LBGTQ+ history: 7 Articles

Celebrate LBGTQ+ History

October is LBGTQ+ History Month. The American Psychological Association publishes award-winning books for kids and teens exploring LBGTQ+ history and features biographies that focus on pioneering figures who fought for diversity and acceptance. Explore our collection:  The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG by Rob Sanders   This is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. When the son of Jeanne Manford, the cofounder of PFLAG, was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Manford wrote a powerful letter that was published in the New York Post. She came out as the mother of a gay son. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG. Check out the book.   “In the tradition of picture books centered on a parent-child bond, rhythmic repetition reinforces messages of love and acceptance in this biography of PFLAG cofounder Jeanne Manford (1920–2013).” – Publisher’s Weekly  Hear 13 celebrities read The Mother of a Movement aloud.    Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX by Jen Barton  Title IX was designed to fight injustice based on gender. Today its protections extend to the transgender community. This lively, engaging biography drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. This book includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist. Check out the book.   Read an interview with the author.      Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt by Rob Sanders  Mentored by Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. Check out the book.   ★ “Its story is beautifully captured in the book’s smooth pacing and brief paragraphs. Readers will follow its journey from that march as it becomes both a monument to mourning and a means of changing the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS…the book is pretty darn impressive. Storytelling and history, beautifully stitched together.”  —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW  Read an excerpt from the discussion guide.  Hear Stitch by Stitch read aloud.     Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD  This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

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Celebrate LBGTQ+ History 2022-10-12T14:42:02-04:00

Be Like Jeanne: Allies and LBGTQ+ History

When her son Morty was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Jeanne Manford wrote a powerful letter to the New York Post to complain about how Morty was treated. In the letter, which was published, she came out as the mother of a gay son. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG.   The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford–Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG, by Rob Sanders, is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. Here’s an excerpt from the Discussion Guide at the end of the book.  She could listen. She could love. She could learn and lead. She could speak up. She could show support. That's what Jeanne did.   Activist—someone who speaks out and protests about a cause or issue, especially a political or social cause.  Ally—a person or group who works with others for a common cause or purpose, especially a supporter of a marginalized group, who is usually not a member of the group.    To Think About and Discuss  Use the open-ended questions below to begin conversations with the children in your family, class, club, or organization.    When was a time you were an ally to someone? Why did you do it? How did it feel to stand up for someone else?  Has there been a time when someone was an ally to you?   Do you think it’s important to be an ally to others? Why or why not?   What is an ally and how can I be one?**  In the LGBTQ+ community, an ally is supportive of LGBTQ+ people, behaves in supportive ways, and invites others to be allies, too. While Jeanne Manford is a famous ally, throughout history there are people just like you who have been willing to provide support, encouragement, and help.     Here are some simple ways YOU can be an ally:  START BY LEARNING  Allies are always learning so they can do more and help educate others. You won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay! If you make a mistake, apologize and learn how to do better next time.    DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOU  There are lots of reasons why people might be afraid to be allies. Maybe they’re nervous about speaking up. Maybe they aren’t sure where to start. Listen to what others tell you. Figure out what feels scary to you. Then you can figure out how to take action.     BE ACTIVE  Start with something simple, like putting a rainbow sticker on your backpack and telling friends why it’s there. Use what you learn from books like this one to talk about why you care and help others be allies. Most of all, treat others with kindness and respect.    THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO BE AN ALLY  There’s no

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Be Like Jeanne: Allies and LBGTQ+ History 2022-10-12T14:32:13-04:00

Celebrate Pride Month This June and All Year Long

June is Pride Month! Here are some recently published and upcoming books about LBGTQ+ history and inclusion from Magination Press that are great for current celebrations, and all year long.  Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX by Jen Barton Title IX was designed to fight injustice based on gender. Today it’s protections extend to the transgender community.  Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX is a lively engaging biography that drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. Includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist. Read an interview with the author. Stitch By Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt by Rob Sanders Mentored by Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. ★ It's story is beautifully captured in the book’s smooth pacing and brief paragraphs. Readers will follow its journey from that march as it becomes both a monument to mourning and a means of changing the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS…the book is pretty darn impressive. Storytelling and history, beautifully stitched together.  —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books  Bronze Award, Florida Book Awards Read an excerpt from the discussion guide. Listen to the author read Stitch By Stitch aloud. Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. “A true story of true allyship… this offers helpful materials for young researchers and audiences curious about LGBTQ+ history… Offers interesting information on a lesser-known hero.”  —Kirkus Reviews NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book Read an excerpt from the Note to Readers about becoming an ally. They’re So Flamboyant by Michael Genhart, PhD This fun and funny bird’s-eye tome to individuality, community, and harmony follows the reactions of a neighborhood full of birds when a “flamboyance” of flamingos moves in. “Clever book about stereotypes, uncomfortable feelings, acceptance, and inclusion. What’s more, readers will also learn about birds…The book, full of wordplay and alliteration, includes a list of birds and their associated collective nouns..”  —Booklist Read an excerpt from the Note to Readers about inclusion. Hear the author read They’re So Flamboyant aloud. And coming soon, in October 2022:  The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG

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Celebrate Pride Month This June and All Year Long 2022-06-02T17:26:12-04:00