June 20, 1997
Oasis:
The Online Magazine for Gay Youth
One of the most difficult things about growing up gay is the feeling of being alone. Even after figuring out that you're "not the only one," it can be hard to imagine how to meet someone else to date or even just to talk to. For young people who aren't yet independent, too often the only choices seem to be despair, denial or a life of frustrating secrecy.
Things may, however, be getting a little easier. Oasis, an online magazine for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth," is making good on the promise that the Internet will bring together people with similar needs and interests in a way that was never possible before. Oasis offers interviews, advice, and a collection of monthly columns by young people.
Oasis founder Jeff Walsh says he started the magazine in late 1995 out of frustration. "For all the noble attempts at making a content-rich site for gay youth to which I had been asked to contribute... none were actually appearing." Walsh and his staff and contributors have succeeded in making Oasis a clear and consistent online resource for gay young people.
Each issue of Oasis includes a cover story which profiles a noteworthy gay figure. Recent issues have included interviews with brain researcher Simon LeVay, and Candace Gingrich, the lesbian sister of the conservative American political leader. Each issue also includes "The Parent's Corner," a column by Emily Rizzo, a member of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and "Life, Love and AIDS," an advice column for young people's questions about sex and relationships by Michael Walker and Dr. Katherine Fordham.
What makes Oasis really unique, however, is the forum it gives to gay young people themselves. The magazine avoids the chaos that sometimes plagues Internet chat rooms and discussion lists by giving young people a space for regular columns — and they use it. Oasis currently has 35 columnists, some anonymous, ranging in age from 13 to 24. Most are boys living in the US and Canada, but there are also perspectives from girls, and from other young people in countries like Australia, Mexico, the UK and Malaysia.
Oasis columnists write about their lives and concerns, and if there is one criticism that can be made, it is that the columnists can sometimes be a bit self-absorbed. Day-to-day details about the writers' personal lives abound. This focus certainly isn't limited to young gay diarists, however, and it may be that this is exactly what other young gay and questioning readers want and need. For each one of these writers, there are thousands of other young people with similar concerns. Gay young people will never be "just like everyone else," but a magazine like Oasis helps to teach the important lesson that you don't have to be.
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The Advocate Internet
The online complement for the Advocate, a magazine of news, information and opinion about gay issues.
AIDS/HIV Information
Information about living with AIDS and HIV from GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis)
Digital Queers
The association for gay computer professionals
Gay Lesbian & Straight Teachers
Network for educators concerned about homophobia in schools
Gay & Lesbian Personal Finance Association
Information about financial & legal planning for gay & lesbian couples
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Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Issues
