We're Not Alone

Overview

We're Not Alone is a young adult novel that follows Mike and Susie through their adventures coming out in a suburban high school. Susie, a firebrand from the get-go, gets thrown out as President of the Girls’ Athletic Association when she comes out as a lesbian. Mike, still unsure about his orientation, develops a crush on Scott, his best friend, who’s in love with Melody. When Scott gets jumped by some anti-gay bullies, Mike is forced to take a stand.“We' re Not Alone is an excellent, thought-provoking story that deals head-on with the struggles confronting both a young lesbian and a young gay man on their paths to self-acceptance. I strongly recommend this book for all youth, and particularly for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. It is well-written, engrossing and ultimately self-empowering.” —Barbara Blinick, President, Bay Area Network of Gay and Lesbian Educators“…a cheerful story of gay adolescent empowerment. One can't help liking Mike and Susie, who are defi­nitely gay and proud, and liking even more the sense of self-worth they're likely to impart to other gay kids.” —Nancy Garden, Lambda Book Report, Author of Annie on My Mind and Lark in the Morning“We' re Not Alone is a wonderful novel that brings to life the hidden world of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. The story follows four teenagers: Susie, Mike, Melody, and Scott as they explore and become open about their sexual orientations in their relationships, high school, and with their families. Rik Isensee empowers gay and lesbian youth to overcome homophobia and develop a positive identity using information, peer support, and social action. His characters are role models for all youth, showing hon­esty, caring, courage, and humor in confronting the obstacles they face. This well-written and entertaining book is must reading for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth coping with an often painful and lonely adolescence. It also provides heterosexual youth and adults with a better understanding of who gay and lesbian youth are­challenging all of us to accept and support them. —Paul Gibson, LCSW, psychotherapist, advocate for gay and lesbian youth“We' re Not Alone is fast-paced, well-written, and funny. Young people can easily identify with Mike and Susie's genuine friendship and mutual support. If every youth could read this book-whether gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight-it would go a long way toward ending their isolation. We' re Not Alone provides a sense of well-being and empowerment in a sometimes difficult world. This book belongs in the library of every high school.” —Joyce Hunter, MSW, CSW, President, National Lesbian/Gay Health Foundation, Co-Founder of Harvey Milk High School

Author Biography

Rik Isensee, LCSW ran a support group for seven years for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. He has written three self-help books for gay men: Love Between Men, Reclaiming Your Life, and Are You Ready? He is also the author of The God Squad, a satire of the ex-gay movement. He practices psychotherapy in San Francisco: www.rikisensee.com.