Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology

by Amy Sonnie (Editor/Contributor), Margot Kelley Rodríguez (Contributor), Nzinga Akili (Contributor)

Invisible. Unheard. Alone. Chilling words, but apt to describe the isolation and alienation of queer youth. In silence and fear they move from childhood memories of intolerance or violence to the unknown, unmentored landscape of queer adulthood, their voices stilled or ignored. No longer. Revolutionary Voices celebrates the hues and harmonies of the future of queer society, offering a collection of experiences, ideas, dreams, manifestos, and fantasies expressed through prose, poetry, artwork, and performance pieces. This one-of-a-kind collection is an all-encompassing, far-reaching call to action that provides the groundwork for a new community where all members are recognized as critical components to our future society.

Genres: Banned Books, Queer, LGBT, Nonfiction, Poetry, Anthologies, Essays

259 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Robert Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

No waiting lines for HIV
condoms and needle exchange are a hard
to sell thing
(to the right wing)

from America’s on Sale
by Alix Lindsey Olsen

It’s hard to believe this book is over a decade old now. It still seems so cutting edge. Revolutionary Voices represented the culmination of a five-year project for Amy Sonnie, and her agenda encompassed art and writing as “powerful weapons against oppression.”

Although the classic gay adolescent experience of lonely torment has faded considerably with the advent of the Internet and community centers, increased visibility, as Sonnie points out, “also means an increase in the attacks on us.” Informed by backgrounds of harassment and abuse, the fifty-six contributors to her anthology all demonstrate inspirational tenacity in the face of intolerance. These young writers represent a full spectrum of sexualities and ethnicities. Some are differently abled, a few transgendered, many are from low-income backgrounds. Some are second-generation gay. All are between the ages of fourteen and twenty-six, and their selections range from slam poetry and memoirs-in-progress to interviews (with each other). Photographs and drawings of the contributors stare from the pages, and even when they swagger or sneer, there’s vulnerability in their faces… along with a harrowing awareness of what they’re up against. Their rallying cries, collected here, have confrontational titles like “Coming Out in Middle-School,” “Butch,” and “Guerilla Poetry Manifesto.”

“I am quite the queen and quite outspoken,” writes Quo-Li Driskoll, an ethnically mixed (Cherokee, African-American, European) twenty-two year old, “so I am not safe here at all.” (“Here” is Glenwood Springs, Colorado, but similar observations are made about virtually every part of the country.) Like Driscoll, many of the contributors describe themselves as AIDS activists. “We’ve grown up with AIDS,” explains Driscoll, “and we’ve grown up never knowing a time without it.” In a particularly moving essay, he describes mourning a death with his friends. “We wept as an act of resistance against those who will not weep for the loss of our people.” For a member of a marginalized community, even grief becomes politically charged.

Naturally enough, many of these young people were students when this book was released, and they speak candidly about failing grades and queer bashings, about substance abuse and eating disorders, yet – astonishingly – manage to display warmth, courage, and clarity. “Looking back at my high school years,” recalls nineteen-year-old Gloria Ng, “I realize all I wanted was someone to tell me it was okay to be me.” Revolutionary Voices progresses from the trauma of realized difference through self-exploration and into a future still being invented. “My highest aspiration,” writes S. Asher Hanley, age twenty-three, “is to be unabashedly myself for the rest of my life.”

A noble goal.

As Sonnie asserts, “Revolution begins in the heart.”

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that struck me - considering the censorship that this book has faced - were the multiples entries concerning libraries. A child of lesbian parents defending Daddy's Roommate against censorship, a teen looking for information on sexuality in library and only finding a scientific study on homosexuality in cows, and two strangers who use graffiti on a library desk as a lifeline. How, after reading in young people's own words about the role that libraries could play in their self-discovery, could someone take this resource out of their hands?

The banning of this book (and yes, it was successfully banned in at least one school) is particularly heinous to me for a few reasons. Unlike other resources for queer teens, this book is told in young people's own voices, and it very intentionally highlights voices of young people of color, immigrants, trans people, people of diverse faiths and people with disabilities. It's also out of print and impossible to come by in bookstores. Get it on Amazon (unfortunately) before it's gone.

[Dracolibris · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading about a Very Bad library director who choose to NOT follow procedure and ban this book, I was curious, so I put it on hold from another library. I ran out stuff to read this weekend (thanks to Will Grayson, Will Grayson being impossible to put down until it was finished), so I picked this up yesterday afternoon. And almost stayed up all night reading it. Powerful, passionate, heart-wrenching, honest, strong and vulnerable, the voices in this anthology will break your heart and on the next page make you hope for the future. NOT child pornography, Ms. Gail Sweet, but young adults finding their voices, and themselves.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/s...

