16 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE October 8,
books
These eight books will help with the coming-out process
by Stephanie Dlugon
When was the last time you wept at the beauty of a Groundhog Day card or sat down to a hearty Arbor Day feast?
All too often, specially designated days go unnoticed unless you happen to glance at a wall calendar. I'm sure these B-rated days meant something to someone at some point, but now they're virtually forgotten. But what about an event like, say, National Coming Out Day?
That's an easy one. One might argue that
it's overlooked because gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender people are overlooked. However, we're more visible, out and proud than ever, therefore we can only conclude that it's high time we made a festive ruckus.
National Coming Out Day, October 11, is an event. It's a holiday. I, for one, expect presents, a special dinner and cards conveying warm wishes. However, I know the real joy comes in giving. That's why I've compiled this list of terrific books that make ideal gifts for those in the process of coming out, those who are already out, and those who
October marks Lesbian and Gay History Month
by Stephanie Dlugon
In January, 1994, a Missouri history teacher named Rodney Wilson got fed up. Wilson was appalled at the lack of mention of gays and lesbians in the history textbooks from which he taught so he set out to make a change. He organized a group of community leaders with the purpose of working together to help educate the public about gays and lesbians and their many important contributions.
GAY 1 0 0
October was chosen as the official Lesbian and Gay History Month in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two lesbian and gay marches on Washington, in October 1979 and 1987. (A third march, in 1993, was in the spring.)
To read more about Lesbian and Gay History Month and Rodney Wilson, visit this site developed by GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, at http:// www.glaad.org/glaad/history-month wilsontranscript.html.
To find out more about some of the heroes, heroines, mentors, role models and all around champions of the gay and lesbian movement, readPaul Elliot Russell's The Gay 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Gay Men and Lesbians, Past and Present ($19.95 Carol Publishing Group, 1996).
Encompassing a 2,400-year period of history, The Gay 100
examines the contributions of 100 gay and lesbian individuals. CLOSET
Russell looked to some of history's finest writers, thinkers, musicians, artists, activists, and political figures-everyone from Sappho to Rock Hudson-to cram these pages with a celebration of achievement.
The film industry has also done its share to call attention to gays and lesbians. For a look at the way this pervasive form of media has portrayed gays throughout history, check out The Celluloid Closet, directed by Rob Epstein and Jerry Friedman (TriStar Home Video, 1996).
Based on Vito Russo's 1983 book and narrated by Lily Tomlin, The Celluloid Closet features interviews with some of Hollywood's most influential legends. It takes a close look at 100 years of film, showing the myriad ways lesbians and gays have been depicted on the big screen.
Covering everything from early stereotypes to today's more realistic portrayals of gay characters, this important documentary shows the powerful, image-shaping impact of the motion picture industry.
Two additional on-line sites celebrating Gay History Month include Blacklight at http://www.blacklightonline.com featuring African American LGBT history dating back 20 years, and P-FLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, featuring unsung heros of its 30 years of LGBT activism by family members and non-gay allies, at http://www.pflag.org
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have helped others to come out. Whenever possible, I've included a web site that links to additional information.
Now That I'm Out, What Do I Do? by Brian McNaught
St. Martin's Press, 1998; $11.95 http://www.stonewallinn.com/Features NowIntro.html Brian McNaught has been an active lecturer, diversity trainer and sexuality educator since 1974. In Now That I'm Out, What Do I Do? he examines of the issues facmany
Now That
What Do Do?
Brian McNaught
ing the newly out. He tackles diverse topics such as fitting into the gay community, relationships, family matters, and the workplace.
Outing Yourself
How to Come Out As Lesbian or Gay to Your Family, Friends, and Coworkers by Michelangelo Signorile
Fireside (Simon & Schuster) 1996; $12
"Signorile's book does DUTING
a service simply by updat-
and
ing the crucial coming-out YOURSELF issue and analyzing, demystifying, reframing it in a contemporary way appropriate to these complex times." -Los Angeles Times Book Review
Coming Out to Parents
A Two-Way Survival Guide for Lesbians and Gay Men and Their Parents by Mary V. Borhek
Pilgrim Press, 1993; $15.95 http://www.pilgrimpress.com/getpage.cfm?file=books/
book-0957-0.html&userid=10161640
Coming Om
Parents
The original version of this title came out (no pun intended) in 1983, and was promptly hailed by American Bookseller magazine as being "among the most important gay and lesbian books that should be represented in any general bookstore." The revised
version includes an informative chapter on AIDS.
Now That You Know
A Parents' Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children by Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward Harcourt Brace, 1998; $13
For years, this book has been considered the definitive guide for parents. After all, coming out is a process for family members too. Though highly recommended for the
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simple fact that it dispels myths, offers useful information and helps parents better understand and accept their gay and lesbian children, some folks claim that it's a bit outdated despite three revisions. The Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem Book
A Guide To Loving Ourselves by Kimeron N. Hardin New Harbinger, 1999; $13.95
Snores: Phe 31someting:
their strengths.
Hardin examines some of the issues faced by many gays and lesbians ranging from career and relationship concerns to dealing with feelings of shame and self-doubt. Includes exercises that help readers develop new directions for self-growth and recognize
Beyond Acceptance Parents of Lesbians and Gays Talk About Their Experiences by Carolyn Welch Griffin
Marian J. Wirth and Arthur G. Wirth St. Martin's Press, 1997; $11.95
Is homosexuality a choice? Can it be changed? What will my neighbors think? Is it my fault? These are some of
the most common questions parents ask when they learn that their child is gay. Beyond Acceptance answers these questions and many more. Read it first, before presenting it to a parent. It
BEYOND CEPTAN TANCE
Parents of Lesbians Gayr Talk About
Their Experiences
may help you anticipate some of the responses parents often have to a child's coming out news. Highly recommended.
Out in the Workplace by Richard A. Rasi and Lourdes Rodriguez-Nogues Alyson, 1995; $12.95
out
in
the workplace
The pleasur perils of coming On the 25
Should you do it? This book contains two dozen autobiographical essays written by lesbian and gay professionals. They share their experiences and insights, shedding light on what it's like to be out at work.
Friends and Family Edited by Dan Woog Alyson Books, 1999; $13.95 http://www.alyson.com/html 99_intros/0999 0999friends_fam_intro.html
A celebration of love and support, Friends and Family pays homage to some of the many heterosexual crusaders fighting for gay rights. From a 12year-old girl who lobbied her state legislature in support of her two moms to a
"self-professed redneck" turned activist after his gay son died from AIDS-this book contains the inspiring stories
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True Stories of Qoy America's Stroigid Alles
of some of the by Dan Woog
greatest champi-
ons of the
struggle for equal rights. A perfect thank you gift for supportive family members and friends. ♡
Stephanie Dlugon resides in Cleveland with one violin, two cats and 3,000 books.