Advertisement

Out Law' excellent handbook and primer

Capitol Correspondent

Lisa Keen has created an important, vibrant book that will serve as both a guide for LBGT youth looking to make sure they know their legal rights, and as an historical document for future generations to mark the community's growth.
"Out Law," one of two new titles in Beacon Press's Queer Action/Queer Ideas series is a concise, easy to read book focused on the issues of LBGT youth and their rights. Keen uses her years of award winning journalism skills to build a clear outline not only of legal decisions, but how they apply to LBGT youth. In addition, she provides one of the most clearly written introductions to basic law I have ever read.
She gives us also a clear picture of the logic in law – even when it doesn't seem to be logical. She does an incredible job in providing a picture of the illogical logic behind what appear to be contradicting concepts in American law, and does so in such a way as to make the reader feel comfortable, rather than spoken over, below or down to.
The simple writing style Keen uses also makes a formidable topic less intimidating. The book's tone is such that one feels as though they are having a quiet, in depth conversation over coffee in a cozy cafe somewhere with a friend. The book invites you to engage, and gently prods you along with moments of jarring reality.
Throughout the book Keen references numerous real life, recent legal struggles and cases of LBGT youth. In each instance, the cases she discusses underline the legal issues, the court's logic and ultimately how those issues apply to other cases, real and imagined.
Keen has created an easy to follow series of interconnected chapters, covering such topics as identity, the history of LBGT law and explorations on anti-bullying, free speech and expression, assembly and more. Her appendixes are concise, and specifically her timeline of major court decisions impacting LBGT issues is an amazing resource for anyone. Her exploration of some of the major cases on LBGT issues in the appendix, including quotes from the rulings, is extremely enlightening.
In short, Keen's short book packs a punch that is sure to empower any youth, LBGT or otherwise, who is interested in protecting their legal rights.

Advertisement
Topics: News
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce MemberPrideSource.com is published by Pride Source Media…
Learn More
Directory default
Providing programs and services to support the LGBTIQ community in Windsor-Essex, Ontario. We offer…
Learn More
Advertisement