Module 6 Book 2 Gay Literature

A. Bibliography.
Sanchez, Alex. 2001. Rainbow Boys. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 0 689857705.

B. Plot summary.
Jason, Kyle and Nelson come to terms with their gay identity and look for love and freindship at their suburban Washington DC high school.

C. Literary Analysis (with cultural markers.)
Jason Carrillo, a star basketball player, Kyle, a sensitive and bright swimmer, and their flamboyant and impetuous friend Nelson don't really explore their cultural roots. Rather each character represents a type of "every boy" in this story about gay identity. The author chooses to explore a generic High School millieu rather than a specific culture. Although Jason has a Spanish surname, he only says one word in Spanish. Likewise the setting is only vaguely alluded to when the boys take the metro,but does not really matter.

Rainbow Boys explores the coming out process of three likeable gay boys in a non-judgemental, light and upbeat way. In contrast to older portrayals in YA literature, the boys are presented as fairly well-adjusted, if temporarily troubled. Their situation is recounted in a positive and understanding light with no tragic and overly melodramatic consequences.

It is this refreshing approach, rather than the flat characters, and odd stilted dialogue, and contrived situations, didactic tone that makes the Rainbow books so appealing. The budding romance between Jason and Kyle is portrayed sympathetically and with great respect and sensitivity. Although Jason's girlfriend Debra is really just another generic character, she is also shown to be angry, but ultimately kind and forgiving.

The Rainbow books are a breezy, strangely compulsive and uncomplicated read that shows Teen Gay readers a hopeful and positive look at Gay Life. Even kids who read below grade level can escape to the simpler world of Jason, Nelson and Kyle. The series is valuable, not for its literary merit,but because of its groundbreaking portrayal of ordinary Gay teens without censure and moralizing.


D. Review Excerpts

Booklist
Ultimately, the author demonstrates, coming out is really coming in--entering a circle of support and self-acceptance that may lead to a more universal community of acceptance and tolerance.

Horn Book
A well-observed, witty, and sexually honest look at the process of coming out both publicly and to oneself.


E.Connections.
Encourage Teens to form a Gay/ Straight alliance or seek out such a club.

Inform Teens of the following useful resources:
Human Rights Campaign- an organization that works for equality.
www.hrc.org
PFlag
Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians.
www.pflag.org.
Visit the website to find a local chapter.

Fight Violence and Hate Crimes against Gays and Lesbians.
www.avp.org.

Other books with positive portrayals of gay teens include:
Levithin, David. Boy Meets Boy. ISBN:0375824006
Burd, Nick. Vast Fields of Ordinary. ISBN:978-0803733404
Ryan, P.E. In Mike We Trust. ISBN:978-0060858131