13 very gay and very good books you should read this Pri Month | Mashable

Contents:

• 13 VERY GAY AND VERY GOOD BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ THIS PRI MONTH
• CLASSIC GAY MALE LERATURE
• BATTL RAGE OVER CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY STEVEN FRANKJUNE 25, 2007/6:31 PMBY STEVEN FRANKJUNE 25, 2007 / 6:31 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"BATTL RAGE OVER CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM","DATEPUBLISHED":"2007-06-25T22:31:45.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2007-06-25T22:31:45.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"STEVEN FRANK","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE FIERCT BATTL OVER GAY VISIBILY TODAY IS UNFOLDG THE SEEMGLY NOCENT ARENA OF CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS:{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• AN ILLTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOK LLED AND TANGO MAK THREE — BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS ABOUT A UPLE OF MALE PENGUS THE CENTRAL PARK ZOO RAISG A HATCHLG — TOPPED THE AMERIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATN'S LIST OF THE MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS OF 2006. ORGANIZED MPAIGNS AGAST THE BOOK CLUD EFFORTS TO HAVE RTRICTED TO THE "MATURE" SECTN OF THE LIBRARY, LABELED WH A WARNG ABOUT S NTENT, AND REMOVED OM SCHOOL LIBRARI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• TWO FAI FILED A FERAL LAWSU ALLEGG THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS WERE GED WHEN A TEACHER READ THEIR CHILDREN KG & KG, A FAIRY TALE ABOUT A PRCE WHO REF TO FOLLOW HIS MOTHER'S SISTENCE HE MARRY A PRCS AND STEAD FALLS FOR A HANDSOME PRCE. THE BOOK WAS CLUD AS PART OF A UN ON MARRIAGE A SCHOOL MASSACHETTS, WHERE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS CURRENTLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• ACRDG TO A LOS ANGEL TIME'S ARTICLE TLED "GAY REFERENC TOUCHY CHILDREN'S LERATURE," THE MERE MENTN OF TWO GAY FATHERS THE TROUBLE WH BABI, A BOOK THAT CELEBRAT THE DIVERSY OF AN ENTIRE SAN FRANCIS NEIGHBORHOOD, WAS ENOUGH TO DISURAGE MANY LIBRARIANS OM ORRG THE BOOK, FEARG PROTTS LIKE THAT OF A PTSBURGH-AREA MOTHER WHO MAND BE REMOVED OM LIBRARY SHELV FOR S "HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE 'S SADLY NOT THAT SURPRISG THAT CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM STIR THIS KD OF NTROVERSY, WHAT IS PARTICULARLY TROUBLG ABOUT THE CINTS IS THE WISPREAD EFFECT THEY APPEAR TO HAVE, CURTAILG THE AVAILABILY AND PUBLITN OF MORE OF THE KDS OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE IS AMPLE EVINCE THAT THE HECKLERS AREN'T JT MAKG NOISE BUT HAVG A NEGATIVE FLUENCE ON PUBLISHERS AND LIBRARIANS. THE PTSBURGH-AREA LIBRARIAN WHO AGREED TO REMOVE THE TROUBLE WH BABI IS QUOTED THE L.A. TIM PIECE AS SAYG: "THE REALY IS, THE PARENTS WHO OBJECTED TO THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE TAKEN THIS TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD, AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN OVERRIDN. I ONLY HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY FOR THE FIGHTS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ACRDG TO THE ARTICLE, THE BOOK'S PUBLITN WAS AFFECTED AS WELL; SPE POSIVE REVIEWS AND STRONG SAL FOR THE THOR'S FIRST BOOK, FAILED TO SECURE PAPERBACK RIGHTS THAT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT TO A WIR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE HAS TO WONR IF THE NTROVERSI RELATE TO THE RELATIVELY STAGNANT NUMBER OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEG PUBLISHED. ROGER SUTTON, PUBLISHER OF THE HORN BOOK MAGAZE, A MONTHLY THAT VERS CHILDREN'S LERATURE, TOLD THE L.A. TIM THAT WHILE THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC CREASE THE NUMBER OF GLBT-THEMED YOUNG ADULT BOOKS, SAL OF SIAR TL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN REMA "VERY DICEY AND VERY DIFFERENT." THIS IS PARTICULARLY SURPRISG GIVEN THE CLEAR MAND FOR THE KDS OF BOOKS STEMMG OM CREASG NUMBERS OF GAY PARENTS RAISG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ARTHUR LEVE, THE EDORIAL DIRECTOR OF HIS OWN IMPRT FOR SCHOLASTIC PRS, ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGT CHILDREN'S BOOK PUBLISHERS, IS, AS A GAY PARENT HIMSELF, NCERNED WH THIS ISSUE. BUT HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE NEED FOR THE BOOKS GO WELL BEYOND CHILDREN BEG RAISED BY GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"TEN PERCENT