Homophobia

The author uses the relationship between Stevie and Nora to demonstrate the terrible impact homophobia can have on teens. Although the two girls are deeply in love, they must keep their relationship a secret from all their other loved ones: “The truth is I hate keeping secrets. I always have. All they really do is tear people apart. But this…This is different. Because this particular secret is the only thing keeping me whole. She is the only thing keeping me whole. I know it might sound a little extreme, but sometimes it feels like she’s the only one I can be myself around, like she’s the only thing holding my feet to the ground and without her, I might just forget who I really am and float away. She’s so much more than just a secret. She’s everything to me” (1). Because...