The Shared Heart: Portraits and Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young People

A stirring combination of photography and narrative, The Shared Heart joins exquisite portraits of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people with powerful stories about their lives. With stunning poignancy and unbounded heart, these young people describe coming out, escaping the loneliness of keeping their sexuality a secret—and the freedom that comes from having just one good friend. They reveal the courage it takes to live honestly and openly.

Athletes, painters, class presidents, and performing artists, the people in Adam Mastoon’s compelling portraits recount experiences that are as diverse as their backgrounds. One man recounts his religious family’s struggle to accept his gay identity. Another tells of the challenge to reconcile her bisexuality with her Asian-American heritage. Others recall the solace of long afternoons in the library devouring books that assured them that they were not alone. Together these candid accounts of navigating adolescence express the fundamental need we all share for acceptance and freedom of expression.

The Shared Heart is a unique, evocative celebration of the dignity and strength that come from being who we are.