Closet Tears
$14.00
Crying is so naturally human. Wanting to feel safe is too. But what if you knew that who you are meant to be in this world is not always welcomed or accepted? Or that, until you have shared this important piece of yourself, you would not feel seen, in your own skin? This is the reality for Gordi Mech, a 13-year old boy on the verge of coming out. Waking up on the day of his Grade 8 Graduation, he feels this call inside him, begging for him to finally live on the outside how he has felt on the inside, for years. But for this to happen, he must revisit all of the events and circumstances and numerous internal narratives he has about himself, waging these memories against his will to finally tell those he loves that he's gay. And determining whether or not it's enough.
Closet Tears, originally published under the title Defying Gay Gravity in 2013, by author and educator Fleurian Maxton, brings Gordi's intrinsic story back to life, as he seeks to evolve the deeper truths within the character's heart. This juvenile fiction novel is a third iteration of a timeless story of coming out, and the importance of balancing self-preservation with acts of courageous vulnerability, in the ultimate pursuit of self-knowledge, self-love, and self-compassion.
Free online Educator’s Guide
As Educators, knowing what your students need, when it comes to programming, is about responsive practice. In building this guide, it is our intention to help promote rich discussions around identity and 2SLGBTQIA+ realities. Our hope is that these co-created discussion questions will be used to engage and challenge students to confront some very real themes that adolescents navigate, oftentimes, on a daily basis. So too, it is our collective hope that this book and guide help foster fierce self-compassion in the reader. As professionals in the field of education, we have constructed all that you find herein to make your job, as coaches and guides, a little easier. We trust that you will find merit in pieces of this guide and that you will strategically weave questions into your classroom discussions or assignments as you see fit.
Please continue to inspire students to love themselves and each other, for there is beauty in this world. And it exists with eyes (and hearts) wide open.
