GLBTRT Newsletter

A publication of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Round Table of the American Library Association http://www.ala.org/glbtrt

Reviews (Pages 5 -12): Films Vol. 23, No. 2 ◊ Summer 2011  A Marine Story

 Two Spirits Youth  365 Days GLBTRT Social in New Orleans  Hidden

 Jumpstart the World The Social Committee Eric Johnson, Tom Fortin, This is the place to see  Sleeping Angel and Rod MacNeil and the GLBTR co-chairs, and be seen. A trendy Non-Fiction Anne Moore and Dale McNeill, are looking bar opens into a forward to welcoming everyone at our social lush courtyard and  100 of the Most during at this year’s annual meeting in New offers a fine wine and Influential Gay Orleans. The social will be held at Hotel tequila selection along Entertainers LeMarais (717 Conti Street) in the heart of the with its signature French Quarter from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm purple cocktail.  Binding the God Sunday the 26th. Donations will be gladly accepted to defray the costs of the event.  How to Find Love in a Gay Bathhouse Hotel Le Marais is New Orleans’ newest upscale  From the Closet to the boutique hotel. According to the hotel website, Courtroom this French Quarter hotel is a modern and upscale sanctuary with four-star amenities and  It Gets Better a high level of personal service.  The L Life

 Out Loud

 A Saving Remnant  True Stories Attend Membership Meeting and Participate in Fiction Vote for Over the Rainbow Committee  Black Fire

 Blood Sacraments Over the Rainbow was given ad hoc status a year ago to complete important work meeting the missions of our  Head Trip Round Table, specifically creating an annual bibliography of “titles of interest to adult readers that reflect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) experiences.”. In the last year, OTR  Spanking New created an annotated bibliography of 108 recommended books and In less than 6 months and has had more than 4,000 hits on their new web page. This year the OTR has already identified 200 potential titles, of which 80 have been nominated by at least one Committee member.

Please attend the GLBTRT Membership Meeting on Sunday at 10:30 AM @ at the JW Marriott Hotel (JW-Maurepas Meeting Room), 614 Canal Street. Not only can you network with other members of GLBTRT, but one of the agenda items is approval of the Over the Rainbow (OTR) Ad hoc Committee application for permanent committee status.

Deadlines for the newsletter for the next year will be:

Fall 2011 August 31, 2011 Winter 2011 November 31, 2011 Spring 2012 March 20, 2012 Summer 2012 June 9, 2012

Please try to get your reports, articles, book reviews, etc. in by these dates or let us know if there will be a short delay so room

Page 2 Volume 23 Number 2

Kid Stuff About young readers for people who care

June marks the twelfth national LGBT Pride but part of a larger LGBT community—had of the web in areas of concern to LGBTQ Month, and I would like to describe some of been publicly avowed.” He recognized that communities after the Yale Law School the things that make me proud. the culture at that time would not have notified the ACLU in its “Don’t Filter Me” permitted them to speak, but “their campaign when students reported schools’ First is the progress that our community has visibility would have been an antidote to blocking Internet content. made under the presidency of Barack the fear and lies of Anita Bryant and her Obama. He has signed the repeal of the supporters.” I’m proud of other adults, especially “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, an act that will librarians and educators, as they allow lesbians and gays to serve openly in Over 30 years later, young people are demonstrate the courage to provide young the military. He has work to stop speaking out. When Tennessee Senate people with materials and information discrimination against LGBT people in federal voted for its “Don’t Say Gay” bill that proving to them that they deserve an equal housing programs and in the federal prevented any discussion about LGBT part of the great American pie. Reading workplace. Because of his efforts, LGBT issues in Grades K through 8, 13 high Bronski’s The Queer History would add to people can freely visit their partners in the school students who attended the session adults’ understanding and appreciation of hospital. The White House has also led a opposed their action. These students were the past 500 years of LGBT experiences in global campaign to guarantee that the term part of a larger group from three our country. I honor Beacon Press for “sexual orientation” be included in the United downtown Nashville high schools that making this invaluable book the first in its Nations resolution on extrajudicial execution. attended every Senate meeting for two Revisioning American History Series, weeks as well as showing their opposition devoted to “examining history though the During Obama’s presidency, Congress along the street outside the capitol. lens of those groups whose stories have passed the Matthew Shepard and James been excluded from the canon.” In a highly Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Crime. He I’m proud of the young people across the readable style, the author writes, among has begun work to stop the threat of bullying country willing to be open about their many other things, about the diversity of of young people in the schools and joined participation in Gay-Straight Alliances and gender identities accepted by the Native administration officials to create “It Gets other youth who stand up for bullied kids— Americans when the white men first Better” videos. A commitment for next year like Olivia who reported the physical arrived, the practice (more frequent than is expanding access to HIV/AIDS prevention violence that suffered by a son of lesbian many people realize) of same-sex love and care. The Office of Public Engagement partners. Rebecca Haskell and Brian during all these centuries, and the has launched a new landing page, Winning Burtch’s Get That Freak: Homophobia and accomplishments in the past half-century. the Future: President Obama and LGBT Transphobia in High Schools (Fernwood Americans, providing updates about White Publishing, 2011) supports Bronski’s call We can all benefit from reviewing the House actions that benefit the LGBT for LGBTQ visibility in youth. According to following from The Queer History,--An community. the author’s research, “silence about queer Outline of Imperatives for Gay Liberation, http://www.whitehouse.gov/ people and the issues affecting them reprinted from Carl Whitman’s “The Gay blog/2011/06/01/winning-future-lgbt- fuelled homophobia and transphobia, Manifesto” (1969): americans which in turn further silences queer 1. Free ourselves; come out everywhere; youth.” The young people interviewed initiate self-defense and political activity; I’m proud of the young people who are talked about the missing pieces in teacher initiate counter community institutions. willing and able to come out to fight for training, curriculum, role models, and 2. Turn other gay people on; talk all the LGBTQ rights. During the past year, many of intervention in bullying. Young people are time; understand; forgive; accept. them fought their schools to attend proms helping to change these omissions. 3. Free the homosexual in everyone; be with their same-sex loved ones and use their gentle and keep talking and acting free. preferred gender identity for photos in the I’m proud of their legal struggles and the 4. We’re been playing an act for a long yearbook. In A Queer History of t he United adults, such as ALCU lawyers, who support time, so we’re consummate actors. Now we States (Beacon Press, 2011), Michael Bronski them in trying to achieve their rights such can begin to be, and it’ll be a good show. said that the events surrounding Save Our as the use of the Internet for information and social networking. One recent Children promulgated by hate-filled Anita I realize that I’ve painted a very rosy example is the communication with Kansas Bryant in 1977 “would have taken quite a picture of our successes in this column. and Missouri public high schools different turn if the voices of LGBT youth— Yes, the term “sexual orientation” for the demanding that they stop the censorship proclaiming that they were not in danger, United Nations resolution—and everywhere—needs to include gender identity. Transgender people are often (ISSN 1533-7219) is an official publication of the Gay, GLBTRT Newsletter omitted from laws protecting gays and Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Round Table of the American Library lesbians; I have not heard that term used Association. It appears quarterly in March, June, September, and January. at all in the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” debate. Young people are still killing themselves American Library Association because of gender identity/orientation 50 E. Huron St., bullying, and ignorant principals are still Chicago, IL 60611 outing them through suspensions for the “public displays of affection” which straight Letters to the editor, correspondence to the above address care of: kids are allowed everyday.

