Collection Development "Gay and Lesbian Studies": Out of the Closet?

Will & Grace, Ellen, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Judging from current representations in the mainstream media, it would seem that gays and lesbians have been accepted finally by society at large. Yet as the recent uproar over Spongebob Squarepants and Postcards from Buster reveals, there remains severe social stigma attached to living as an openly queer person in many parts of this country. And with the increased antigay rhetoric of a religious right, sexual minorities continue to lose their jobs, their families, and even their lives—witness Matthew Shepard, Gwen Araujo, Sakia Gunn, James Byrd, and J.R. Warren. In such a climate, one way to combat fear and ignorance is to provide up-to-date information on all aspects of this still-controversial topic. This article focuses on nonfiction titles appropriate for mid-sized public libraries, with a special emphasis on bisexuality, transgender identities, race, disability, class, age, and other issues often marginalized in both mainstream and GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) culture in America. Some colleagues, at San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and elsewhere, have confidently assured me that no gay people use their library. Oh, really? This claim has also been reported by librarians around the country, as Ellen Greenblatt writes in "Barriers to GLBT Library Service in the Electronic Age" (Information for Social Change, No. 12, Winter 2001). GLBT users are often invisible. A patron may be exploring his/her own sexual identity, or a patron may be trying to understand better a friend or family member, researching for the debate team, or merely broadening his or her horizons.

While acquiring relevant materials is important, as Cal Gough and Greenblatt explain in Gay and Lesbian Library Service (McFarland, 1990, a still-valuable resource currently being revised; Eric Bryant's "Pride & Prejudice," LJ 6/15/95, is also still useful), providing access—bibliographic and/or physical—to gay and lesbian materials plays a crucial role in library service to patrons who may wish to avoid talking with a staff member. Create book displays and develop pathfinders, booklists, or other bibliographic handouts. In whatever ways possible, make it easy and safe for patrons to find, on their own, the resources they seek.

For ongoing collection development, follow these guidelines (many supplied by Gough, assistant manager of the Ponce de Leon Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library): acquire winners and finalists of GLBT book awards, such as the Lambda Literary, Publishing Triangle, American Library Association's Stonewall, and the Gaylactic Network Spectrum awards; ensure that out-of-print items are included on a "Desiderata" list handed out to potential donors of GLBT materials; check local GLBT or alternative bookstores' best sellers lists to see what titles are in demand, as well as Amazon.com's GLBT best sellers list. Also, source reviews of new titles in the periodicals included below. Beyond this list, be sure to add topical popular fiction and films to your collections when possible.

Haworth's Harrington Park imprint, Alyson, Cleis, GLB Publishers, Suspect Thoughts, and Firebrand are among the major publishers of GLBT literature, and many GLBT bookstores, e.g., A Different Light, Lambda Rising, and Giovanni's Room, offer mail-order services. Among the prolific gay and lesbian writers to look for are Emma Donoghue, Michelle Tea, Katherine Forrest, Felice Picano, Edmund White, and Gore Vidal.

A recently released cooperative effort to produce a definitive research database—GLBT Life© with Full Text—covering GLBT studies incorporates over 50,000 records selected from National Information Service Corporation's Sexual Diversity Studies into EBSCOhost's GLBT Life®.

Disperse duplicates of materials throughout your library system or to appropriate community centers. Don't assume that you know exactly where the materials will be in demand.

Tend your collection so that it reflects the shifting cultural context. Because laws impacting homosexuals are rapidly changing, legal guides especially need to be updated regularly, as do travel guides. However do retain classic out-of-print materials like Becoming Visible: A Reader in Gay and Lesbian History for High School and College Students and The Greatest Taboo: Homosexuality in Black Communities. GLBT materials may be especially susceptible to theft or vandalism; make sure they are adequately secure, while continuing to respect patron privacy.

But don't stop with collections. Make sure that GLBT issues are reflected in your exhibitions and public programs. Work with the local PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) group to arrange a panel presentation, screen a video, or mount an exhibit. Do this in June to celebrate GLBT Pride, October for GLBT History Month, and whenever you can fit it into the normal rotation of events. It will ultimately serve all your constituents.

Starred titles [*] are core resources for most public libraries.

CURRY, HAYDEN OTHERS. A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples. 12th ed. Nolo. 2004. 375p. ISBN 0-87337-998-5. pap. $29.99. As the debate on legalizing same-sex unions continues, patrons will want to know their current legal rights regarding making practical decisions about living together, obtaining domestic partner benefits, making mutual medical decisions, taking care of finances, leaving property to each other, and understanding the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children.

