Youth in Crisis: 40 Stories on Why Religion-Based Bigotry Against Gay People Must End Now

What is it like to be called an abomination by your religious leaders? To live in fear of losing your family’s love? To be afraid to go to school because of the torment that awaits you? To lie to everyone about whom you love?

In Youth in Crisis, Mitchell Gold and Mindy Drucker asked forty LGBT Americans - from celebrities to youth - to share their very personal answers to these difficult questions. Many discuss their long-buried feelings here for the first time. Several young adults opened up about suicide attempts, depression, fear, and isolation that are still a part of growing up gay.

Gold calls this a silent epidemic and a mental health crisis affecting millions of gay teens. And he emphasizes that this crisis can be solved, with compassion and fair-mindedness – and by getting those whose words and deeds which cause harm to finally stop. The book’s contributors reveal what made them feel alone and unloved - and at times so hopeless suicide seemed the only option. And they suggest ways to help the next generation of teens. These stories are also lessons in perseverance and achievement, showing inner strength and inspiring with their triumphs.

This book exposes the harm religion-based prejudices cause, shows the dangers of “cures” like reparative therapy, and gives insights into the question of sin and homosexuality that divides many churches and families today.

Paperback, 420 Pages, Published 2011