Sarah E. Wright But I plan to bask in the accomplishments GLBTRT Newsletter Editor for just a short time before diving back into [email protected] the fray. Happy LGBT Pride Month!

-Nel Ward

Volume 23, Number 2 Page 3

2011 Annual Conference Schedule

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Steering Committee I 8:00-10:00 am Morial Convention Center Rm 239

Rainbow Project Task Force/Committee 8:30-10:00 am Morial Convention Center Rm 240

All-Committees Meeting Time 10:30-noon JW Marriott Rm Conde

Stonewall Book Awards Committee I 1:30 – 3:30pm Embassy Suites Rm Andrew Jackson

(closed meeting)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Membership Meeting 10:30 – noon JW Marriott Rm Maurepas

Stonewall Book Awards Committee II 1:30 – 3:30pm Royal Sonesta ROY-Board Room

(closed meeting)

GLBTRT Program: Vampirism Just 1:30 – 3:30pm Morial Convention Center Rm 285

Got A Little More Colorful: Queer

Vampires

GLBTRT Social 5:30 – 8:00pm Hotel LeMarais

Monday, June 27, 2011

Stonewall Book Awards Brunch 10:30 – 2:00pm Loews New Orleans Louisiana I

(Ticketed Event)

GLBTRT Program: Out of the 4:00 – 5:30pm Morial Convention Center Rm 285

Closet & Into the Library:

LGBTQ Programming

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Steering Committee II 10:30 – 1:00pm Morial Convention Center Rm 236

Break Down Barriers with Human Library at ALA Annual

The Social Responsibilities Round Table cultures. “Human books” are “checked The Human Library (SRRT) of the American Library out” for one-on-one, respectful (www.humanlibrary.org) is an outgrowth Association is seeking volunteers to conversations. This unique opportunity of a Danish anti-violence campaign. Since participate in a Human Library, to be allows volunteers to raise awareness of 2000, the movement has brought together held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the biases and prejudices that participants people of different backgrounds to have June 27 at ALA’s Annual Conference in have themselves or hold against meaningful dialogues, comprehend New Orleans in MARCC Blaine Kern A . others. The program ultimately promotes differences and seek common appreciation for differences in background cause. Human Library programs have and culture. been hosted around the world, including Volunteers will serve as “human books” Iceland, Australia, England, Brazil, Japan and help attendees better understand and the United States. people of different backgrounds and

Page 4 Volume 23 Number 2

GLBTRT Programs at Annual

Vampirism Just Got A Little More Colorful: Queer Vampires

Sunday, 6/26: 1:30pm - 3:30pm Convention Center - Rm 285 Vampire literature has enjoyed a huge upswing in popularity in recent years, mostly due to such works as the Twilight series and Let the Right One In. In this program we explore the experiences of LGBTQ vampires and their authors. Scheduled speakers are Jewelle Gomez and Dean James.

Out of the Closet & Into the Library: LGBTQ Programming Monday, 6/27: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Convention Center - Rm 285 This panel discussion will feature library workers' experience creating library programs that address the needs of LGBTQ users. Success stories, community controversies and practical advice will be shared. Scheduled speakers are Bleue Benton (Oak Park (IL) Public Library), Lise Dyckman (California Institute of Integral Studies), and Jim Patterson (Northwestern Connecticut Community College).

Speaking of Vampires...

I recently caught up with Lucio Privitello, a faculty member in the philosophy department at Richard Stockton College in Pomona, New Jersey regarding the publication he edited, Blood Type: Writ(h)ing In&On TRUE Blood. The book is a collection of essays from twenty-eight students that comprised Professor Lucio Privitello’s Fall 2010 course, “Philosophies of Life and Death,” otherwise known as True Blood and Philosophy.

