If you have a question for OUT Maine staff, please contact us directly here

Dear Chuck is a column that allows parents, GSTA advisors, community members, and more to submit questions that will be reviewed and answered by young adults who are a part of the Queeries/Queer Futures group with OUT Maine staff support. If you have a question please submit it to dearchuck@outmaine.org or use the form below!

Dear Chuck, How do I stop internal homophobia?

Dear Chuck, How do I stop internal homophobia?

Thank you so much for asking such an important question! When formulating this answer with the youth we work with, these were some of the initial responses:  -Exposure therapy. Use this method to help yourself get used to being around folks that might make you feel...

What to do when someone comes out to you

What to do when someone comes out to you

Have you ever had someone share with you that they are LGBTQ+? What did it feel like? Did you feel nervous, awkward, or confused? Did you feel honored, relieved, grateful? Did it seem like a big deal for the person sharing? What questions did you have? For LGBTQ+...

What is a Q Card?

What is the feedback from youth on the Q card? How best to present its use/purpose to youth? Here is our response: It would be better if it was talked about with more people. If providers were able to have more people use it. Some feel it is no difference than writing...

Polysexual vs. Polyamory?

Dear Chuck, what is the difference between Polysexual and Polyamorous Here are some “official” definitions to help us get started. A polysexual person is someone who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to multiple genders. It is not the same as being bisexual or...

Dear Chuck: To Ask or Not to Ask

Dear Anonymous: If you have someone who has not yet shared their pronouns with you, the best to do is offer your own pronouns. Say "Hello, my name is _____, and I use (he/him) pronouns." It is best to let this person share their pronouns with you on their own terms...

Supporting All Students

Q: Dear Chuck, I have a question that I was hoping you could help support. I have a student in fourth grade who is having a hard time accepting a student who identifies as female but was born male.  This fourth grader has had conversations at home with her parents and...