On Coming Out in the library

I spent the summer working at an archive specifically for lesbians. My fellow interns were all young lesbian women, many barely out of their teens. We often sat and talked about high school. Their experiences were a world away from mine. Whereas I was largely unaware of my sexuality in high school, these young women were not only aware, they had started clubs. Even the quietest one among them was the founder of her school's gay/straight alliance.

Where did this confidence come from? A changing society? An environment of acceptance? The "I don't give a shit" attitude of teenaged invincibility? A combination of each? I have served as a mentor to many queer and questioning youths over the years, including when I was a youth myself. It is something I have enjoyed, and I look forward to making myself available to any young adult who wants to speak to me.

Martin discusses whether or not lgbt librarians should identify themselves in some way to make it easier for the kids to approach them. I say this is up to the librarian. Some will be comfortable doing so, others will not. For my part, I wear a rainbow bracelet, which people can interpret as they wish. For me, something subtle is the best way to go. It is enough of a signal that a young adult looking at it, who knows what the rainbow means, will know that I am a safe person to speak to.

The young adult area should be a safe place for all YAs who wish to hang out there, and I think having a librarian who is willing to be open will make it easier for the YAs to do the same, whether their secret is their sexuality, a love of comic books in a literary "nerd", or romance novels in a football player. This is the most positive aspect of being out at the library.