Dr. Privitello is a proponent of a hands-on approach for learning and in the past has done projects that included getting education students to make board games, creating products that bring the topics to life for students. He is a friend of one of the editors of The Simpsons and Philosophy and he knew he would like to work on a book project with his students. Each student enrolled in the course wrote one paper which would in turn become a chapter in the book, some of those chapters include Death is Only the Beginning: Purpose in True Blood and Maryanne Forrester: The Adonic Puer of Dionysus. The course completes a general studies requirement at the liberal arts college and as you imagine was quite popular. Dr. Privitello required potential students to complete a permission of instructor illustrating knowledge of the show that included fifteen questions.

Readings from the course included How Philosophers saved Myths: Allegorical Interpretation and Classical Mythology, Language and Myth, Dionysus, Myth and Cult, Monstrous imagination and The Meaning of Immortality in Human Experience and of course, viewing of the True Blood show on DVD. Through course readings the students investigated philosophical, ethical, mythological and literary issues within the HBO series True Blood. Students considered immortality, death, faith, love, the fantastic, the sublime, the monstrous, and meta-themes, such as popular culture and the humanities, film as philosophy, and the philosophy of mythology through interaction with the texts and the show.

The book resulting from the project could be a companion to the series from a philosophical perspective. It is quite interesting to think about the mythology of death in pop culture along with Dr. Privitello’s students who were encouraged to unleash their imaginations and find inspiration in the modern monsters and myths of True Blood. Blood Type: Writ(h)ing In&On TRUE Blood is available from ComteQ publishing at the following address: http://www.comteqpublishing.com. ComteQ, a south Jersey publishing company is known for publishing academic texts surrounding the holocaust, but is supportive of the student project. All proceeds from the text will fund a foundation scholarship for the arts and humanities at Richard Stockton College.

- Sarah E. Wright, GLBTRT Newsletter Editor

Write Reviews or Articles for the GLBTRT Newsletter! To become a part of the team of reviewers that publish in the GLBTRT Newsletter, or to receive a copy of our guidelines for book reviews, email Reviews Editor Tracy Nectoux at: [email protected]. Or, if journalism is more your style, send in articles about GLBT library services and collections in and around your community.

Volume 23, Number 2 Page 5

Film Reviews

A Marine Story. DVD. Dir. Ned Farr. With Dreya Weber. Wolfe Video, 2011. 90 Minutes.

an honorable discharge or be kicked out of hand is dealing with her own issues of This film has won 17 Festival the military under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t growing up or else, leaving her druggie Awards and it’s easy to see Tell” policy, Everett returns home, where friends behind, and forging a new future why. A Marine Story is a she is asked to mentor a young girl, for herself. well-written story that gets Saffron Snow (played by Paris Pickard), to the heart of the absurdity who is on the wrong track and has been This film is not rated. It does contain that keeps GLBT people given a choice by a judge to either go to violence and may not be suitable for from serving in the armed- jail or join the military. younger viewers. I would recommend A forces. The movie begins by Marine Story for public and academic telling the audience that it is “Based on Weber and Pickard put their whole hearts libraries. true stories”. into the roles they play. Weber’s character deals with issues of telling her friends and Reviewed by, Rachael Elrod Dreya Weber plays Major Alexandra family why she left the Marines, falling in Reference and Instruction Librarian Everett, “Alex,” a mustang with a long and love and living openly for the first time, The Citadel proud family history of serving our and playing the no-nonsense Drill country. Put in the position to either earn Sergeant to Saffron. Saffron on the other

Two Spirits. DVD. Press & festival screener. Dir. Lydia Nibley. Riding the Tiger Productions, 2010.

Two Spirits, the and feminine characteristics—being two This documentary should be considered excellent spirited. for purchase by all public and academic documentary directed, libraries, and would find use by those coproduced, and As of this writing, Two Spirits is scheduled studying U.S. history, gender studies, cowritten by Lydia for television broadcast as a segment in Native American history and culture, hate Nibley, explores the PBS's series Independent Lens in June crimes, and documentary filmmaking. brief life and murder 2011. Interviews with family members, of sixteen-year-old Native American scholars, and reenacted Fred Martinez in scenes examine the nadleeh tradition, Colorado. Fred Martinez's life and death, and the Reviewed by, Dave Combe impact of his death on his family and Librarian Specialist Fred was seen by his killer as gay, but was community. The film’s score is performed E. P. Foster Library seen in his Navajo tradition as a by Native American musicians. "nadleeh," a person who blends masculine

Coming this fall to the GLBTRT Newsletter, Letters to K.R. Send your questions about love, life and library science to K. R. Roberto. Please send questions to Newsletter Editor Sarah E. Wright via e-mail, [email protected].

Volume 23 Number 2 Page 6

Book Reviews: Youth Payne, K.E. 365 Days. Advanced readers copy. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books, 2011. Paperback. 194pp. $13.95. ISBN: 978-1-60282- 540-6.

indifference towards school will resonate lighthearted novel that follows a girl as Clem is determined to with readers in similar mindsets. she realizes she is gay and experiences keep her diary up-to- her first love. This novel could have filled date this year as she The trouble with 365 Days is the quality a void; it never once delves into the explores her changing of the writing. The prose is such a politics of coming-out as a queer feelings and dealings realistic depiction of how a teenage girl teenager or the backlash based on with her friends and would write a diary that is fails to be art sexuality they often experience. It is a romantic escapades. and instead reads like original fan fiction shame that the dull plot and poorly She is attracted to her that somehow got published. Clem’s written prose make me unable to elusive, female character development also feels stunted recommend this novel for collections in classmate J, while her and unrealistic. Perhaps her sudden, blind order to fill that void. I have great clueless friends try to set her up with self-declaration of her sexuality is respect and admiration for what K.E. Ben. Meanwhile a girl named Hannah reflective of a changing society, but her Payne has done, and hope to see her moves to town and confuses Clem thoughts feel like fluff rather than an writing develop over time and produce further. engaging exploration of a young girl’s life the novels that I feel she is capable of. and awakening sexuality. The story The reader follows Clem’s comedic seems to be set in the present-day, yet I would only recommend this for public or musings in her day-by-day diary. Fans of Clem needs to be taught about Facebook high school libraries with a very large Louise Rennison’s Angus, Thongs, and by her peers. These details, along with demand for LGBT literature, despite Full-Frontal Snogging will appreciate some rambling passages, add up to a questionable writing quality. similarities between the bumbling, clunky novel that distances itself from the lighthearted heroines confessing their audience it is written for. Reviewed by, Tracy Gossage often-failed romantic escapades in diary MLIS Student format. Clem’s awkward antics and It is certainly refreshing to read a Dominican University

Mournian, Tomas. Hidden. New York: Kensington Publishing, 2011. Paperback. 387pp. $15.00. ISBN: 978-0-7582-5131-2.