DAY, FRANCES ANN. Lesbian and Gay Voices: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide to Literature for Children and Young Adults. Greenwood. 2000. 296p. index. ISBN 0-313-31162-5. $38.95. Detailed, critical annotations for more than 275 recommended books are arranged in six categories: picture books, fiction, short stories, nonfiction, biography/autobiography, and adult/professional resources. The last chapter contains 16 profiles of authors who have made significant contributions. Appendixes list a calendar of lesbian/gay events and resources.

Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender History in America. 3 vols. Scribner. 2003. 1200p. ed. by Marc Stein. ISBN 0-684-31262-X. $400. Stein has compiled more than 500 topical and biographical entries on the major events, personalities, places, and themes in a queer reading of more than 400 years of U.S. history. The essays are suitable for high school and college students as well as those engaged in scholarly research. In comparison, Gay Histories and Cultures: An Encyclopedia (Garland, 2000) includes separate volumes on lesbian and gay topics, and its scope is international.

*HUNTER, NAN D. OTHERS. The Rights of Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender People: The Authoritative ACLU Guide to a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender Person's Rights. 4th ed. New York Univ. 2004. 218p. ISBN 0-8147-3679-3. pap. $17. This fully revised and updated survey uses an accessible question-and-answer format to cover the rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people under present law, specifically with regard to freedom of speech and association, employment, housing, the military, family and parenting, and HIV disease.

*NEWMAN, FELICE. The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us. 2d ed. Cleis. 2005. 376p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57344-199-6. pap. $24.95. Drawing on her extensive knowledge as well as on questionnaires returned by hundreds of international respondents, the founder of Cleis Press has written a comprehensive, nonjudgmental guide to lesbian sexuality. From the basic "What is gender?" to the esoteric "How to choose sex toys," there is no question, however stupid-seeming, that this guide won't demystify. (LJ 1/05)

*SILVERSTEIN, CHARLES FELICE PICANO. The Joy of Gay Sex. 3d ed. HarperResource. 2004. 332p. illus. index. ISBN 0-06-001274-9. pap. $17.95. Psychologist Silverstein and novelist and poet Picano have "fully revised and expanded" this 1977 classic with more than 30 new entries. Attractive illustrations by Joseph Phillips augment the strengthened coverage of cautionary topics. Includes information on HIV, drugs, and medical, social, and psychological topics and features many organizational referrals. (LJ 6/15/03)

Before Stonewall: Activists for Gay and Lesbian Rights in Historical Context. Harrington Park: Haworth. 2002. 467p. ed. by Vern L. Bullough. photogs. index. ISBN 1-56023-193-9. $29.95. These profiles of 49 leaders in the struggle for GLBT rights are contributed by a variety of renowned figures themselves. From Alfred Kinsey and Evelyn Hooker to Troy Perry and Christine Jorgensen, these pioneers all demonstrated admirable passion and commitment. (LJ 10/15/02)

*CARTER, DAVID. Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution. St. Martin's. 2004. 336p. ISBN 0-312-20025-0. $24.95. On June 27, 1969, what began as a routine police raid on the Mafia-owned Stonewall Inn, a seedy but popular gay club in New York's Greenwich Village, escalated into an uprising that ignited the gay liberation movement in North America. Carter's compelling history supersedes Martin Duberman's 1993 Stonewall as the definitive account. (LJ 5/15/04)

OLSON, JENNI. The Queer Movie Poster Book. Chronicle. 2004. 128p. illus. index. ISBN 0-8118-4261-4. pap. $19.95. Inspired by Vito Russo's pioneering Celluloid Closet (later a star-studded documentary by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman), filmmaker and historian Olson offers a chronological compilation of the history of queer film using the graphic images promoting them.

TENT, PAM. Midnight at the Palace: My Fabulous Life as a Cockette. Alyson. 2004. 274p. ISBN 1-55583-874-X. pap. $17.95. This well-researched and richly detailed collective memoir could be considered a companion volume to David Weisman and Bill Weber's award-winning 2001 documentary, The Cockettes, about the brief, but important, troupe of hippies, drag queens, and other communal counterculturalists. "Sweet Pam" chronicles her role behind the scenes of the gender-bending, chaotic, all-dancing extravaganzas at the Palace Theater in San Francisco.