OF THE CHILDREN'S BOOK REARSHIP, AT LEAST, WILL GROW UP TO BE GAY OR LBIAN," HE SAID TO "WOULDN'T BE NICE IF THEIR FIRST EXPOSURE TO THE IA THAT THERE ARE GAY PEOPLE THE WORLD ISN'T WHEN THEY'RE TEENAGERS — SO WHEN LTLE JOHNNY FALLS LOVE WH THAT REALLY CUTE, BRAY BOY HIS PUTER CLASS, HE'S GROWN UP WH THE IA THAT 'S NOT UNUAL AND THERE'S NOTHG WRONG WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"AND AN EVEN HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF PICTURE BOOK REARSHIP WILL GROW UP TO KNOW AND LOVE SOMEBODY WHO'S GAY OR LBIAN. SO WHEN YOU THK ABOUT THAT WAY, A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF YOUR PICTURE BOOK DIENCE N REALLY BENEF OM NATURALIZG THE IA THAT THERE ARE GAY AND LBIAN PEOPLE THE WORLD. WHEN YOU THK ABOUT THAT WAY, 'S EVEN MORE OF A MYSTERY WHY THERE AREN'T MORE OF THE BOOKS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"IT'S HARR TO MAKE A FANCIAL SUCCS OUT OF A PICTURE BOOK THE DAYS, AND THAT MAK FOR EVEN MORE NSERVATISM ON THE PART OF PUBLISHERS. … THEY'RE BS-ORIENTED AND THEY WILL DO WHAT THEIR OWN MDS IS MOST LIKELY TO BE FANCIALLY SUCCSFUL. I WANT TO HASTEN TO ADD I DON'T THK THAT'S NECSARILY TE, THAT A PICTURE BOOK WH LBIAN OR GAY PARENTS IS NOT GOG TO SELL WELL, BUT THAT'S AN ASSUMPTN ON THE PART OF A LARGE NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE RPONSIBLE FOR GETTG BOOKS TO KIDS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE UNIQUE ISSU WH CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS IS THAT, UNLIKE MOST ADULT AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS, THEY ARE PRTED WH FOUR-LOR ILLTRATNS SMALLER PRS NS. THAT MEANS THEY ST MORE TO MAKE AND NEED TO SELL MORE TO EARN PROFS. THERE IS ALSO THE PLITED WAY WHICH THEY'RE DISTRIBUTED: NOT ONLY THROUGH BOOKSTOR, RETAIL OUTLETS AND LIBRARI, BUT ALSO THROUGH SCHOOLS, CLUDG SCHOOL BOOK CLUBS AND SCHOOL LIBRARI — THE PLAC WHERE NFLICTS AND PROTTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"FOR EXAMPLE," LEVE SAID, "YOU'RE LS LIKELY TO SEE A BOOK FEATURG GAY OR LBIAN PARENTS A SCHOOL BOOK CLUB BEE THAT BOOK CLUB IS GOG TO BE AAID THAT PARENTS WILL PROTT, WILL WHDRAW, WILL NOT E THE BOOK CLUB AT ALL, WILL KICK UP A FS. WE'VE SEEN HOW THIS HAPPENS SCHOOL LIBRARI ALL THE TIME."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT LEVE SAID THAT THE ONE THG THAT N BT OVERE THE "NATURAL FANCIAL NSERVATISM OF A FOR-PROF RPORATE ENVIRONMENT" ARE BOOKS WH GREAT STORI AND ILLTRATNS THAT EDORS AND BOOKSELLERS ARE WILLG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THIS RPECT, THERE HAVE BEEN VAST IMPROVEMENTS THE RICHNS AND PLEXY OF THE STORI RECENT YEARS, AS EVINCED BY TANGO MAK THREE, WH S GROUNDG A TE STORY AND CHARMG, REALISTIC ILLTRATNS, AND KG & KG, WH S IMAGATIVE TWIST ON FAIRY TALE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS LEVE MENTED: "LLEA NEWMAN BROKE HUGE GROUND BY WRG A BOOK WHICH SHE CLAR 'HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMI.' BUT AT THIS POT, 20 YEARS LATER, WE GET . HEATHER ALREADY KNOWS SHE HAS TWO MOMS. NOW WE NEED STORI WHERE HEATHER HAS LOST HER TEDDY BEAR AND WE SEE HOW HER TWO MOMS HELP HER. … I THK THE HARST THG TO FD IS BOOKS THAT ARE JT WONRFUL REAL STORI THAT HAPPEN TO HAVE GAY AND LBIAN CHARACTERS THEM."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BOOKS SUCH AS EVERYWHERE BABI AND ABC: A FAY ALPHABET BOOK TAKE THIS APPROACH, PORTRAYG MANY DIFFERENT TYP OF FAI. ILLTRATNS OF SAME-SEX PARENTS ARE CLUD WHOUT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT'S ALSO AN APPROACH TAKEN BY TODD PARR WHO, UNLIKE THE THORS OF MANY OF THE OTHER BOOKS, HAS ATTAED A MAJOR LEVEL OF MASTREAM SUCCS. PARR IS THE THOR OF 30 BOOKS AND UNTG, PUBLISHED BY LTLE, BROWN, ONE OF THE LARGT MERCIAL PUBLISHERS, AND HIS WORK IS ALSO THE BASIS FOR AN EMMY-NOMATED ANIMATED TV SERI, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH PARR IS FORTABLE INTIFYG HIMSELF AS OUT, HE IS NCERNED ABOUT BEG PIGEONHOLED AS "THAT HOMOSEXUAL WHO WR BOOKS ABOUT TWO MOMS AND TWO DADS." KEY TO HIS SUCCS IS THAT HIS BOOKS N'T BE NFED TO NICH OR THE ISSU-SECTN OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS PARR SAID: "THE RE MSAGE OF WHAT I SET OUT TO DO WAS TO EMPOWER KIDS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELV WHILE UNRSTANDG ABOUT DIFFERENC. I THK THAT'S THE MOTIVATN FOR EVERYTHG I DO. JT TO HELP KIDS FEEL GOOD A SIMPLE AND FUN WAY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS MSAGE OM A VERY PERSONAL PLACE, AS PARR REMEMBERED HIS "PERSONAL STGGL GROWG UP A SMALL TOWN AND