Answers in the Pages

by David Levithan

“Rick and Oliver aren’t gay, right?” Luther blurted out. “I mean, my dad said it’s a gay book and it isn’t really, is it?” The smile drained from Mr. Howe’s face, and now he just looked sad. “We’re not going to have this conversation now, Luther. I’m hoping that we’ll continue reading the book in class, and then when we get to the end, we can talk about whatever you’d like. But I want to make this very clear to all of you: It doesn’t matter how you identify Rick or Oliver, or what you think their relationship is or ultimately will be. If we’re going to defend this book—and I promise you, I plan on defending this book—the proper line of defense is not ‘But they’re not gay!’ Because that implies that there would be a legitimate problem if they were gay. The proper defense is ‘It doesn’t matter if they’re gay. The characters can be whoever they are.’ And I know some of you might think I’m saying that because I myself am gay. But I am not saying this as a gay man, or as a gay teacher. I’m saying this as a human being who believes that all human beings should be treated with respect.”