Books related to LGBT

[Dark_Night]

Okay so this is basically two parts. The first is my own experience and the second is a discussion on what books related to LGBT that you recommend.

Part 1.)

I've been having a hard time posting. Mainly because I'm at home and I don't want to get caught and also because I still feel a tad uncomfortable while not if that makes sense. I've accepted myself for who I am and I'm okay with it except for that stupid voice in my head that tells me every day "I'm gay". I just want it to stop. I know I'm gay but it's like a daily reminder (and no it has nothing to do with being confused.) Ever since I came out to myself I've been the happiest I've ever been in my life. When I lied and pretended that I was straight I was always miserable but not anymore.

Had a weird experience a few days ago. I got a gift card to Barnes & Noble and for some reason I found myself drawn to the women's studies where they had books on lesbianism and what not and I found myself drawn to this one in particular called 'The Best Lesbian Romance.'. I read some of it and was quickly turned on. I kept trying to get away from that section and that book but I found myself drawn to it like 5 times while I was in the store. I ended up getting it (right now I have it hidden in my case with my Bible so that my parents don't see it.) But seriously the whole time and even now it feels like I was/am hiding as something as intense as porn magazines or condoms.

I get that retailers, especially B&N wouldnt' sell this kind of thing if there wasn't a generated interest and that the world has changed. I suppose though that I am familiar with this feeling as that's how it felt when I was getting my first books in regards to self-injury/cutting. It'll just take some time to get used to.

And right now that's not something I'm willing to share with my parents. They're okay with me being gay and have even given me a little leeway (like wearing my cap backwards when going out which they didn't before but they still odn't like it) but I don't want to bring too much gay on them you know, if that makes sense?

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Part 2.)

Anyone got any good book recommendations on the subject whether fiction or nonfiction.

Hi there,

It's okay to want to "come out" at your own pace. I know you've already told your parents that you're gay, but that doesn't mean that you may not have some struggles, or some secrets, down the road until you both get used to the idea (for example, their getting used to your being gay and your getting used to the idea of their knowing). The deed isn't always done when you proclaim your sexuality. There are some adjustments to be made, but that's okay. Until they become more comfortable with it (and they may just need some time, which a lot of parents do), it's understandable why you may not feel completely ready to tell them about some things. Even in the future, when you're both used to this, you probably won't be talking about your sexuality all the time (as I'm sure you're aware). Your sexuality is only one part of who you are, and if you only focused on that part, I'm sure it would become irritating to your parents and it would also be unfortunate because you wouldn't be displaying your whole self. Just like you wouldn't like it if they focused on only one aspect of their life, they probably wouldn't like it if you just talked about being gay all the time. But that doesn't mean you can't work towards being more open and honest with them!

As for the book itself, I wouldn't say it's your parents business what you choose to read, as it's for your own personal pleasure. I wouldn't worry too much about their finding it, and if they do, I'd hope it wouldn't really bother them. They might feel a bit uncomfortable, but what you do or read in your private time isn't of much concern to them, in my opinion.

For other LGBT books, I've heard Pages for You by Sylvia Brownrigg is good, although I haven't read it myself. I don't know of any others off the top of my head, but here is a pretty cool site that lists a variety of different kinds of LGBT books.

I hope this helps! Take care!