Karen

Karen, a girl in Grade 8, is developing romantic feelings for a female classmate. She is in a state of panic, believing there is something wrong with her. She has heard from her parents and extended family that homosexuality is a mental illness and a sin. She does not know any other LGBT people and does not know anyone to whom she could talk about her feelings. She is beginning to have suicidal thoughts.

One day Karen’s teacher announces a guest speaker from a community health centre that offers services to LGBT youth. The speaker is a gay man who shows a film about sexual diversity and talks about his experiences in high school and the importance of respecting all people's sexual orientations. Some of the other students laugh and snicker until the teacher stops them, but most of them listen respectfully. Karen feels as though a light has flicked on. Suddenly she knows she is not alone and there are many others like her in the world.