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Attitudes and Affirmations re. GLBT Literature
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From: Megan Schliesman <Schliesman>
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:41:12 -0500
The messages from our colleagues in Australia about responses to the inclusion of a lesbian couple on a children's program can serve as a launching point for further discussion here on CCBC-Net on how the context in which GLBT literature is created, published, and shared has changed over the decades. It also can serve as a reminder--and I know so many don't need reminding because it's a daily reality--of how far we still need to go for GLBT literature to be seen as both essential and typlical--typical in the sense that it is reflective of experiences that are part of the collective identity of children, teens and families.
For librarians and teachers: What pleases you when you think about your experiences with GLBT literature in classrooms and libraries? What concerns you? What frightens you? I'm thinking about the responses of children and teenagers, your colleagues, and members of your communities...
Something that strikes me when I think back over the past 10 to 20 years is how some of the language and terminology once known only within
(what we know call) GLBT culture has become part of the cultural mainstream. The very fact that we can have this discussion and have common reference points is something I don't think would have happened 15 yeas ago (this discussion wouldn't have happened 15 years ago). The very fact that there are organizations and clubs in many schools for GLBT students and their supporters is something that would have been astounding--unthinkable- years ago. (I have a colleague who sometimes uses the acronymn GLBTQ&A--Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies--which I love!)
And what about books. Does anyone have examples of ways GLBT books for children and teens are making a difference--or helping to make a difference, or create bridges--in schools and communities?
Megan
Megan Schliesman, Librarian Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education, UW-Madison 600 N. Park St., Room 4290 Madison, Wi 53706 608&2?03 schliesman at education.wisc.edu 608&2?03 schliesman at education.wisc.edu
Received on Thu 17 Jun 2004 08:41:12 AM CDT
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:41:12 -0500
The messages from our colleagues in Australia about responses to the inclusion of a lesbian couple on a children's program can serve as a launching point for further discussion here on CCBC-Net on how the context in which GLBT literature is created, published, and shared has changed over the decades. It also can serve as a reminder--and I know so many don't need reminding because it's a daily reality--of how far we still need to go for GLBT literature to be seen as both essential and typlical--typical in the sense that it is reflective of experiences that are part of the collective identity of children, teens and families.
For librarians and teachers: What pleases you when you think about your experiences with GLBT literature in classrooms and libraries? What concerns you? What frightens you? I'm thinking about the responses of children and teenagers, your colleagues, and members of your communities...
Something that strikes me when I think back over the past 10 to 20 years is how some of the language and terminology once known only within
(what we know call) GLBT culture has become part of the cultural mainstream. The very fact that we can have this discussion and have common reference points is something I don't think would have happened 15 yeas ago (this discussion wouldn't have happened 15 years ago). The very fact that there are organizations and clubs in many schools for GLBT students and their supporters is something that would have been astounding--unthinkable- years ago. (I have a colleague who sometimes uses the acronymn GLBTQ&A--Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies--which I love!)
And what about books. Does anyone have examples of ways GLBT books for children and teens are making a difference--or helping to make a difference, or create bridges--in schools and communities?
Megan
Megan Schliesman, Librarian Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education, UW-Madison 600 N. Park St., Room 4290 Madison, Wi 53706 608&2?03 schliesman at education.wisc.edu 608&2?03 schliesman at education.wisc.edu
Received on Thu 17 Jun 2004 08:41:12 AM CDT