FEELG LIKE I DIDN'T F . … I DIDN'T WANT TO WEAR A ROCK T-SHIRT AND JEANS AND DRIVE A PICKUP TCK AND WORK FOR THE GAS PANY LIKE MY DAD AND EVERYBODY AROUND ME." IT ALSO DIDN'T HELP TO HAVE A HIGH-SCHOOL ART TEACHER WHO CRICIZED HIS WORK AND TOLD HIM HE'D NEVER SUCCEED AS AN ARTIST. BUT AS AN THOR, PARR FOUND THAT HIS STYLE, WH BRIGHT LORS AND BOLD L, APPEALED TO CHILDREN'S VISUAL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE FAY BOOK, PARR TAK A SIAR APPROACH OF LISTG DIFFERENT KDS OF FAI: SOME ARE BIG, SOME ARE SMALL; SOME HAVE STEP-PARENTS OR SGLE PARENTS; SOME ARE THE SAME LOR, SOME ARE DIFFERENT LORS; SOME ARE BIG, SOME ARE SMALL. ONE PAGE READS, "SOME FAI HAVE TWO MOMS OR TWO DADS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHAT'S SIGNIFINT ABOUT THIS APPROACH IS THAT THE PICTNS OF TWO MOMS AND TWO DADS — WHICH ULD APPLY TO STEP-PARENT SUATNS AS WELL AS SAME-SEX PARENTS — ARE NOT THE SOLE TOPIC OF THE BOOK. INSTEAD, THEY ARE PRENTED A LARGER NTEXT WHICH DIFFERENC OF ALL KDS ARE HIGHLIGHTED AND THEREFORE NORMALIZED. EACH PERSON AND EACH FAY, PARR'S BOOKS MONSTRATE, HAS SOMETHG UNIQUE ABOUT . AND IF EVERYONE HAS SOMETHG UNIQUE ABOUT THEM, THEN 'S NOT ONLY OK TO BE DIFFERENT, IS FACT THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS POTS TO WHY SO MANY GAY PARENTS FEEL IS IMPORTANT TO FD BOOKS LIKE PARR'S TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN. LEVE OBSERVED, "IF ALL A CHILD IS EXPOSED TO IS THE MOST NSERVATIVE IA OF A NORM, THEN THEY WILL GROW UP FEELG THAT ANYTHG THAT IS OUTSI OF THAT NORM IS SOMEHOW WRONG."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND MICHAEL CZ, A GAY FATHER OF A 14-MONTH-OLD BABY GIRL, SAID THAT WHILE IS "A HUGE CHALLENGE, " HE IS REFUL TO PROVI HIS DGHTER WH BOOKS THAT PORTRAY A VARIETY OF FAY TYP BEE "WE WANT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE DOG OUR BT AS PARENTS TO SHOW OUR DGHTER THE WI SPE OF THE WORLD, TO SHOW HER THAT SHE IS NOT ALONE. HOPEFULLY, SHE WILL END UP, PART DUE TO THE BOOKS, VALUG HER UNIQUENS AND DIVIDUALY AS A POSIVE DIFFERENCE THE WORLD."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DPE THE OVERALL CLIVENS OF HIS BOOKS, PARR HAS NEVERTHELS FOUND THAT "ONE PAGE OM ONE BOOK OUT OF 30" HAS BROUGHT HIM SOME NTROVERSY. PARR SCRIBED GIVG A READG OF THE FAY BOOK AT A SCHOOL THE SAN FRANCIS BAY AREA, WHERE PARENTS WERE REQUIRED TO SIGN PERMISSN SLIPS ALLOWG THEIR CHILDREN TO HEAR HIM READ THE PAGE ABOUT TWO MOMS AND TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN HE GOT TO THAT PAGE, TWO CHILDREN HAD TO BE RTED OM THE ROOM — SOMETHG THAT, HE POTED OUT, IRONILLY HAD THE EFFECT OF DRAWG MORE ATTENTN TO THEM AND MAKG THEM FEEL LIKE THE ON WHO WERE SOMEHOW {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, THERE MIGHT ALSO HAVE ALSO BEEN CHILDREN AT THAT SCHOOL BEG RAISED BY SAME-SEX PARENTS, AND ONE N IMAGE HOW FELT TO THEM TO REALIZE THAT HEARG ABOUT FAI LIKE THEIRS REQUIRED SPECIAL PERMISSN. BUT PARR SAID, "IF HEARG ME READ THIS TO THEM THIS ENVIRONMENT AND SEEG THAT 'S NORMAL HELPED THEM, THEN MA A DIFFERENCE REGARDLS OF THOSE OTHER PARENTS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE NTROVERSY HASN'T TERRED PARR GOG FORWARD, EHER. HIS NEXT BOOK, TO BE PUBLISHED THIS FALL, IS TLED WE BELONG TOGETHER AND PICTS VAR FAI BROUGHT TOGETHER THROUGH ADOPTN, CLUDG SOME WH TWO FEMALE AND TWO MALE PARENTS. PARR NOTED THAT THE PUBLISHER MA THE CISN TO PUT AN ILLTRATN OF TWO MALE PARENTS ON THE BACK VER, APPARENTLY UNAAID THAT THIS IMAGE MIGHT SOMEHOW LIM PERCEPTNS OF THE BOOK'S NTENT AND SIGNATE AS A SPECIAL ISSUE OR ALTERNATIVE LIFTYLE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE KD OF PUBLISHER SUPPORT THAT LEVE SCRIBED AS NECSARY TO GET MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS TO BOOKSTOR. BUT BOOKS LIKE THIS NEED STRONG NSUMER SUPPORT OR PUBLISHERS WILL NTUE TO SHY AWAY OM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I'M HYPER-ALERT BOOKSTOR LOOKG FOR THE BOOK THAT MIGHT CLU OUR FAY," LEVE SAID. "I'D BUY ANYTHG THAT REMOTELY REFLECTED , PARTLY BEE I WOULD WANT TO MAKE A VOTE WH MY POCKETBOOK. I WANT TO SAY, 'WHOEVER YOU ARE THAT PUBLISHG HOE WHO PHED THIS THROUGH, I AM SUPPORTG YOU.'"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN OTHER WORDS, THE PUBLISHG WORLD, THE "POCKETBOOK VOTE" WILL ALWAYS TMP THE "HECKLER'S VOTE." NOW GO TO A BOOKSTORE AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• GAY THEMED BOOKS
• JAGUARS ASSOCIATE STRENGTH ACH OUT AS GAY A FIRST FOR US-BASED PRO LEAGU
• BT FANTASY BOOKS WH GAY MA CHARACTERS

