Creating a Safe Learning Environment.

The article focuses on the books, novels and picture books for young people about homosexuality. High-school students hear anti-gay comments more than 25 times a day. Homosexual students often report verbal, emotional, or physical abuse from their peers. Some gay and lesbian students choose to skip school because they feel unsafe there. There are many books which can promote students' respect for one another and should not be seen as promoting homosexuality over heterosexuality, or vice versa. Using these books in the classroom can help create an environment that is free of the hate and harassment that can cause gay and lesbian students to feel alienated.