The Little Black Book: It's Worse Than I Thought

See the prior posts for background on this issue.

I recently received an entire copy of the LBB and can report that this book is worse than I thought. Further, despite the public claims from those who wrote it and those who distributed it, I believe the authors anticipated that teens would read it.

First of all, it seems clear that the authors believed that teens would read it. The first page of the booklet reads: "Hey Queer Boys!...The Boston area is a good place to be young and queer...We have a strong gay community and lots of services for queer youth." Who are "queer youth?" I do not believe this refers to adults or even young adults. When gay advocates refer to queer youth, they mean teens.

Furthermore, the book continues on the next page: "If the bar scene isn't your thing, or if you aren't old enough, try a coffee house." (my emphasis). Why is this acknowledgement that the reader may be underage necessary if this book is not to be given to teens? Lastly, some of the pictures of "queer boys" do not look like adults.

Amazingly, the booklet offers a primer on illegal drugs, or "party drugs." Drugs are classed as legal, quasi-legal and illegal and information is given about each one. This booklet is not just an apologetic for "safer sex" but also for safer illegal drug use. Page 14 is titled: "A Field Guide for Users" referring to drug users. Here is the text:

Going out with the guys? Maybe you'll toss back a few or smoke a bowl. Maybe you're into scotch and cigars. Maybe you've never done any drugs  before and aren't planning on starting. We've put together a guide for you to make informed choices about partying. Remember, if you do use, do it safely - avoid the cops and ex-boyfriends, don't race forklifts and don't order anything off the Internet."