Based on Tomas Using the alias Ben, Ahmed now must Mournian’s own convey his story, no matter how painful, in them up and try to label them, even if journalism, this fiction order to be hidden away so that various some of the characters defy labeling. draws from the seldom agents of the rehabilitation center do not Although difficult to believe in parts, talked about find him and force him to return to rehab. Hidden illustrates a defect in American underworld of Ahmed hides away with several other culture, highlighting families who send off rehabilitating colorful characters: Anita (whose gender is a child to be “rehabilitated” into homosexual teens. If always in question); the walking sex-on-a- becoming heterosexual, as if being gay is you put The Diary of stick, Hammer, who performs on the a defect that can be fixed. This book is Anne Frank and Internet for those willing to pay; and the loosely based on real safe houses that Francesca Lea Block's brooding Latino J.D., who Ahmed lusts for, have been featured in various news Weetzie Bat into a blender and added a but whose friendship with Ahmed becomes outlets; the characters’ stories are bit of spice, you’d get Hidden. muddled and confused as the story ends. somewhat based on actual accounts as There are a few other characters thrown in well. Ahmed has just been released from a that are not particularly developed, but rehabilitation center for gays, where he who move the story along. Hidden is appropriate for older teens and endured shock treatment and various adults (due to adult themes, such as drug medications. His overbearing and abusive The book’s ending leaves room for a use and sexual situations) and is suitable father cannot stand him, especially since sequel, though Mournian wrote it as a for any library that wants to provide edgy Ahmed reminds him of ex-wife—the one stand-alone novel. Hidden also features an fiction for its young adult and adult person he could not control and who left interesting Q & A with the author that patrons. him. Ahmed makes a run for it and gets explains where the story came from. picked up by a couple of sympathetic Ahmed/Ben is a sulking character who Reviewed by, Johnnie Gray lesbians who understand what is typifies a confused gay teen—confused by Interim Director of Media Services the need to love and share love as he happening. Eventually, Ahmed makes his Christopher Newport University way to San Francisco and uses the phone deals with his own demons and number given to him at the rehab center systematically compares them to the other to contact a safe house that will hide him wounded souls he is living with. He judges away until he is 18. them, just as the reader does. We size

Page 7 Volume 23 Number 2

Hyde, Catherine Ryan. Jumpstart the World. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010. Hardcover. 186 p. $16.99. ISBN: 9780375866654.

Almost 16-year-old Elle haircut, she is perceived as lesbian (she beautiful/ugly, sane/insane, good/bad, is abandoned to an is not) and endures some bullying, but is male/female, dependent/independent and apartment when her welcomed into a group of students mostly embraces the idea that there is room for mother begins dating a on the GLBT spectrum. When her new people to define themselves between the new man and wants her friends learn that she has her own place, extremes. I loved this gentle book that out of the way. they convince her to have a party and covered important topics. It encourages Consequently, Elle when Frank drops, by they speculate each person to “just be as close to yourself shaves her head and whether Frank is a transman, which as you can possibly bring yourself to be,” adopts a terribly ugly, infuriates Elle, who abruptly kicks them regardless of other’s expectations. This is unfriendly cat in reaction out. Elle struggles with why this bothers a great book for all high school and public her and finally determines that her to her mother’s beautiful vs. ugly world library young adult collections. view. Upon moving into the apartment, attraction to him muddies her perception Elle and her mother meet Frank, the of herself. Reviewed by, Sharon Flesher-Duffy gentle man next door who, along with his girlfriend Molly, offers help and friendship. In Jumpstart the World, Catherine Ryan Nashua High School South When Elle arrives at school with her new Hyde explodes human binaries such as:

Herren, Greg. Sleeping Angel. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books, 2011. Paperback. 237pp. $13.95. ISBN: 978-1-60282-214-6.

Sleeping Angel is Greg to help him piece together what the continuing debate on gay bullying, but Herren’s first YA novel. He happened before the accident and to try I think that the positive role models in his has two previously to recover his memory. adult fiction have been much more successful series of The action in the book is well paced and successful. mysteries set in New keeps the reader’s interest with a mixture Orleans. This novel is also of flashback and present day action. The Sleeping Angel has little to offend, but a mystery, but not in the novel does have the traditional Herren there is some sexual content. The novel is traditional sense. It plot point that the main character has appropriate for any teenage reader, but follows Eric Matthews, some psychic abilities. The major probably would not interest older teens. I who wakes up in the downfall with Sleeping Angel is that it recommend this book to public libraries hospital after an automobile accident with feels like an Afternoon Special. The plot that have a large collection of YA gay amnesia. In the car is the dead body of a points sometimes seem very contrived fiction, but not to libraries with limited former friend, Sean Brody. The boys were and heavy-handed. Without giving too resources. childhood friends until Eric discovered that much of the plot away, I was very Sean was gay and then started bullying disappointed with the final resolution of Reviewed by, Scott Clonan him among other openly gay the main character’s bullying. Adult Services Librarian acquaintances. When Eric is released from West Charleston Library the hospital, he enlists a former girlfriend I applaud Mr. Herren’s attempt to add to

Book Reviews: Non-fiction Baines, Jenettha J. 100 of the Most Influential Gay Entertainers. Kernersville: NC: Argus Enterprises International, 2010. Paperback. 330pp. $24.95. ISBN: 978-0-9846195-5-9.

