The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing About Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Other Identities

Young adults are more aware than ever of their sexuality and identity, and they’re looking for answers and insights, as well as a community of others. In order to help create that community, Lamda Award- winner David Levithan and critically-acclaimed poet Billy Merrill have compiled an anthology of original poems, essays, and stories written by young adults in their teens and early 20’s. This collection, aptly titled THE FULL SPECTRUM: A New Generation of Writing About Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Other Identities, includes a variety of talented writers—gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, transitioning, and questioning, who share thoughts on a full spectrum of subjects: coming out, family, friendship, religion and faith, first kisses, break-ups, and many other topics of importance. The result is an exciting and vital contribution to the discussion on sexuality by and for today’s teens.

Stories in THE FULL SPECTRUM cover a plethora of experiences: revelations of truth, feelings of heartbreak, joy, and resilience. They celebrate truth and honesty as each of the young writers reveal both their personal experiences and individual takes on the world that they are living in. These pieces provide a place for readers that is both a resource and a refuge: for solace, information, different experiences and viewpoints. Working with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the collectors have succeeded in creating a unique and groundbreaking work that deftly deals with issues of sexuality and identity.

Not since Marion Dane Bauer’s revolutionary collection Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence, has there been a collection that provides this kind of community, comfort, and comprehensive information for the lgbt and straight teen population. David Levithan and Billy Merrill have created a book that will appeal to a diverse group of readers who are looking for something that lets them know they are not alone. THE FULL SPECTRUM is a powerful anthology about sexuality and life that readers are sure to welcome and appreciate for years to come.

David Levithan is the acclaimed author of Are We There Yet?, Boy Meets Boy and The Realm of Possibility. His debut novel Boy Meets Boy, was an American Library Association (ALA) Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Quick Pick, and the 2004 Lambda Literary Award Winner for Young Adult readers. He is the editor of the PUSH imprint at Scholastic and lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Billy Merrill is the author of the critically-acclaimed Talking In the Dark, a collection of personal narrative poems. He received his BA in English from the University of Florida where he studied writing and poetry, and he is currently working toward his MFA at Columbia University in New York.

GLSEN will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book.