Where are the GLBT Books for children? Dr. Barbara Fiehn, Library Media Education Dr. Tadayuki Suzuki, Literacy Education Western Kentucky University

Why 40 thousand children being raised by same sex parents (2000 Census) It is important for the self-esteem of children to see themselves and their families in their books.

Books in Review

LGBT Friendly Characters are not identified as LGBT Characters are not identified as LGBT Characters behaviors are not expected roles Characters behaviors are not expected roles

LGBT Characters Identifiable as LGBT Identifiable as LGBT May or may not use LBBT terms May or may not use LBBT terms

Selection Issues Locating titles Locating titles Lack of reviews Lack of reviews ALA Rainbow Project ALA Rainbow Project ALA Rainbow Project ALA Rainbow Project Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children

Selection - Characters No emphasis on sexual component of life No emphasis on sexual component of life Sexuality acceptance by others Sexuality acceptance by others Need not be “explained” by pseudo- medical observations Need not be “explained” by pseudo- medical observations Portrays valid life experience Portrays valid life experience Demonstrate adequate coping skills Demonstrate adequate coping skills Displays growth of the character Displays growth of the character Diversity of characters Diversity of characters

Selection – Minor roles Included as natural part of all kinds of situations Included as natural part of all kinds of situations Gay character is not the “situation” Gay character is not the “situation”

Selection - Illustrations Gay couples as parents Gay couples as parents Older sisters and brothers dating kids of same sex Older sisters and brothers dating kids of same sex Just ordinary people Just ordinary people

Selection - Explicitness Realistic portrayals of affection and falling in love Realistic portrayals of affection and falling in love Equivalent to heterosexual portrayals Equivalent to heterosexual portrayals

Selection - Impact Accurate, sympathetic picture of gays for nongays Accurate, sympathetic picture of gays for nongays Clear view of decisions facing and that these can be made successfully Clear view of decisions facing and that these can be made successfully Effect on self esteem Effect on self esteem Honest, realistic, life affirming Honest, realistic, life affirming

Selection – Author’s treatment Clichés Clichés Preconceptions of gay character Preconceptions of gay character Heterosexist or Homophobic treatment Heterosexist or Homophobic treatment Respectful language Respectful language

Community Issues Traditional conservative attitudes toward what children should read Traditional conservative attitudes toward what children should read Confusion between sexuality and sex Confusion between sexuality and sex Challenges are a opening for dialogue Challenges are a opening for dialogue

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