Jenettha Baines’ 100 of the those interested in the history of drag and From beginning to end, the reader can Most Influential Gay the entertainers that helped bring it to the sense Baines’ love of these entertainers, Entertainers is an excellent masses. Baines divides the book into making this a great read for all interested. introduction to the world of sections that focus on older entertainers I would suggest this book to those with a drag kings and queens. that have been performing for over twenty curiosity about the drag world, its history, Baines does a great job at years, the gorgeous female illusionists, and its performers, both past and present. providing a short biography male performers that perform as males of many different and are excellent at it, the big and While the language is tame, there is some entertainers. More often beautiful drag queens, entertainers whose graphic language related to violence; than not, these biographies are performances are a sight to behold, and therefore, I would suggest this to ages 16 heartwarming and uplifting. Many include the drag queens who specialize in comedy. and up. Recommended for public libraries. coming out stories that might give young Additionally, while there are more adults the courage to come out, as well. biographies on drag queens in Entertainers, Baines makes a special point Reviewed by, Talia Earle Entertainers is also a great resource for to highlight drag kings as well. St. Catherine University

Page 8 Volume 23 Number 2

Mann, Jeff. Binding the God: Ursine Essays from the American South. New London, CT: Bear Bones Books, 2010. Paperback. 231pp. $15.00. Kindle Edition, lending enabled. $7.99. ISBN: 978-1-59021-219-6.

Lambda Award-winning the communities in which he dwells. The to gay-friendlier climes, the mountains writer Jeff Mann follows essays in Binding the God will do the always call him back home. up on his Edge: Travels of same for the urbane and sophisticated, an Appalachian Leather the slender and smooth-chested, and the Some may be wary of the sexual content, Bear with this second A-list gays, and will remind us all that the but without it we’d get a distorted view of collection of personal GLBT community and GLBT culture is the very complicated Jeff Mann. The essay essays. And these essays everywhere. “Bondage Tape in Budapest,” for example, are deeply illuminates the relationship between personal – reflecting both his deep That’s not to say that Mann’s home does leatherbear Mann and his vanilla partner. affection for the land and people of the not cause him pain. Despite his deep And when Mann talks about Tim McGraw, mountains and the deep pain the affection for the land and people of the not just as a musician, but as a sex object homophobia endemic to the region causes Mountain South, he is acutely aware of its – well, I can relate. I only ever listened to him. conservative politics. He looks around at Tim McGraw because he looked hot on the the gym and sees a hot man, his perfect album cover! Mann is a gay, pagan, leather bear, and in good ol’ boy type – and realizes the many ways, you might think this makes object of his affection is likely straight Recommended for all public and academic him out of place in the mountains of West and even homophobic. But then, he has a libraries, and particularly for those libraries Virginia. But he is also an Appalachian, great time bonding with the men painting serving GLBT or Appalachian communities. and a country boy – and he can’t live his house, and they don’t mind that he’s comfortably away from the region and its gay, because he can talk trucks and Reviewed by, John Bradford people. Instead, he uses his multiple cowboy boots and country music. Being a Head of Automation & Technical Services outsider status – gay, blue-collar, hill-queer may be a contradiction – but Villa Park Public Library mountain, pagan, and bear – to educate it’s one with which Mann has learned to and enlighten the classes he teaches and live. And if he has to occasionally escape

Weil, Marcel. Find Love in a Gay Bathhouse: An Eight-Step Guide to Finding Mr Right in a Gay Bathhouse & Then Making the Relationship Work. London: Homohappy Books, 2011. Paperback. $14.99. Kindle Edition, lending enabled. $2.99. E-book available from $0.99. ISBN: 978-1-907867-01-9.

Well, sex, sure. But love differences between having sex and chapter, that will help readers apply the in a gay bathhouse? making love; getting to a second date; lessons to their own personal situations and That’s really not what helping love grow; and keeping the magic attitudes. The reader has to think through most people are after alive. the differences between sex and love, what there… he wants in a relationship and what he Sometimes the advice is basic – don’t go doesn’t, how his lifestyle could help or But Marcel Weil did find in to the bathhouse right before closing; hinder a budding romance. his Mr. Right in a place be approachable; always play safe; make more known for Mr. sure you get his phone number – but The audience for this book is limited – it is Right Now. And when he mentioned this to there is a wealth of information here and not just gay men, but gay men who are a friend, and the friend discovered Weil I’d venture that even the most open to finding true love in a bathhouse. had “sort of” used a strategy, he experienced cruiser could learn something Still, I recommend this book to public and encouraged him to put it out there for new. (I never realized why my eyes got so academic libraries in metropolitan areas “every gay man who goes to bathhouses dry, for example.) with gay bathhouses – and there are more and wants a boyfriend.” Thus, Weil of those than you might think! produced a practical and sex-positive Besides being comprehensive, the advice book, which is explicit but not in Find Love is compassionate – Weil Reviewed by, John Bradford pornographic. knows some people are not as comfortable Head, Automation & Technical Services with their bodies or sexuality as they’d Villa Park Public Library Weil takes the reader through the steps: like, and he suggests ways to get beyond finding the busy places and frequenting these hurdles. them; building up your self-confidence; making sexual encounters happen; dealing Of particular value are the thought with sexually transmitted infections; exercises that Weil includes in each

Page 9 Volume 23 Number 2

Ball, Carlos A. From the Closet to the Courtroom: Five LGBT Rights Lawsuits that Have Changed Our Nation. Queer Action / Queer Ideas Ser. 10. Boston: Beacon Press, 2010. Hardcover. 286 pp. $27.95. ISBN: 978-0-8070-0078-6.

