Liberationists, Clients, Activists: Queer Youth Organizing, 1966–2003

Abstract

The evolution of queer youth programs from 1966 to 2003 has been influenced by sexual ideologies (essentialism, existential constructivism, critical theory, gay liberation, and queer theory) that shape how groups address membership, participants' roles, understandings of sexual identities, coming-out, and ways of contesting homophobia. Group types (given with starting dates) include: radical grassroots groups (1966), advocating revolutionary change, community-based programs (1970s), offering emotional support and social services; school-based counseling programs (1984) countering victimization and harassment induced by homophobia; alternative schools (1985), providing separate and safe educational environments; Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) (circa 1989), encouraging the integration of all students; online forums (1990s) where anonymous dialogue reflects the diverse views of an ever-shifting membership; and at least one anti-homophobia education group (1993), supporting critical and queer discourse. The remarkable history of queer youth groups reveals evolving and divergent understandings of sexuality shaping how youth-as gay liberationists, clients, and activists-have worked to counter isolation, achieve personal or political change, and define sexual identities.

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