13 VERY GAY AND VERY GOOD BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ THIS PRI MONTH

Recently, Alan Hollghurst said the gay novel is ad. "There was an urgency, a novelty to the whole thg, " said the gay thor, who won the Man Booker Prize for The Le of Bety. " Maybe that's bee Baldw said the book isn't actually about beg gay.

CLASSIC GAY MALE LERATURE

"Gvanni's Room is not really about homosexualy, " said Baldw a 1980 terview about queer life.

Go Tell It on the Mounta, for example, is not about a church, and Gvanni is not really about homosexualy. SJ Sdu, thor of Marriage of a Thoand Li, lled , "One of the first Anglophone works to challenge the trope of the sad/suicidal gays who die at the end, this book gave a blueprt of what queer fictn uld look like. Forster (A Passage to India, A Room Wh a View, Howards End) wrote the benchmark gay novel Mrice cir 1913, was published posthumoly a lh tale of manners, posn, and sire, the tular character meets and falls for his classmate Clive while at Oxford.

The pair embark on a two-year affair until Clive leav Mrice to marry a woman and live out his proscribed life as part of the land gentry, leavg Mrice shambl and seekg to cure his Forster's novel do not end gay tragedy.

BATTL RAGE OVER CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY STEVEN FRANKJUNE 25, 2007/6:31 PMBY STEVEN FRANKJUNE 25, 2007 / 6:31 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"BATTL RAGE OVER CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM","DATEPUBLISHED":"2007-06-25T22:31:45.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2007-06-25T22:31:45.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"STEVEN FRANK","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE FIERCT BATTL OVER GAY VISIBILY TODAY IS UNFOLDG THE SEEMGLY NOCENT ARENA OF CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS:{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• AN ILLTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOK LLED AND TANGO MAK THREE — BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS ABOUT A UPLE OF MALE PENGUS THE CENTRAL PARK ZOO RAISG A HATCHLG — TOPPED THE AMERIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATN'S LIST OF THE MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS OF 2006. ORGANIZED MPAIGNS AGAST THE BOOK CLUD EFFORTS TO HAVE RTRICTED TO THE "MATURE" SECTN OF THE LIBRARY, LABELED WH A WARNG ABOUT S NTENT, AND REMOVED OM SCHOOL LIBRARI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• TWO FAI FILED A FERAL LAWSU ALLEGG THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS WERE GED WHEN A TEACHER READ THEIR CHILDREN KG & KG, A FAIRY TALE ABOUT A PRCE WHO REF TO FOLLOW HIS MOTHER'S SISTENCE HE MARRY A PRCS AND STEAD FALLS FOR A HANDSOME PRCE. THE BOOK WAS CLUD AS PART OF A UN ON MARRIAGE A SCHOOL MASSACHETTS, WHERE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS CURRENTLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}• ACRDG TO A LOS ANGEL TIME'S ARTICLE TLED "GAY REFERENC TOUCHY CHILDREN'S LERATURE," THE MERE MENTN OF TWO GAY FATHERS THE TROUBLE WH BABI, A BOOK THAT CELEBRAT THE DIVERSY OF AN ENTIRE SAN FRANCIS NEIGHBORHOOD, WAS ENOUGH TO DISURAGE MANY LIBRARIANS OM ORRG THE BOOK, FEARG PROTTS LIKE THAT OF A PTSBURGH-AREA MOTHER WHO MAND BE REMOVED OM LIBRARY SHELV FOR S "HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE 'S SADLY NOT THAT SURPRISG THAT CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM STIR THIS KD OF NTROVERSY, WHAT IS PARTICULARLY TROUBLG ABOUT THE CINTS IS THE WISPREAD EFFECT THEY APPEAR TO HAVE, CURTAILG THE AVAILABILY AND PUBLITN OF MORE OF THE KDS OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE IS AMPLE EVINCE THAT THE HECKLERS AREN'T JT MAKG NOISE BUT HAVG A NEGATIVE FLUENCE ON PUBLISHERS AND LIBRARIANS. THE PTSBURGH-AREA LIBRARIAN WHO AGREED TO REMOVE THE TROUBLE WH BABI IS QUOTED THE L.A. TIM PIECE AS SAYG: "THE REALY IS, THE PARENTS WHO OBJECTED TO THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE TAKEN THIS TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD, AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN OVERRIDN. I ONLY HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY FOR THE FIGHTS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ACRDG TO THE ARTICLE, THE BOOK'S PUBLITN WAS AFFECTED AS WELL; SPE POSIVE REVIEWS AND STRONG SAL FOR THE THOR'S FIRST BOOK, FAILED TO SECURE PAPERBACK RIGHTS THAT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT TO A WIR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE HAS TO WONR IF THE NTROVERSI RELATE TO THE RELATIVELY STAGNANT NUMBER OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS WH GAY THEM THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEG PUBLISHED. ROGER SUTTON, PUBLISHER OF THE HORN BOOK MAGAZE, A MONTHLY THAT VERS CHILDREN'S LERATURE, TOLD THE L.A. TIM THAT WHILE THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC CREASE THE NUMBER OF GLBT-THEMED YOUNG ADULT BOOKS, SAL OF SIAR TL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN REMA "VERY DICEY AND VERY DIFFERENT." THIS IS PARTICULARLY SURPRISG GIVEN THE CLEAR MAND FOR THE KDS OF BOOKS STEMMG OM CREASG NUMBERS OF GAY PARENTS RAISG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ARTHUR LEVE, THE EDORIAL DIRECTOR OF HIS OWN IMPRT FOR SCHOLASTIC PRS, ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGT CHILDREN'S BOOK PUBLISHERS, IS, AS A GAY PARENT HIMSELF, NCERNED WH THIS ISSUE. BUT HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE NEED FOR THE BOOKS GO WELL BEYOND CHILDREN BEG RAISED BY GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"TEN PERCENT OF THE CHILDREN'S BOOK REARSHIP, AT LEAST, WILL GROW UP TO BE GAY OR LBIAN," HE SAID TO "WOULDN'T BE NICE IF THEIR FIRST EXPOSURE TO THE IA THAT THERE ARE GAY PEOPLE THE WORLD ISN'T WHEN THEY'RE TEENAGERS — SO WHEN LTLE JOHNNY FALLS LOVE WH THAT REALLY CUTE, BRAY BOY HIS PUTER CLASS, HE'S GROWN UP WH THE IA THAT 'S NOT UNUAL AND THERE'S NOTHG WRONG WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"AND AN EVEN HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF PICTURE BOOK REARSHIP WILL GROW UP TO KNOW AND LOVE SOMEBODY WHO'S GAY OR LBIAN. SO WHEN YOU THK ABOUT THAT WAY, A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF YOUR PICTURE BOOK DIENCE N REALLY BENEF OM NATURALIZG THE IA THAT THERE ARE GAY AND LBIAN PEOPLE THE WORLD. WHEN YOU THK ABOUT THAT WAY, 'S EVEN MORE OF A MYSTERY WHY THERE AREN'T MORE OF THE BOOKS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"IT'S HARR TO MAKE A FANCIAL SUCCS OUT OF A PICTURE BOOK THE DAYS, AND THAT MAK FOR EVEN MORE NSERVATISM ON THE PART OF PUBLISHERS. … THEY'RE BS-ORIENTED AND THEY WILL DO WHAT THEIR OWN MDS IS MOST LIKELY TO BE FANCIALLY SUCCSFUL. I WANT TO HASTEN TO ADD I DON'T THK THAT'S NECSARILY TE, THAT A PICTURE BOOK WH LBIAN OR GAY PARENTS IS NOT GOG TO SELL WELL, BUT THAT'S AN ASSUMPTN ON THE PART OF A LARGE NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE RPONSIBLE FOR GETTG BOOKS TO KIDS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE UNIQUE ISSU WH CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS IS THAT, UNLIKE MOST ADULT AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS, THEY ARE PRTED WH FOUR-LOR ILLTRATNS SMALLER PRS NS. THAT MEANS THEY ST MORE