Bringing to life, and indicate the specific lawsuits discussed, one of the case, the background, the lawyer, showing the human side can quickly identify these through the the law with interpretations, and the of, five lawsuits related to introductory materials. The cases covered impact with implications. LGBT issues of family, are Braschi v. Stahl Associates (1989), harassment, Nabozny v. Podlesny (1996), Romer v. From the Closet to the Courtroom is a discrimination, marriage, Evans (1996), Baehr v. Lewin (1993), and valuable book for those interested in LGBT and sex, Carlos Ball’s From Lawrence v. Texas (2003), respectively. In rights, legal history in general, and those the Closet to the the narratives providing the background of wanting to know more about the trials that Courtroom takes dry legal each case, Ball also raises awareness of went forth to bring about a more issues and turns them into prose, without other issues in the LGBT communities equalizing of civil rights for LGBT people. losing the seriousness or implications of occurring at the time, both of the case itself these landmark cases. and the times leading up to the individual court case. Subheadings within the chapters organize the narrative into the main players While the book’s table of contents does not

Savage, Dan, and Terry Miller, eds. It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living. New York: Dutton-Penguin, 2011. Hardcover. 338pp. $21.95. ISBN: 978-0-525-95233-6

A companion to the popular submit their own. Thousands of videos sex and kink, but nothing explicit. video project, this book later, this book collects transcripts of some presents first-person accounts of the best from YouTube, as well as new In addition to the narratives, the book is by adults assuring GLBTQ pieces. Like the video project, the book’s rich with resources for youth, parents, and youth that, despite the success springs from the variety of voices teachers. The book and video project — challenges of being young and represented, both famous and unknown. A now housed at www.itgetsbetter.org — gay, life gets better. sample of the writers includes a group of present many opportunities for orthodox Jews, Broadway actors, an African programming and teaching. Given the The It Gets Better Project was initiated last -American minister, and a self-proclaimed project’s wide success and interest, this is a year by sex columnist, Dan Savage and his “big rural dyke.” must for all public libraries and high school partner, Terry Miller, in response to a string libraries. of highly publicized suicides by gay teens. As Though some of the stories suffer without they explain in the introduction, Savage and their original video, none are longer than a Reviewed by, Kelly McElroy Miller wanted to provide bullied youth access few pages, allowing for easy browsing. The Undergraduate Services Librarian to the stories of happy, well-adjusted gay extensive discussion of bullying University of Iowa Libraries adults. So they created a YouTube channel, occasionally includes slurs and harsh posted a video, and encouraged others to language. There is also some mention of

McHugh, Erin. The L Life: Extraordinary Lesbians Making a Difference. New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang-Abrams, 2011. Hardcover. 160pp. $22.75. ISBN: 978-1584798330.

Conceived and written by versions of individuals in roles I had As the author states in her introduction: Erin McHugh, and previously only met through The L Word’s lesbians are everywhere, in every field, “the containing stunning storyline. secret love child of the invisible sex” (6). As portrait work by Jennifer such, in the future I would love to see a May, The L Life is a glossy The book’s tone is casual, almost more extended version of similar texts with and selective Who’s Who conversational, as though McHugh is talking greater diversity, particularly in terms of of American lesbians directly to us, such as when she exclaims, age, race, and ethnicity, but is a today. Part of its appeal is “[I]f you don’t know Beebo Brinker, oh, do The L Life good start. It is a book to be shared that it is not just a list of “power lesbians” -- you have a treat in store for you” (95). This publicly, whether that display is in the front though many of the individuals described in is both the book’s strength and its flaw, as of the library or on top of your coffee table. this book certainly qualify -- but rather all some individuals are described with more There is some strong language, but nothing women who are continually working to enthusiasm than others. The text, however, out of line for teen audiences. improve the world in which we live. McHugh is at its best when it allows the reader to selected lesbians from vastly different walks meet these highly successful women as Recommended for public and school of life, including a rabbi, a judge, a authentic people, describing their lives libraries. comedian, an actress, a sheriff, and, my outside of their jobs, detailing their coming personal favorite, an urban gardener. As a out stories, and sharing their insights about relatively new lesbian longing for role life, love, happiness, and being a change Reviewed by, Katy Vance models, I read this book with relish, enjoying agent. UNC SILS alumna, May 2011 each portrayal as I encountered real life

Volume 23, Number 2 Page 10

Madden, Ed, and Candance Chellew-Hodge, eds. Out Loud: The Best of Rainbow Radio. Advance reader copy. Spartanburg, SC: Hub City Press, 2010. Paperback. 159pp. $14.95. ISBN: 978189188576-1.

