Author Advises LGBTQ Teens to Be Themselves in New Interview
Submitted by: Narrow Path Publishing
2010-09-09 00:02:32
Raleigh, NC (OPENPRESS) September 9, 2010 -- Stephanie Silberstein, the author of soon-to-be-released novel Shades of Gay, gave LGBTQ teens advice about surviving their teen years in a video interview earlier today. Silberstein also spoke about writing, publishing, and LGBTQ activism.
Silberstein was interviewed at her home by her cover designer, D Gavi Chayim, who describes herself as "openly Transgender" in the video. The interview covered several subjects, ranging from Silberstein's interest in LGBTQ suicide prevention to how she kept herself motivated while working on the novel. The highlight of the video, however, was her response to a question about what she would like to tell LGBTQ teens.
"Be yourself," Silberstein said, "even if it's difficult." She added that the teen years are often the most difficult for LGBTQ teens because parents, teachers, and other authority figures may not accept the teen's sexual orientation. Silberstein cited the statistics regarding LGBTQ suicide and encouraged teens not to give up, no matter what their personal situation.
Silberstein is no stranger to either videos or suicide prevention campaigns. In addition to touting Shades of Gay as an anti-suicide video, Silberstein led a Facebook campaign for LGBT suicide prevention in May of 2008. She created a suicide prevention PSA as part of that campaign, as well as creating an additional PSA in May of 2009. Both video spots are available on her Youtube channel.
Shades of Gay will be available on Amazon by the beginning of October. The novel features a gay high school student attempting to forge a romantic relationship with another boy despite the disapproval of peers, teachers, school administrators, and parents. Ten percent of the book's profits will go to the Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ suicide prevention organization.
To see the entire interview, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWo6_suE3RY. For more information about Shades of Gay, see http://www.facebook.com/shadesofgay.