TO MAKE AND NEED TO SELL MORE TO EARN PROFS. THERE IS ALSO THE PLITED WAY WHICH THEY'RE DISTRIBUTED: NOT ONLY THROUGH BOOKSTOR, RETAIL OUTLETS AND LIBRARI, BUT ALSO THROUGH SCHOOLS, CLUDG SCHOOL BOOK CLUBS AND SCHOOL LIBRARI — THE PLAC WHERE NFLICTS AND PROTTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"FOR EXAMPLE," LEVE SAID, "YOU'RE LS LIKELY TO SEE A BOOK FEATURG GAY OR LBIAN PARENTS A SCHOOL BOOK CLUB BEE THAT BOOK CLUB IS GOG TO BE AAID THAT PARENTS WILL PROTT, WILL WHDRAW, WILL NOT E THE BOOK CLUB AT ALL, WILL KICK UP A FS. WE'VE SEEN HOW THIS HAPPENS SCHOOL LIBRARI ALL THE TIME."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT LEVE SAID THAT THE ONE THG THAT N BT OVERE THE "NATURAL FANCIAL NSERVATISM OF A FOR-PROF RPORATE ENVIRONMENT" ARE BOOKS WH GREAT STORI AND ILLTRATNS THAT EDORS AND BOOKSELLERS ARE WILLG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THIS RPECT, THERE HAVE BEEN VAST IMPROVEMENTS THE RICHNS AND PLEXY OF THE STORI RECENT YEARS, AS EVINCED BY TANGO MAK THREE, WH S GROUNDG A TE STORY AND CHARMG, REALISTIC ILLTRATNS, AND KG & KG, WH S IMAGATIVE TWIST ON FAIRY TALE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS LEVE MENTED: "LLEA NEWMAN BROKE HUGE GROUND BY WRG A BOOK WHICH SHE CLAR 'HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMI.' BUT AT THIS POT, 20 YEARS LATER, WE GET . HEATHER ALREADY KNOWS SHE HAS TWO MOMS. NOW WE NEED STORI WHERE HEATHER HAS LOST HER TEDDY BEAR AND WE SEE HOW HER TWO MOMS HELP HER. … I THK THE HARST THG TO FD IS BOOKS THAT ARE JT WONRFUL REAL STORI THAT HAPPEN TO HAVE GAY AND LBIAN CHARACTERS THEM."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BOOKS SUCH AS EVERYWHERE BABI AND ABC: A FAY ALPHABET BOOK TAKE THIS APPROACH, PORTRAYG MANY DIFFERENT TYP OF FAI. ILLTRATNS OF SAME-SEX PARENTS ARE CLUD WHOUT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT'S ALSO AN APPROACH TAKEN BY TODD PARR WHO, UNLIKE THE THORS OF MANY OF THE OTHER BOOKS, HAS ATTAED A MAJOR LEVEL OF MASTREAM SUCCS. PARR IS THE THOR OF 30 BOOKS AND UNTG, PUBLISHED BY LTLE, BROWN, ONE OF THE LARGT MERCIAL PUBLISHERS, AND HIS WORK IS ALSO THE BASIS FOR AN EMMY-NOMATED ANIMATED TV SERI, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH PARR IS FORTABLE INTIFYG HIMSELF AS OUT, HE IS NCERNED ABOUT BEG PIGEONHOLED AS "THAT HOMOSEXUAL WHO WR BOOKS ABOUT TWO MOMS AND TWO DADS." KEY TO HIS SUCCS IS THAT HIS BOOKS N'T BE NFED TO NICH OR THE ISSU-SECTN OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS PARR SAID: "THE RE MSAGE OF WHAT I SET OUT TO DO WAS TO EMPOWER KIDS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELV WHILE UNRSTANDG ABOUT DIFFERENC. I THK THAT'S THE MOTIVATN FOR EVERYTHG I DO. JT TO HELP KIDS FEEL GOOD A SIMPLE AND FUN WAY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS MSAGE OM A VERY PERSONAL PLACE, AS PARR REMEMBERED HIS "PERSONAL STGGL GROWG UP A SMALL TOWN AND FEELG LIKE I DIDN'T F . … I DIDN'T WANT TO WEAR A ROCK T-SHIRT AND JEANS AND DRIVE A PICKUP TCK AND WORK FOR THE GAS PANY LIKE MY DAD AND EVERYBODY AROUND ME." IT ALSO DIDN'T HELP TO HAVE A HIGH-SCHOOL ART TEACHER WHO CRICIZED HIS WORK AND TOLD HIM HE'D NEVER SUCCEED AS AN ARTIST. BUT AS AN THOR, PARR FOUND THAT HIS STYLE, WH BRIGHT LORS AND BOLD L, APPEALED TO CHILDREN'S VISUAL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE FAY BOOK, PARR TAK A SIAR APPROACH OF LISTG DIFFERENT KDS OF FAI: SOME ARE BIG, SOME ARE SMALL; SOME HAVE STEP-PARENTS OR SGLE PARENTS; SOME ARE THE SAME LOR, SOME ARE DIFFERENT LORS; SOME ARE BIG, SOME ARE SMALL. ONE PAGE READS, "SOME FAI HAVE TWO MOMS OR TWO DADS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHAT'S SIGNIFINT