GAY YOUTH BOOK LAUNCHED

The Gay and Lesbian Archives of South Africa (GALA) has published Balancing Act: South African gay and lesbian youth speak out, a new book that aims to promote tolerance of lesbians and gays in schools.

The book was launched on the weekend at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg featuring Justice Edwin Cameron – who is also a patron of GALA – as the guest speaker. The publishers aim to see the book become an educational tool in schools.

In the book, by Joanne Bloch and Karen Martin, twenty-one young gay and lesbian South Africans from a wide range of social backgrounds speak candidly about their experiences, hopes and dreams. Specifically written to be used in schools, the book contains insightful and useful teaching notes relating to the area of Life Orientation.

Balancing Act explores the lives of gay youth in a manner that challenges stereotypes and prejudices, and provides much needed information to young gay and lesbian people.

An exhibition based on the book was also launched at the same time, showcasing a selection of extracts from nine stories with photographs.

For more information contact GALA at + 27 11 717 4239.