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering how long I've wanted to read this book, and what high expectations I had for it, it ended up being very disappointing. I think the biggest problem was that there were too many entries by cis white people, and people kept flinging around trigger words more out of shock value than out of anything critical. There wasn't nearly as much diversity as the book claimed, either. Some class-consciousness would have really been appreciated. Some of the poetry was excellent, and I cried a bit, but I felt too many moments of frustration toward normative lesbians for it to be a three-star book for me.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. If you are looking for a perspective that will counter the white gay male hegemony that dominates the LGBT community by presenting the strong beautiful and unapologetic voices of intersex persons, disabled queers, bisexuals, transfolk, and of course, queer people of color. And all these smart and articulate people are young (mostly under 25). Since it is an anthology, there are a some pieces that are stronger then others, but the overall, the whole will blow you away.



This is a book that should be required reading for any queer, particularly those that are young, progressive, and politically engaged. It also should be required for privileged white gay boys, but it wont.

[Ashley Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voices in this anthology are ahead of their time. The author represented gay and lesbian voices of color, and introduced the reader to narratives that are diverse from most people's experience. The various media the book contains also adds to its diversity. Unfortunately, the art pieces aren't in color, which I think would have been better.The book is meant to inspire gay and lesbian youth to let their voices be heard. It will definitely have that effect.

Probably meant for ages 13 and up.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

First person stories, artwork, letters, photos, self-expression by GLBTQ youth. While the introduction contends that the personal is political, the short narratives show youth searching for their identities, as do all young adults, but here, perhaps a bit closer to the edge.

[Mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any collection of writing, some parts are better than others. It feels slightly dated, as this was published during the apex of slam poetry's popularity. But a great look into the queer youth of America, their concerns, and their hopes for this nation.

[Maxxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five star concept, but like most anthologies, there were parts I loved, parts I liked, and parts that were okay. Averaging out to 3.5 or 4 stars.

[Rachel McCready-Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worked through Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology in two days. Published in 2000, some of the material was a little dated, but what struck me even more was how it seems like absolutely nothing has changed. Bullying seems to have grown worse, not better, and though there are now more LGBTQ clubs for teenagers, queer youth are still going through so many of the same struggles. I saw the concept of home, or lack of, again and again throughout the writing. The feeling of displacement was event in so much of the work.

While this was an interesting read, and a good book to have out there in the world, it seemed very poorly edited. There were more writers and artists included that seemed to thrown in not so much more skill, but for their ethnic or cultural background. Not to say that a multicultural approach isn't necessary (because it is), but it seemed like the editor was more concerned about how many different ethnic descriptors she could squeeze into one book, than on the actual quality of the work.

I hope to see more works like this in the future. We need to hear what today's marginalized teenagers and young adults are thinking and feeling to help us move towards better solutions and overall change. I also hope that many of these young artists and authors survived, learned that things to actually get better.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology is an anthology of prose, poetry, artwork, and performance pieces collected and edited by Amy Sonnie. This anthology is created by and for radical queer youth, committed specifically to youth of color, transgendered and bisexual youths.

For the most part, I really like most – if not all of these contributions. Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology comprises of first-hand accounts of queer youth from a multicultural and social standing point of views and how they are treated by the public. Surprisingly, while this anthology was published nearly twenty years ago, it is surprising how little has changed for the LGBQT+ community; they are still bullied, discriminated, and misunderstood.

Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology is not an exception. While very little may have changed for the LGBTQ+ community in the twenty years since this was published, some of the installments seems a tad dated. However, those installments are few and far in-between.

All in all, Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology is a wonderful collection of prose, poetry, artwork, and performance pieces from LGBTQ+ and multicultural communities about the experience being a queer youth.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quality of the pieces in this anthology is uneven, but that's not really what matters. In fact, its very inclusiveness is part of what's wonderful about it. "By and for queer and questioning youth," it contains essays, artwork, and poetry, as well as short bios of each contributor. As the editor explains, it "deliberately ... prioritizes ... the traditionally underrepresented," including mixed-blood youth. And I especially appreciated the offerings by those whose situations are more complicated than the simple l-g-b-t we normally think of, for example, a boi "of intersexed physicality" and an Asian "FOB."

The openness, honesty, and insight of these young people who are asserting their rights not to be marginalized is absolutely amazing. Ryn Gluckman, a self-described "second-generation queer," asks "Can I speak powerfully anymore on my mother's behalf without the privileges of heterosexuality to cushion me?" Among my other favorites: "Grateful," by 18-yr old Andromeda, is heart-wrenching; "Affirmation," by 20-yr old Uchecki Kalu, is uplifting; and "Letter from a Young Queer Working-Class Woman of Color," by 19-yr old Gloria Ng, is as thought-provoking as anything I've read in a long time.

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one in honor & celebration of Banned Books Week (which was celebrated in early October in the US). Celebrate your freedom to read!
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned

Overall, I think the topic is important & I enjoyed reading about the various contributors as much (or perhaps more than) the various writings/art that were included. Much of the writing is straightforward, raw, real -- about prejudice, love, hate, understanding, misunderstanding, uncertainty, & certainty... the road of life. A few pieces stood out above the others; much more was the style of what you would read in a high school or perhaps college-level literary magazines. I think the feelings & topics encompassed are the impact of this work (vs. the actual writing/art itself). As far as it having been a "banned" work -- really, it's not explicit. Yes, there is cursing, there is reference to queers (and many other terms, much of which is included in a glossary), to loving others. But, explicit? No. Filled with love, rage, anger, triumph, the good & bad? Yes.