ABOUT THIS APPROACH IS THAT THE PICTNS OF TWO MOMS AND TWO DADS — WHICH ULD APPLY TO STEP-PARENT SUATNS AS WELL AS SAME-SEX PARENTS — ARE NOT THE SOLE TOPIC OF THE BOOK. INSTEAD, THEY ARE PRENTED A LARGER NTEXT WHICH DIFFERENC OF ALL KDS ARE HIGHLIGHTED AND THEREFORE NORMALIZED. EACH PERSON AND EACH FAY, PARR'S BOOKS MONSTRATE, HAS SOMETHG UNIQUE ABOUT . AND IF EVERYONE HAS SOMETHG UNIQUE ABOUT THEM, THEN 'S NOT ONLY OK TO BE DIFFERENT, IS FACT THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS POTS TO WHY SO MANY GAY PARENTS FEEL IS IMPORTANT TO FD BOOKS LIKE PARR'S TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN. LEVE OBSERVED, "IF ALL A CHILD IS EXPOSED TO IS THE MOST NSERVATIVE IA OF A NORM, THEN THEY WILL GROW UP FEELG THAT ANYTHG THAT IS OUTSI OF THAT NORM IS SOMEHOW WRONG."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND MICHAEL CZ, A GAY FATHER OF A 14-MONTH-OLD BABY GIRL, SAID THAT WHILE IS "A HUGE CHALLENGE, " HE IS REFUL TO PROVI HIS DGHTER WH BOOKS THAT PORTRAY A VARIETY OF FAY TYP BEE "WE WANT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE DOG OUR BT AS PARENTS TO SHOW OUR DGHTER THE WI SPE OF THE WORLD, TO SHOW HER THAT SHE IS NOT ALONE. HOPEFULLY, SHE WILL END UP, PART DUE TO THE BOOKS, VALUG HER UNIQUENS AND DIVIDUALY AS A POSIVE DIFFERENCE THE WORLD."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DPE THE OVERALL CLIVENS OF HIS BOOKS, PARR HAS NEVERTHELS FOUND THAT "ONE PAGE OM ONE BOOK OUT OF 30" HAS BROUGHT HIM SOME NTROVERSY. PARR SCRIBED GIVG A READG OF THE FAY BOOK AT A SCHOOL THE SAN FRANCIS BAY AREA, WHERE PARENTS WERE REQUIRED TO SIGN PERMISSN SLIPS ALLOWG THEIR CHILDREN TO HEAR HIM READ THE PAGE ABOUT TWO MOMS AND TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN HE GOT TO THAT PAGE, TWO CHILDREN HAD TO BE RTED OM THE ROOM — SOMETHG THAT, HE POTED OUT, IRONILLY HAD THE EFFECT OF DRAWG MORE ATTENTN TO THEM AND MAKG THEM FEEL LIKE THE ON WHO WERE SOMEHOW {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, THERE MIGHT ALSO HAVE ALSO BEEN CHILDREN AT THAT SCHOOL BEG RAISED BY SAME-SEX PARENTS, AND ONE N IMAGE HOW FELT TO THEM TO REALIZE THAT HEARG ABOUT FAI LIKE THEIRS REQUIRED SPECIAL PERMISSN. BUT PARR SAID, "IF HEARG ME READ THIS TO THEM THIS ENVIRONMENT AND SEEG THAT 'S NORMAL HELPED THEM, THEN MA A DIFFERENCE REGARDLS OF THOSE OTHER PARENTS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE NTROVERSY HASN'T TERRED PARR GOG FORWARD, EHER. HIS NEXT BOOK, TO BE PUBLISHED THIS FALL, IS TLED WE BELONG TOGETHER AND PICTS VAR FAI BROUGHT TOGETHER THROUGH ADOPTN, CLUDG SOME WH TWO FEMALE AND TWO MALE PARENTS. PARR NOTED THAT THE PUBLISHER MA THE CISN TO PUT AN ILLTRATN OF TWO MALE PARENTS ON THE BACK VER, APPARENTLY UNAAID THAT THIS IMAGE MIGHT SOMEHOW LIM PERCEPTNS OF THE BOOK'S NTENT AND SIGNATE AS A SPECIAL ISSUE OR ALTERNATIVE LIFTYLE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE KD OF PUBLISHER SUPPORT THAT LEVE SCRIBED AS NECSARY TO GET MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS TO BOOKSTOR. BUT BOOKS LIKE THIS NEED STRONG NSUMER SUPPORT OR PUBLISHERS WILL NTUE TO SHY AWAY OM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I'M HYPER-ALERT BOOKSTOR LOOKG FOR THE BOOK THAT MIGHT CLU OUR FAY," LEVE SAID. "I'D BUY ANYTHG THAT REMOTELY REFLECTED , PARTLY BEE I WOULD WANT TO MAKE A VOTE WH MY POCKETBOOK. I WANT TO SAY, 'WHOEVER YOU ARE THAT PUBLISHG HOE WHO PHED THIS THROUGH, I AM SUPPORTG YOU.'"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN OTHER WORDS, THE PUBLISHG WORLD, THE "POCKETBOOK VOTE" WILL ALWAYS TMP THE "HECKLER'S VOTE." NOW GO TO A BOOKSTORE AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

