Support Materials

Making Gay History: The Half-Century Fight for Lesbian and Gay Equal Rights. by E. Marcus
This book offers an oral history of the evolution of GLBT rights in the United States. Through the stories of famous and local individuals the reader can track how the gay rights movement has impacted America, both publicly and privately. The book is recommended as a starting place to understand gay rights in the U.S. It is an updated version of an earlier title from Eric Marcus, Making History : The Struggle for Gay and Lesbian Equal Rights, 1945-1990 : An Oral History.
DDC: 305.9066
LC: HQ76.8.U5

Why Marriage Matters : America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry. by E. Wolfson
This book examines the right of GLBT persons to marry in terms of legislation and social affects. Each chapter addresses a different objection to marriage for GLBT persons and gay couples raising children. Appendices include a description of rights denied GLBT parents and their children. The book would offer a good primer for concerned GLBT adults and those who wish to deepen their understanding of the arguments concerning this issue in the United States.
DDC: 306.8480973
LC: HQ1034.U5

For the Bible Tells Me So (Documentary) (DVD)
This 2008 film examines claims by preachers, teachers, communities that the Bible condemns homosexuality. This is a big issue for many homosexuals who are condemned through and at their places of worship and who struggle with their religious views and their sexuality. The film presents arguments on both sides of the issue but mostly focuses on personal stories that show how families have handled this issue and how devastating the message of condemnation can be. It comes highly recommended for its ability to reconcile being a person of faith as well as a homosexual.
DDC: 220.8306766
LC: BS680.H67

GLBTQ (http://www.glbtq.com/) is a free online encyclopedia of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer culture, where "queer" aims to incorporate gender queers, a section of GLBT culture whose members see themselves as neither male nor female, but a third gender. The site is organized into broad subjects like arts and literature and includes a discussion board. This is a good resource to help research and understand broader context and history of many current social issues. The entries to date are as recent as 2007. The editors' and contributors' credentials are given.