Personally, I would love to hear a follow-up on the writers & artists in this book to see how life is going for each one of them a dozen years after the publication of this anthology.

[Hollowspine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Revolution begins in the heart." Amy Sonnie's anthology of young writers from across the world and spectrum give an awesome representation of that quote. Even though this anthology was published 15 years ago back in October, 2000 it still rings true, both to the inspiring experiences discussed, but sadly also to the fact that in the face of growing awareness there remains a growing hatred.

It was also great to read a multicultural collection and gain a perspective different from my own within a community I still don't quite understand myself. I would recommend this for anyone, especially those who work in a public community setting to help with understanding and providing safe and prideful support to everyone.

My favorite parts of the anthology, strangely for me, were the sections of poetry, which were political, humorous and satirical and cutting. I especially liked, America's on Sale by Olsen, which despite being 15 years old still rings true today (unfortunately). I had to get this from Inter-library Loan, but I'll correct that soon! This is something I believe should be owned by any place of public education and I'd recommend as required reading for any student or educator.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voices in this anthology are indeed revolutionary. The author has also endeavored to be over-representative, which means that there are more submissions by queers of color than are present in the general population. This serves to introduce the reader to narratives that are wildly divergent from most people's experience. The various media the book contains also adds to its diversity. Unfortunately, the art pieces are not presented in color, which I think might have better conveyed the intricacies of the works. Besides art, stories and poetry, there are also spoken word pieces and excerpts from performance art. All of it is riveting, moving and inspirational. In fact, I haven't written poetry in years, but halfway through reading this, I was inspired to again. The book is meant to inspire the queer youth to let their voices be heard. It will definitely have that effect. This is also an important book for everyone to read, as these voices deserve to be listened to.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthology by queer youth that reads like a zine, albeit one heavy on the poetry. That is inevitable in a book like this, and some of it is good. The stories, experiences, and thoughts in this multicultural endeavor are varied and important. The glossary at the end of the book is a welcome list of words and definitions many people aren't familar with and do not know how to use properly.
One quibble: I don't agree with the notion that using your voice is necessarily "revolutionary." There is something profound, important, and empowering when marginalized folks speak out, but "revolutionary" is the wrong word. That word has been overused so as to lose its meaning. Nor do I think art is necessarily "revolutionary."

[Mr. Grabill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful read composed of individual stories around youth queer identity. The strength rested in the power of the individual narrative. With unparalleled bravery and resilience, these voices speak and dare to be heard. The voices share about love and coming to terms with their identities. The voices are incredibly mature, looking out how their complex identities of: queerness, class, ability, ethnicity, religion, impact their lived experiences in the world.

We know that reading makes us more empathic. This is one of those reads that expands our own understanding if we sit and listen to the stories of those who are different.

Published in 2000???? What a brave coalition of trailblazers.

[Sasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that Deanne Smith's essay was featured in this anthology. I might have been biased with my rating since I'm a fan of hers. A definitely inspiring book coming from young, courageous queer writers that came out early despite the hurdles they face.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

hit & miss. I really liked a few of the pieces; others, not so much. I mean it's a collection. A little outdated too. Favorite piece was by Anna Mills.

[Karlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenn Beck is wrong. This is a moving, nuanced, and aptly-titled collection written by and for young people who are questioning all conflicting aspects of their identity. Stunning!

[sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

might be biased by the topic and the editor (my colleague and friend). but i don't think so.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real life stories from 20 somethings about their lives as gay, queer, transgender young adults.

[♡ Kristina]

Banned Books 2010
Reasons: homosexuality and sexually explicit

[Zane Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so good I'm thinking of buying it.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing true stories of strength and self-identity

What a magnificent collection of revolutionary voices, edited (and contributed) by Amy Sonnie, and all of the multi-cultural queer youths that contributed to this book. If first found out about this book, when I was researching banned books. After reading everyone's story, some more than once, I still can't believe why it is a banned or challenged book. Everyone who contributed to this book, told their personal story in different ways, whether it was art, poetry, letters, diary, or just an essay or article, about their journey and every obstacle and triumphs they had to go through. Some of the stories were unimaginable, and heartbreaking, while others were uplifting. Actually, even the heartbreaking stories helped the person who wrote about the experience. I learned a lot about things I didn't know, and I took the time to read the glossary at the end of the book. Some of the stories are about coming out, gender or sexual identity, and some were about race and the culture that surrounds the person who is figuring out who they truly are. One of the stories that stood out in my mind, was when a person told a parent about being "bisexual" and the parent's response was can't you just make up your mind? There was another emotional story, and it ended with the quote, "We were there because we should not be living in a time where one must weep over the memory of bathing another human being." Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. This book is on a list of banned books.

[Mateo Dk · Rating 3 out of 5]

a few stood out but i liked the idea of the project more than the project as a whole, good way to get quickly familiar with the state of being gay in the late 90s