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"Virago Upstarts (Virago Press) 086068-271-4 Price Stg. £3.95 REVIEW BY CLAUDINE MAGUIRE Liza and Annie meet in a museum where Liza is transfixed by Annie's singing. So starts the wonderfully romantic love story of Annie on My Mind. Liza and Annie find themselves thrown into problems and situations, such as coming out, school, sex, and getting caught in bed together by their teacher. However, their love manages to see them through most things and they inevitably become stronger women as a result of this. A refreshingly light, easily read love story. We may find ourselves suddenly thrown back to our own first loves and comings outs and we inevitably start rooting for the good guys (or girls as the case may be). The book was originally published in 1982 but is now available in a new edition published by Virago Upstarts - a series of books for girls and young [sic]. Nancy Garden's classic is both entertaining and inspirational. It is well recommended."

"Interesting to note that at the moment there are three songs in the charts which deal exclusively with gay issues. The most obvious of them must be Boy George's ""No Clause 28"", which should be bought by every gay man and woman, thus ensuring that it gets into the Top 10 and shows how strongly we feel about this fascist piece of legislation. Comments voiced on RTE Radio 2 have ranged from it being a ""very politically motivated"" song to full descriptions of the Section and why the song was written. Well done George! Along the same lines is Erasure's ""Chains of Love"", which is also a good song in its own right. Of the Communard's ""There's More to Love (than Boy meets Girl)"", Radio 2's Night Train Extra has been overheard saying: ""It's a good song, but I'm not so sure about the sentiments"". Well, Radio 2,1 am. Also recently heard on Night Train Extra, the new single from the Joan Collins Fan Club, an outrageous version of ""Leader of the Pack"". Followers of the London carbaret scene will be familiar with the wonderfully camp TJCFC (or, if you prefer, Julian Clary)."

"Dear Dorothy, I had a relationship with a women when I was 15, (she was 20). We were in love and it seemed very natural to me, although I suppose I should have felt guilty about it. A year later my lover had to go away and I was heartbroken. I haven't seen her since. Now I am 20 and find myself increasingly attracted to women, although I will never forget my first. My problem is, and this is my reason to writing to you, I come out to my family a few weeks ago and they have given me one month to get out of the house. I am torn apart with this. I cannot neglect my sexuality, however neither can I neglect my family as I love them very much. Can you please help me, give me some hints on reconciling myself with my family. I hope to hear from you soon. Anxious Dear Anxious, This is a problem that many gay men and women face and it is not an easy one. Most parents have a problem coming to terms with their child's homosexuality and such thoughts as: 1. ""What have I some wrong"" 2. ""Is there something wrong with my genes"" 3. ""Was he/she abused as a child"" 4. ""Is it just a phase"". Go through parents heads. You must realise that you have had time to become accustomed with your homosexuality. Your parents haven't. They do need time. It is important for them to realise that you are the same daughter you were before you came out to them. Remember that they do really love you. otherwise they wouldn't be so shocked, there is no point going back into the closet at this stage so you must be very sure of yourself. Stick to your guns and give them time. We do have a Parents Enquiry Group. Maybe sometime in the future you could mention this to sexual people. They have come to terms with their children homosexuality and can be very helpful to talk to there is also a lesbian discussion group that you could attend if you wished. There you will receive encouragement and reassurance If you wish to find out more about this contact: Gay Youth Line - Sunday 2-4p.m. Tel: 777847"