Out Law ─ What Lgbt Youth Should Know About Their Legal Rights

Part of the Queer Action series, edited by Michael Bronski

The first—and only—guide for LGBT youth about the law and how it affects them

The enormous advances of the civil rights movement have made it easier for LGBT youth to be “out,” yet their increased visibility has led to myriad legal issues involving such critical matters as freedom of expression, sexual harassment, self-chosen medical care, and even their right to privacy within their own families.

In this accessible guide, Lisa Keen illustrates how some laws limit the rights of LGBT youth and others protect them. Out Law lays out the basics about federal, state, and local laws that frequently impact LGBT youth and explains how legal authority and responsibility is often vested in local officials, such as school principals.

Keen explains how laws treating LGBT people differently came to exist, evolved over time, and are subject to significant changes even today. Out Law discusses the shifting legal terrain for such issues as when schools can censor messages on T-shirts or library computer research into LGBT-related Web sites. It gives youth tips on how to document efforts to curb their rights and where to turn for help in protecting those rights.

"Keen's book is brilliant in its concise and well-researched treatment of complex legal issues for LGBT people. Engaging and accessible, it offers a unique and smart focus on the rights of young gay people in each facet of their lives." —Urvashi Vaid, author of Virtual Equality and Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation

“Keen’s book is must reading for all gay youth and those who care about them.” —Kevin M. Cathcart, executive director, Lambda Legal

“Jam-packed with information--history, obstacles, and remedies—Out Law is a terrific legal guide for LGBT kids looking to achieve equal rights.” —Nancy Garden, recipient of lifetime achievement award by the American Library Association and author of Annie on My Mind

“Keen addresses youth of high school and college age with respect for their intelligence and experiences, and provides suggestions for appropriate use of channels likely to be available to those who are somewhat, although not yet completely, independent as they emerge as young adults.” —Voice of Youth Advocates

“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 . . . 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.” —Edge Boston Review

“Lisa Keen has created an important, vibrant book that will serve as both a guide for LBGT youth looking to make sure they know their legal rights, and as an historical document for future generations to mark the community's growth.” —Between the Lines Review

Award-winning journalist Lisa Keen has been writing about LGBT legal issues for over twenty years. Coauthor of Strangers to the Law: Gay People on Trial and former executive editor of the Washington Blade, Keen now writes for the Boston Globe and for gay newspapers in several major cities. She lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts.