Homophobia
Homophobia is still a painful reality for many young people, who are faced with judgement by their peers, family, and others. Educators may find it difficult to start an honest conversation with a student about the discrimination they are facing.
We want to help start that conversation.
Not every child is a reader, but for those who are, the easy-to-read books below provide a safe way for you and a student to talk about homophobia and discrimination indirectly.
- Canadian settings and characters
- Realistic fiction
- Relatable challenges
- Diverse characters
- Stories featuring main characters who are experiencing anxiety in some form and learn about managing it
Titles featuring characters facing homophobia
My True Colours
By Mike Levitt
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Responsible Decision Making
An insecure teen in rural BC is forced to confront his own transphobia and how his emotions are affecting others after he participates in violent anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations.
Setter Up
By Caelan Beard
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A passionate teen volleyball player confronts anti-gay attitudes at school by creating an inclusive team, learning about activism and community while finding unexpected romance.
Dancehall Rebel
By Stacey Robinson
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A queer Caribbean Canadian teen raised on dancehall music struggles with her family’s and culture’s homophobia—until a new community helps her find the courage to embrace both her identity and her passion.
The Player
By Paul Coccia
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A gay teen goalie in a homophobic hockey world is outed online by a closeted teammate and secret lover—but ultimately chooses honesty and self-respect over hiding who he is.
Finding Family
By Kamilah Haywood
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
Unwelcome at home, eighteen-year-old Jamaican Canadian Trey starts a new life in Toronto’s Gay Village, navigating new feelings, a new environment, and new friendships.
Secret Me
By Angel Jendrick
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A popular, closeted, teen from Charlottetown struggles with her hidden sexuality and guilt over bullying, but a night with a nonbinary classmate helps her embrace her true self and new love.
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