Out Law : What GLBT Youth Should Know about Their Legal Rights
After years of sketchy legal doctrines and inconsistencies, it’s finally time for the LGBT youth of the nation to rise up and take a stand! Or, at least defend themselves against bullies, ineffective school enforcement, and the forming of gay-straight alliances. Lisa Keen presents a concise yet accurate guide in Out Law: What LGBT Youth Should Know about Their Legal Rights.
As more and more young people are comfortable coming out of the closet, situations around the nation are becoming serious, and young people need to be aware of their rights in a variety of situations. Keen gives chapter and verse on the history of gay rights and various momentous court decisions, as well as explaining the way a variety of the court system works. From a legal perspective, she hits the nail dead on its head in providing very accurate legal advice while making sure to point out the obvious loopholes (such as, hire an attorney, don’t rely on this book as legal doctrine, certain cases could be overruled at the time you actually read this).
Out Law is an intense read because it combines the worst of the worst situations that have happened to real students and gay youth in high schools across the nation. Topics covered include what you can wear to public school, public displays of affection, having sex, cross-dressing, forming gay-straight alliances, and most importantly, getting bullied. Each section provides its own history and legal examination. While the media is saturated with gay marriage talk, thankfully Out Law only touches on it tangentially, and instead chooses to focus on issues more germane to LGBT youth.
If you’re looking for a solid resource on the law for LGBT youth, consider checking out Out Law. This may be a new survival guide. Knowledge is half the battle, and Out Law certainly presents ways to be able to utilize the law to fight bullying and discrimination.
by Lisa Keen
