Being Gay and Lesbian in a Catholic High School

Recognize the homophobia and anti-gay violence in a respected institution

The only study of its kind, Being Gay and Lesbian in a Catholic High School: Beyond the Uniform offers compelling evidence to Catholic educators, clergy, and laypeople that their superb academic institutions are not fulfilling the clear mandate of the Church on inclusive loving behavior toward sexual minorities. Yet the facts presented in Being Gay and Lesbian in a Catholic High School prove that too often they encourage or allow stereotyping, homophobia, and anti-gay violence.

The experiences recounted in this disturbing book range from feeling differenct and being pressured to date the opposite sex to suffering life-changing violence. Virtually all the students, even the most deeply closeted, felt the negative effects of anti-gay jokes and verbal harassment. The most tragic experience in Being Gay and Lesbian in a Catholic High School is the story of a boy who was called "Sodomy" by his classmates. In his affluent suburban Catholic high school, he was routinely mocked, tormented, and physically assaulted--all with the knowledge of the teachers and administration. Driven to several suicide attempts, he was hospitalized for depression and finally dropped out.

This powerful and moving book presents detailed information on the problem of homophobia in Catholic education, including:

• personal testimonies of gay and lesbian former Catholic high school students
• an original study of attitudes found among Catholic high school students on the topic of homosexuality
• an extensive summary of official Catholic teaching on homosexuality and homosexuals
• an analysis of the discrepancies between the prevailing attitudes and actions and the Church's official teaching
• solid theoretical background information on the psychology of gay teenagers
• discussions of experiences in same-sex, mixed-gender, and minor seminary high schools
• memories of sexual relationships with classmates and priests

Thse painful tales from Catholic school alumni will disturb, enrage, and sadden you. With this poignant and insightful book, educators in public, private, and parochial shcools can explore new ways to change anti-gay attitudes and prevent anti-gay violence.