Out Loud: The Best of hour program. The editors have categorized Lesbian Broadcasting (2001). Both books Rainbow Radio is a the writings into three broad areas of are national in scope and provide a good collection of material drawn perception – listening, learning, resisting – historical context of the roles LGBTQ people from the first three years that allow the reader to dip into the had in radio and television. Out Loud is not of the Rainbow Radio show collection depending on individual mood. a history; however, it does provide the and reflects the diverse While the stories have the South as a reader with a unique opportunity to view the LBGTQ audience and common backdrop, the experiences are world through the lenses of a diverse set of culture found in Southern universal. This is not to minimize the people reflecting and sharing personal Carolina. The Rainbow importance of Rainbow Radio or the writers, experiences and perspectives. Radio program began as the stories will resonate with readers broadcasting on Columbia’s Air America from across the country and around the This book, recommended for all libraries radio station, WOIC 1230 AM, on October world. with an existing LGBTQ collection, is an 2005 and was the first in the state easy, enjoyable read. dedicated to addressing topics and issues of Reader interested in the history of the concern to the LGBTQ community and their LGBTQ community and the media would be Reviewed by, TJ Lusher allies. well served by reading two earlier books, Assistant Dean, Technology Initiatives and Alternate Channels: The Uncensored Story Support Services (TISS) The collection contains original essays, of Gay and Lesbian Images on Radio and Northern Illinois University Libraries commentaries, poems, and stories read by Television, 1930s to the Present (2000) and their authors at the conclusion of each half- Queer Airwaves: The Story of Gay and

Duberman, Martin. A Saving Remnant: The Radical Lives of Barbara Deming and David McReynolds. New York: The New Press, 2011. Hardcover. 336pp. $27.95. ISBN: 9781595583239.

Martin Duberman, conditions… They attempt, with uneven story of two inspirational activists into an Distinguished Professor degrees of success, to awaken and important work of American political Emeritus in History at CUNY mobilize others to join in the struggle for a history. Graduate Center and founder more benevolent, egalitarian society.” of the Center for Lesbian and If you only read/purchase one book on Gay Studies at CUNY, puts his Barbara and David spent their lives queer history this year, let it be this deep understanding of addressing issues of civil rights, accessible and illuminating volume. It American and queer history nonviolence, nuclear disarmament, the belongs in every collection that examines into play in this beautifully Vietnam War, and the struggle for gay the United States, our history, our politics, researched and written story of rights. Friends for many years, they shared and our future. two radical activists. many viewpoints and experiences, including the fact that they were “out” in Reviewed by, Morgan Gwenwald Barbara, born in 1917, and David, born in an era when that was a rare and SUNY New Paltz 1929, were both part of “a saving remnant,” dangerous act. But they were often in which Duberman says refers to “that small disagreement over strategy and theory, number of people neither indoctrinated nor and this is where Duberman’s detailed and frightened into accepting oppressive social thorough research elevates the personal

Picano, Felice. True Stories: Portraits from My Past. 1st U.S. ed. New York: Chelsea Station Editions, 2011. Paperback. 220pp. $16.00 ISBN: 978-0-9844707-7-8.

Felice Picano’s True Stories is a persons -- mostly men but some women too This wonderful book has already received masterpiece. Every library (Bette Midler, Diana Vreeland) -- who the rave reviews from The New York Times, interested in major author encountered throughout his life and Out magazine, Library Journal, Booklist, contemporary authors, gay or who made an impact on him. They are The San Francisco Examiner, The straight, must buy it. Picano, arranged in more or less alphabetical order by Advocate, and Lambda Book Report. I one of the most prolific, popular, the name of the chief subject, but these hope that this rave review will persuade and literary of our gay authors names are not included in the table of those who may still be on the fence. has written many memoirs contents, only as subtitles in each essay. This Frankly, every library serious about already, such as Ambidextrous: alphabetical order breaks down among essays American literature, or gay literature, The Secret Lives of Children, about family members. For example, Picano’s should have all of Picano’s works, Men Who Loved Me, and A House on the Ocean, chapter “Grandpa Ralph” precedes his father including this one. a House on the Bay, but this book is different. “Philip Picano.” There are also a few typos, It is a collection of separate essays about such as “her” for “here” on p. 137, but (Continued page 11) persons missing from the other memoirs, nothing serious.

Page 11 Volume 23 Number 2

Picano, Felice. True Stories: Portraits from My Past. (cont.)

I’m not going to list all the subjects of memory alone, so we’re treated to lots of wonder Picano is such a popular writer. these essays. Some are famous, such as fascinating particulars from contemporary W.H. Auden, who comes first thanks to his “eye-witness” accounts. is a masterpiece. Buy it and name, and Tennessee Williams, who comes True Stories enjoy it. last. Some are unknown except to Picano There is some discreet sex in a few of the and a few others. Picano is an artist who stories, but most of the essays are about constantly writes, including detailed friendships, encounters, or family Reviewed by, James D. Anderson journals, which were a major source for members. Every essay is gripping, exciting, Professor Emeritus these essays. He doesn’t have to rely on fun to read, and, yes, entertaining. No Rutgers University

Book Reviews: Fiction

Allison, Shane, ed. Black Fire: Gay African-American Erotica. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books, 2011. Paperback. 207 pp. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60282-206-1.

The book’s title refers to characters in the If you enjoy, or collect, gay The stories in Black Fire are extremely stories. Every tale includes at least one erotica and are into black varied. They are entertaining, occasionally handsome (always) African-American. At men, you will want this raunchy, but never unkind. Most of the sex least two of the authors are women; finely produced volume. is “safe”; there may be a few exceptions, however, the short bios don’t give too The cover features a but then this is fiction, not real life. This many details about the others. gorgeous specimen and the anthology does not include S&M, piss, or stories are well written and scat, but it offers everything else, and is Readers definitely won’t get bored while exciting. Yes, there are often quite affectionate, even romantic. reading this book. I don’t know how many black men in each of them, libraries collect erotica, but of all of the but their tastes are wide-ranging, including The only “abuse” or “force” takes place collections of erotic stories that I have read many other ethnicities: white, Asian, during a quasi-supernatural voodoo in the past, Black Fire is one of the best Latino, and more. Only a few stories are ceremony in -- where else? -- New Orleans, I’ve ever enjoyed. limited solely to African-Americans, but where the main characters are compelled they include some of the best -- often just into intimacy. But they loved it, so two characters who really get it on and get everything turns out for the best. Reviewed by, James D. Anderson to know each other. Professor Emeritus Rutgers University

Gregory, Todd, ed. Blood Sacraments. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books, 2010. Paperback. 296pp. $16.95. ISBN: 978-1-60282-190-3.

