This Book is Gay

Chapter 7 addresses the thorny social situations around coming out as LGBTQ+. Dawson traces the term “coming out” back to debutante balls for young women in the 19th century, where women met potential (male) suitors. Coming out has become a term for making one’s LGBTQ+ identity known to the world. Coming out in high school can be hard, but Dawson believes it lets a person be confident, proud, and happier in who they are.

Dawson wants readers to understand the risks of coming out to friends and family. Sometimes it doesn’t go well, and Dawson cites a story from her survey in which a young person was kicked out of their home and left unhoused for being gay. Dawson stresses the potential danger to make sure her readers make informed decisions about if and when to come out.

Dawson gives a list of dos and don’ts for coming out, including telling people you trust the most and keeping things that could accidentally out you private, such as your web history. She also gives scripts readers can use and modify to come out to their friends and families. This includes ways to respond to objections and potential anti-LGBTQ+ biases.