Side by Side: On Having a Gay or Lesbian Sibling

by Andrew R. Gottlieb (Editor)

How are we affected by the knowledge that a sibling feels same-sex attraction, and how does that knowledge impact on our relationships with our brother or sister?
How do brothers and sisters of gay/lesbian people cope with stigma and homophobia?
What if there's already a non-heterosexual sibling in the family--how does he or she react when another sibling comes out? Do each of their roles change?

In their own words, 18 men and women share their thoughts and feelings about their gay brothers and sisters. What they have to say is revealing--about themselves, about the nature of sibling relationships, and about their role as peacemakers. Gay men and lesbian women often disclose their sexuality to their siblings before anyone else in their families. Side by Side examines the impact of a brother or sister coming out and of the way that a gay person's siblings are sometimes placed in the position of being a social/moral bridge between the generations.

Genres: LGBT

154 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2004

Reviews

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be in every library's collection simply because it explains to people the world that so many of us have no clue what it is. This book is filled with essays that siblings have written that explain their feelings when they found out their sibs were gay/lesbian. Each essay is very honest and direct, but it works and makes this book genuine. A great resource for anyone interested in the topic.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 1 is about me!