In recent years vampires “Centuries of Longing” offers one of the on the whole Blood Sacraments succeeds in have taken the spotlight as collection’s sweeter love stories, telling the bringing together vastly different icons of sensuality. tale of a vampire who has been waiting perspectives to create an enjoyable read. Inspired more by lust than hundreds of years for love. “Out of Light Although vampires and erotica aren’t my horror, this collection and Into the Night” gives a more sadistic usual topics of interest, I was surprised to covers many aspects of look at vampires involved in ritual killing. find that I could not put this book down. I vampire lore, while The vampires of “Three” find themselves would recommend Blood Sacraments to any describing any number of entwined with a different sort of demon, library looking to expand its genre sexy scenes. While some while “Kells” shows that teenage crushes collections. vampires are cast as evil bloodsuckers can be misplaced, especially if your crush looking to torture their victims, others are becomes someone you hate once he drinks innocent men who are pulled into your blood. vampirism against their will -- all of which provide opportunities for highly charged Reviewed by, Emily Faulkner scenes of lust and sexual abandon. Adult Services Librarian A collection of stories from different authors Chicago Public Library always runs the risk of being uneven, but

Page 12 Volume 23, Number 2

Line, D. L. Head Trip. Valley Falls, NY: Matinee-Bold Strokes Books, 2010. Paperback. 187pp. $14.95. ISBN: 978-1-60282-187-3.

It is the year 2039. Shelby West Berlin into Russia, Shelby meets a Head Trip to be classified in the science Hutchinson is 27 and is in charge of beautiful Russian spy named Tasha. fiction genre. The premise of Head Trip is the Information Systems Together they survive sewers, trains, and a similar to Philip K. Dick’s novelette We Can Department at Northwestern roll in the hay until they finally arrive in Remember It for You Wholesale, which was Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She Russia. Something goes terribly wrong and adapted into the film Total Recall. lives a boring life and is considered Shelby is jolted back to reality in Head Trip’s reliable by her friends and office. At 187 pages, Head Trip is a fast-paced coworkers, a reputation that she enjoyable read, perfect for a day or two at both likes and dislikes. Her Shelby begins to experience seizures and the beach. The romantic scenes are only recreation is a video game about the cold blackouts. After one episode in a coffee somewhat explicit. It is recommended for war in 1985 Berlin that she plays with Jake, her shop, Shelby and Jake meet Trish Aronoff, a fiction collections at libraries in lesbian best friend. Jake realizes that Shelby is tired journalist who helps them investigate the friendly areas and college and university and overworked and recommends she take a cause of Shelby’s health problems. Shelby collections. virtual vacation. Head Trip, a virtual travel has to step outside her comfort zone to find service, promises a vacation that lasts only a the solution to her problem. Head Trip is also available in Kindle and few hours in real time, but which the Nook editions and in various electronic vacationer’s brain believes lasts a full week. Head Trip is published by the Matinee Books formats from the publisher. Intrigued and excited, Shelby decides to reenact imprint of Bold Strokes Books, which is their her video game adventures and takes a virtual romance imprint. The novel is just as much Reviewed by, Paul Hubbard vacation to Berlin in 1985. In the process of an action/adventure story however, and the Retired Public Reference Librarian smuggling a prototype grenade launcher from time travel and virtual reality themes qualify

Henderson, Clifford. Spanking New: A Novel. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books, 2010. Paperback. 283 pp. $16.95. ISBN: 978-1-60282-138-5.

Spanking New is told from a from selecting our parents, to conception, desires, are all described—not only by the child’s point of view—from and through the nine months to birth. future child, but also by all of those preconception through birth— involved in the ever-changing relationships and observes a heterosexual Avoiding the whimsicality that this theme surrounding its family. couple’s coming together, while might draw out, the narrator, Spanky, surrounded by homosexual shares insights by both visually seeing the Spanking New is useful for any collection friends and relations. Touching characters and looking into their minds. At where children are being considered, on issues first, the title seems misleading, although although the title might cause concern of bisexuality, hidden desires, coming to upon reading, the intended meaning is regarding censorship. terms with oneself, death of friends in the revealed later in story. war, joblessness, family, and more, this book is not only about lesbian and gay unrequited We all wonder what the unborn child thinks love, but also a heterosexual couple coming or remembers, and Henderson draws on into their own with a new child. Giving a voice her imagination to share what one child to the unborn child, Henderson takes us on might think. Worries, hopes, dreams, the journey we all wish we could remember,

Dale McNeill, 2009—2011 Vacant Lynn Evarts, 2011—2013 GLBTRTGLBTRT Co-Chair Officers / CommitteeChair, External Relations Chairs/Steering Committee Chair, Rainbow Committee Project Committee [email protected] Committee Page & Volunteer Form [email protected]

Anne Moore, 2010—2012 Vacant Lisa Johnston, 2010—2011 GLBTRT Co-Chair Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair, Stonewall Book Award Comm. [email protected] Committee Page & Volunteer Form [email protected]

Ellen Bosman, 2009—2011 Larry Romans, 2010—2012 Vacant Chair, Membership Promotion Comm. Chair, Stonewall Book Award GLBTRT Treasurer [email protected] Celebration Planning Committee [email protected] Committee Page & Volunteer Form

Sarah Wright, 2009—2011 David Vess, 2009—2011 Jason D. Phillips, 2010—2012 [email protected] GLBTRT Secretary Chair, Website, Comm. [email protected] Chair, Newsletter Committee [email protected]

Peter Hepburn, 2010—2013 K. R. Roberto, 2009—2011 GLBTRT Councilor Chair, Program Planning Committee [email protected] [email protected]