*BERZON, BETTY. Permanent Partners: Building Gay and Lesbian Relationships That Last. Plume: NAL. 2004. 350p. ISBN 0-452-28621-2. pap. $16. In this revision of her 1988 classic, longtime psychotherapist, activist, and author Berzon offers straightforward recommendations on how to develop a successful long-term relationship. Using examples, she recommends tips on communication about difficult subjects such as sex, jealousy, and money. Also recommended: Berzon's award-winning memoir, Surviving Madness (Univ. of Wisconsin, 2002). (LJ11/15/88)

Dangerous Liasons: Blacks, Gays, and the Sruggle for Equality. New Pr. 1999. 312p. ed. by Eric Brandt. ISBN 1-56584-455-6. $22.95. This collection of 17 essays addresses the tense relationship between African Americans and the GLBT community despite their shared struggle for civil rights. Contributors include thinkers who straddle both worlds (Samuel Delaney, Audre Lord, Jewell Gomez), and topics discussed cover hate crimes against blacks and gays, racism in gay and lesbian organizations, and homophobia in the black church.

Gay and Lesbian Aging: Research and Future Directions. Springer. 2003. 294p. ed. by Gilbert Herdt & Brian de Vries. index. ISBN 0-8261-2234-5. $45.95. Thirty years after the landmark "declassification" of homosexuality as a disease by the American Psychiatric Association, a generation of self-identified GLBT individuals are approaching retirement. These ten essays address the physical, emotional, and mental health of these seniors, as well as the special social service needs of sexual minorities and the need for additional research.

RUDACILLE, DEBORAH. The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism, and Transgender Rights. Pantheon. 2005. 384p. ISBN 0-375-42162-9. $26. "Gender is what's above the neck and sex is what's below the neck." Virginia (née Charles) Prince's famous quote is the point of departure for this fascinating exploration of those whose bodies and psyches fall between the boundaries of male and female.

That's Revolting! Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation. Soft Skull. 2004. 320p. ed. by Matt Bernstein Sycamore. ISBN 1-932360-56-5. pap. $16.95. The ongoing debate over assimilation vs. activism remains current as this lively collection of new queer resistance challenges the commodified view of gay/queer identity by exploring struggles to transform gender, revolutionize sexuality, and build community/family beyond traditional models. Sycamore (a.k.a. Mattilda), author of the autobiographical novel Pulling Taffy, is also the editor of Dangerous Families: Queer Writing on Surviving (Haworth, 2004), a courageous anthology of personal essays by survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

*Bi America: Myths Truths, and Struggles of an Invisible Community. Haworth. 2005. 272p. ed. by William E. Haworth Burleson. ISBN 1-56023-478-4. $39.95; pap. ISBN 1-56023-479-2. $24.95. At least five million Americans identify as bisexual, largely invisible to both straight and GLBT communities and even to one another. This anthology investigates the joys and challenges of being attracted to both sexes. Also consider the pioneering Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out (Alyson, 1991).

*50 Ways To Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighbors—or Yourself. Inner Ocean. 2005. 208p. ed. by Meredith Maran & Angela Watrous. ISBN 1-930722-50-8. pap. $14.95. This valuable anthology includes pithy personal contributions from a wide variety of voices, including those of Kate Clinton, Margaret Cho, Judy Shephard, Rev. Troy Perry, and many others.

*GARNER, ABIGAIL. Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is. HarperCollins. 2004. 272p. ISBN 0-06-052757-9. $24.95; pap. HarperPerennial. 2005. ISBN 0-06-052758-7. $13.95. Interviews with more than 50 sons and daughters raised by GLBT parents reveal that in addition to the typical stresses of growing up, the unique pressures these children face are not owing to their parents' sexuality but rather to homophobia and prejudice. Garner offers insight into the gifts and challenges of being raised in families that are often labeled "controversial."

GREEN, JAMISON. Becoming a Visible Man. Vanderbilt Univ. 2004. 264p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8265-1457-X. $24.95. Transgender activist Green's compelling story of his FTM (female-to-male: Jamie to Jamison) transsexual experience is more than just a memoir. It provides insight into another world, as useful for those who have considered transitioning as those who have not. (LJ 5/1/04)

*I Do, I Don't: Queers on Marriage. Suspect Thoughts. 2004. 384p. ed. by Greg Wharton & Ian Philips. ISBN 0-9746388-7-0. pap. $16.95. Although the California Supreme Court voided their 2004 marriage and those of almost 4000 other gay newlyweds, Wharton and Philips consider themselves spouses for life. Their rich anthology of 132 provocative essays by many well-known authors and first-time essayists makes compelling personal arguments for gay marriage, against it, and all in between.

*Intersex in the Age of Ethics. University Pub. Group. (Ethics in Clinical Medicine). 1999. 227p. ed. by Alice Domurat Dreger. ISBN 1-55572-100-1. pap. $19.95. Ambiguous genitalia and varying chromosomal structures are only part of what has historically been referred to as hermaphroditism. These 21 diverse voices make a compelling argument that the relationships among anatomy, chromosomal count, sexual identity, and sexual practices are not rigidly fixed but vary in highly personal and unpredictable ways.

