers write from an obvious perspective of knowing about the community. The book was actually based off a survey that asked Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Trans* People, and Queers what they thought was good about their sexual orientations. It was a neat idea that became a book. In case you are wondering, the survey is sited directly within the book.
Another strong clear point of the book was that Trans*(Transgendered, Transsexual, Gender Queer, Drag Queens, Gender Non-conforming- to name some possible types of Trans* identified people ) is a gender identity NOT a sexuality. A lot of people don't know that and it's good to inform people of that difference. Gender Identity and Sexuality diversity are both supported in this book.
To make the book more interactive and empowering, the authors added some questions and activity options to the reader to get them thinking about what they read. I am still working through some of the activities myself, and happened to like a few of them that I attempted.
The only let down that I had from this was that there was absolutely no mention of the asexual community at all in this book (I'm an asexual- hence why I noticed this). This book wasn't meant to be exclusive at all, I realize this, the authors themselves even acknowledge on many accounts that they may have left out some letters of the identity alphabet. I am just surprised that with all the inclusion that Asexuality was not mentioned.
Well, despite that one little complaint, I would suggest this books to all members of the GLBTQ community, those who have been long time community members and those who are just coming out. Also to their friends and families, their supportive allies. This book gives a decent perspective of how members of the GLBTQ(and asexual- I count the communities together since I also identify as Bi/Pan/Queer too) communities. Now I've just gotta get a copy for our school pride group! :)
*Being more accepting of yourself will make it easier to accept others (this is true- I can attest to this personally though it is no easy feat).
* The need to combat society's general assumptions that everyone is straight and they identify with the gender that they were born with because these assumptions are not always true.
* The need to add and support positive examples of GLBTQ (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans* Queer) lifestyles in the media order to combat the negative stereotypes about our community.
*More Good GLBTQ Role models are needed in the media and in communities (though we've got some fabulous ones if you know where to look- Ellen, Rupaul, Chris Colfer, Robyn Ochs, Tim Gunn, Wanda Sykes, ect.)
*Families are about who REALLY loves you for you! That may or may not include the family you were born into originally. This can be one of the reasons why being GLBTQ maybe difficult for some people. The book realistically portrays knowing of this possible rejection (not just from family but from society in general- there is a part about how being a minority effects people in positive and some times negative ways).
*The Dire need for community safe spaces. The Authors raise a wonderful point- "If a community is not safe for GLBTQ members then it's not safe for anyone." I love that piece even though it unfortunately seems to have been proven true to me many times.
The writers write from an obvious perspective of knowing about the community. The book was actually based off a survey that asked Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Trans* People, and Queers what they thought was good about their sexual orientations. It was a neat idea that became a book. In case you are wondering, the survey is sited directly within the book.
Another strong clear point of the book was that Trans*(Transgendered, Transsexual, Gender Queer, Drag Queens, Gender Non-conforming- to name some possible types of Trans* identified people ) is a gender identity NOT a sexuality. A lot of people don't know that and it's good to inform people of that difference. Gender Identity and Sexuality diversity are both supported in this book.
To make the book more interactive and empowering, the authors added some questions and activity options to the reader to get them thinking about what they read. I am still working through some of the activities myself, and happened to like a few of them that I attempted.
The only let down that I had from this was that there was absolutely no mention of the asexual community at all in this book (I'm an asexual- hence why I noticed this). This book wasn't meant to be exclusive at all, I realize this, the authors themselves even acknowledge on many accounts that they may have left out some letters of the identity alphabet. I am just surprised that with all the inclusion that Asexuality was not mentioned.
Well, despite that one little complaint, I would suggest this books to all members of the GLBTQ community, those who have been long time community members and those who are just coming out. Also to their friends and families, their supportive allies. This book gives a decent perspective of how members of the GLBTQ(and asexual- I count the communities together since I also identify as Bi/Pan/Queer too) communities. Now I've just gotta get a copy for our school pride group! :)
July 24, 2015
This book gave me the warm fuzzies.
June 11, 2012
This book was really engaging, easy to read and filled with sex positivity, which is always great to see. What I loved most was how the LGBTQ identity was promoted and shown in a totally optimistic light; all of the chapters highlighted good points of identifying with the LGBTQ community .Instead of focusing on the marginalization, as most works of this type do, it flipped the script and made being LGBTQ cool!
This is a must read for anyone that is in the social justice/social work/activism field(s). This book will heighten your awareness and make you want to embrace all aspects of being marginalized.
This is a must read for anyone that is in the social justice/social work/activism field(s). This book will heighten your awareness and make you want to embrace all aspects of being marginalized.
July 30, 2012
This book is way too scholarly for everyday reading.
October 21, 2018
A book that brings a positive force to the LGBT world. Looking at what is positive about being LGBT is a tremendous great thong. Using quotes from people all over the place, and all types of LGBT, you get a sense that you can be LGBT and have a positive look at yourself.
The chapters are broken down into 9 sections. At the end of each chapter, there are exercises to make you reflect on what you read. I overall liked it. As someone who struggles with self-acceptance, it made I feel just a little bit better about myself. I particularly like the FTM entries because as a trans man, seeing that they can thrive, I just might too.
Overall props on making a minority community feel like they are worth it. Props on actually providing examples of those who have been there or are thriving. The only thing I wish is that it could have been longer.
The chapters are broken down into 9 sections. At the end of each chapter, there are exercises to make you reflect on what you read. I overall liked it. As someone who struggles with self-acceptance, it made I feel just a little bit better about myself. I particularly like the FTM entries because as a trans man, seeing that they can thrive, I just might too.
Overall props on making a minority community feel like they are worth it. Props on actually providing examples of those who have been there or are thriving. The only thing I wish is that it could have been longer.
March 10, 2022
It's a good idea, but there's a few questionable things that made is almost unreadable. For example, the authors include the exact phrasing that surveyed people used to describe their gender, so in one part it refers to someone as a "transman" and in the same paragraph another person as a "normal woman". I wish the authors paid more attention to the wording that people used and how little things like that promote transphobia.
August 10, 2018
This book offers a very good perspective. I even want to use “a good concept” to describe it. Hope that I can do a Chinese version someday.
December 29, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book and liked the reflection prompts at the end of each chapter. It was an easy read and was not research heavy.
December 3, 2025
A nice overview of the subject. Uplifting and encouraging, welcoming and non-threatening.
October 25, 2014
This is an excellent resource for anybody wanting to learn more about the coming-out process. It provides positive experiences, showing the reader that there is always a bright side. Yes, there can be negative reactions, but it is important to keep a positive sense of mind and know that you are good just as you are :D
August 31, 2012
This was an amazingly helpful book, and a nice mental boost to my lacking positive outlook on life. After each chapter there is a small list of questions and activities to consider while thinking about the content of the chapter you just read. Also, the list of websites at the back is helpful.
February 10, 2017
It was a worthwhile read but I found it to be quite redundant from page to page and chapter to chapter. So I ended up skimming quite a bit of it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews