These selected articles provide a good over view on issues and concerns about selecting homosexual related materials for your library

Following is an annotated list of articles dealing with the issue of offering materials. They are offered in the order that I recommend reading them.

ANNOTATED LIST OF ARTICLES

“Reaching Out To Gay Teens,” Caywood, Carolyn, School Library Journal, v 39, n 4, p 50, April 1993.
Discusses the need to provide appropriate materials in school libraries that offer support to gay and lesbian teens. Topics addressed include the presentation of role models, in fiction as well as in biographies; religious diversity; confidentiality of circulation records; and censorship issues.

“A Complicated Bias,” Corbett, Susan, Young Children, v 48, n 3, p 29-31, March 1993.
Maintains that early childhood teachers and administrators must address the possibility that young children they serve will become gay or lesbian adults; work with gay and lesbian parents and colleagues with sensitivity; and work to relinquish any homophobia they might have.

“Suicidal Behavior and Gay-Related Stress Among Gay and Bisexual Male Adolescents,” Rotheram-Borus, Mary J., Journal of Adolescent Research, v 9, n 4, p 498-508, October 1994.
In contrast to attempted suicide rates of 9-12% in community-based studies, attempted suicide was reported by 39% of 138 self-identified gay and bisexual adolescent males presenting in a social service agency for lesbian and gay adolescents. Findings suggest that gay youths are at increased risk for attempting suicide.

“The Gay Nineties (Views and Reviews),” Otto, Wayne, Journal of Reading, v 38, n 6, p 492-95, March 1995.
Discusses several articles on the issue of introducing gay and lesbian literature into the curriculum. Deals with material selection.

“The Silent Minority: Rethinking Our Commitment To Gay and Lesbian Youth,” Uribe, Virginia, Theory Into Practice, v 33, n 3, p 167-72, Summer 1994.
Homosexual middle schoolers are at risk of dropping out because of frequent discriminatory practices by teachers and students. After defining homosexuality, the article discusses homosexual adolescents and their developmental issues, noting implications and strategies for middle schools.

“Young Adult Novels With Gay/Lesbian Characters and Themes 1969-92: A Historical Reading of Content, Gender, and Narrative Distance,” Jenkins, Christine A., Journal of Youth Services in Libraries, v 7, n 1, p 43-55, Fall 1993.
A chronological examination of the portrayals of gay/lesbian characters and their contexts in 60 young adult novels published from 1969 to 1992 focuses on information about gay/lesbian people, both as individuals and in relationships; gender representation; and narrative distance. A chronological bibliography is appended. (Contains 13 references.)

“Conflict and Compromise Over Homosexual Literature,” Foerstel, Herbert,Emergency Librarian, v 22, n 2, p 28-30, November/December 1994.
Discusses the censorship of school and public library materials dealing with homosexuality; examples of requests for limited access or removal of materials; and purchasing additional materials to represent other points of view as a more positive solution.

“Is Sex Safe In Your Library? How To Fight Censorship,” Cornog, Martha, Library Journal, v 118, n 13, p 43-46, August 1993.
Discusses challenges to sexual materials in libraries and suggests ways to fight against censorship. Topics addressed include gay and lesbian materials; access by children and young adults; public relations programs; possible responses; selection and reconsideration policies; and the library’s role in the democratic process.

“The Gay Family In Literature For Young People,” Wolf, Virginia L., Children’s Literature In Education, v 20, n 1, p 51-58, March 1989.
The author discovers that there are few books about gay families and that they are very hard to find. Reviews 11 books, which deal with gay parents and their children.

“Battling Over Books: Freedom and Responsibility Are Tested and A Trustee’s Statement on Intellectual Freedom,” Tabbert, Barbara, Emergency Librarian, v 16, n 1, p 9-13, September/October 1988.
Describes event in Fairbanks, Alaska, resulting from an attempt by some community members to remove a book about homosexuality from the high school library. The discussion covers community reactions, media coverage, and a school board campaign that focused on this issue.

Why Do We Need Gay Books?

Canadian Courts Say Schools Can't Ban Gay Books.