*Queer Crips: Disabled Gay Men and Their Stories. Harrington Park: Haworth. 2004. 254p. ed. by Bob Guter & John R. Killacky. ISBN 1-56023- 456-3. $39.95. pap. ISBN 1-56023-457-1. $19.95. This collection of 35 personal stories by disabled gay men explores anonymous sex and loving, committed relationships; learning to combat stares or insults and doing art or lifting weights; and childhood experiences and cultivating a supportive adult community. These men's voices clearly articulate how to manage being disabled in a subculture that often reveres the perfect body.

Restoried Selves: Autobiographies of Queer Asian-Pacific American Activists. Harrington Park: Haworth. 2004. 137p. ed. by Kevin K. Kumashiro. index. ISBN 1-56023-462-8. $39.95; pap. ISBN 1-56023-463-6. $16.95. These 17 first-person accounts by Americans whose heritage includes Nepali, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese, includes individuals who identify as bi- or multiethnic to combine into a rich panoply of a tremendous diversity.

*Sexual Metamorphosis: An Anthology of Transsexual Memoirs. Vintage. 2005. 400p. ed. by Jonathan Ames. photogs. ISBN 1-4000-3014-5. pap. $13.95. These personal narratives of 17 gender pioneers include accounts by Christine Jorgensen, the first celebrity transsexual; Caroline Cossey, former model and James Bond girl; and novelist and English professor Jennifer Finney Boylan. A fascinating, readable book, filled with anguish, introspection, and courage. (LJ 4/1/05)

Bloom: Queer Fiction, Art, Poetry & More. bi-a. $10/copy or $16/yr. Bloom Magazine, PO Box 1231, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10011; www.bloommagazine.org. Founded to support the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered writers and artists and to foster the appreciation of queer literature and creation, this new periodical boasts a star-studded advisory board (Dorothy Allison, Edmund White, and E. Lynn Harris). Besides fiction and poetry, it also includes personal essays. Also consider Harrington Lesbian Fiction Quarterly and Harrington Gay Men's Fiction Quarterly and web-based literary journals such as lodestarquarterly.com.

Books To Watch Out For! m. $30/yr. for one, $48/yr for both. Print prices differ. Books To Watch Out For! PO Box 882554, San Francisco, CA 94188; www.btwof.com. Monthly e-letters offer new book announcements, brief reviews, commentary, news, and "good book gossip." Carol Seajay, publisher of Feminist Bookstore News, writes the Lesbian Edition, while Richard Labonte, reviewer, editor, and formerly general manager for A Different Light bookstores, is responsible for the Gay Men's Edition.

*Lambda Book Report. m. $29.95. Lambda Literary Fdn., PO Box 73910, Washington, DC 20056-3910; www.lambdalit.org. Published by the nonprofit Lambda Literary Foundation, which also sponsors the annual Lambda Literary Awards, this monthly magazine is devoted to reviewing books, interviewing authors, and following the trends in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender publishing. Another good source: Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide (formerly Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review).

There are numerous videos today that address gay/lesbian issues. Two companies that deal exclusively with the subject are Wolfe Video and Frameline.

After Stonewall. 2005. color. 88 min. First Run Features, 153 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014; www.firstrunfeatures.com. DVD $29.95. This 1999 sequel to Before Stonewall is now available on DVD. Melissa Etheridge narrates the history of gay and lesbian life after the Stonewall riots, including hopeful signs of acceptance and the devastating impact of AIDS. (LJ 6/15/99)

*It's Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School. 78 min. New Day Films, 190 Rte. 17M, PO Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; www.newday.com. 1996. ISBN 1-57448-058-8. VHS $99; acad. libs. $250. This moving documentary looks at the way that young people are exposed to negative messages and misinformation about gay people from adults, media, and other kids—part of the Respect for All Project undertaken by the award-winning Women's Educational Media.

*Out of the Past: The Struggle for Gay and Lesbian Rights in America. UNAPIX Films, available at Amazon.com. 1998. 70 min. VHS $14.98. This documentary follows the struggle of Kelli Peterson, a teenager who challenged her high school to register her Gay Straight Alliance as a student group. It compares her struggle with those in lesbian and gay history, including Bayard Rustin, the gay man behind Martin Luther King's civil rights demonstrations.

Glbtq: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Culture. www.glbtq.com This web-based encyclopedia covers arts, literature, social sciences, special features, and discussion boards. Its information-filled, signed essays are lively and succinct and include well-researched selected bibliographies and links to related articles. "Awards" covers various mainstream and GLBT-specific book awards and winners. Two separate print volumes are based on the web site: The Queer Encyclopedia of the Visual Arts and The Queer Encyclopedia of Music, Dance and Musical Theater (both Cleis, 2004).