The thor of Night Drop, Marshall Thornton lled the novel "the origal gay romance. Alan Hollghurst famoly qutned the future of the gay novel this year, which is strikg sce he's often viewed as helpg make queer books accsible to a mastream dience. Hollghurst set his pen on the sexual hypocrisi of homophobic policians, many of whom had their own discretns behd closed doors.

The book follows Nick Gut, a gay graduate stunt unofficially adopted by the fay of a schoolmate. The queer g-of-age novel about Jim Willard and his search for love was the first novel om a rpected wrer (Gore Vidal) to speak directly and sympathetilly about the gay experience an era when homosexualy was still very much taboo. The book is remembered today for this legacy as well as for var them -- Hollywood's glass closet, beg gay the ary, the poisono effects of homophobia on society -- that still reverberate today.

GAY THEMED BOOKS

The only novel by the great Osr Wil may not be overtly gay, but there's plenty of gay subtext there for the reful rear - about as much gay subtext as a popular thor uld get away wh 's iends Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton exprs tense admiratn for his bety, and passag that show Basil's feelgs for Dorian as more clearly homoerotic were excised by an edor, acrdg to Nicholas Frankel, who eded an edn prentg Wil's origal text the text as origally published has referenc to Dorian's rptn of not only young women but young men: "There was that wretched boy the Guards who mted suici.

JAGUARS ASSOCIATE STRENGTH ACH OUT AS GAY A FIRST FOR US-BASED PRO LEAGU

Cy of Night, a 1963 novel by John Rechy, is a semal piece of fictn that follows the life of a gay htler New York Cy, Los Angel, New Orleans, and San Francis.

BT FANTASY BOOKS WH GAY MA CHARACTERS

"This epic chronicle of gay culture the Amerin sixti is as far-reachg as is important, givg a glimpse to inty and motive, " affirmed SJ Sdu, the thor of Marriage of a Thoand Li. Gay lerature was forever changed the day Mary Ann Sgleton first met her transgenr landlady, Anna Madrigal, when she moved to San Francis's 28 Barbary Lane. The 1982 book by Edmund Whe, which begs wh the first sexual enunter of a 15-year-old boy, is based on his own experienc g to terms wh his gay inty as a youth the Midwtern Uned Stat.

Whe would later wre two addnal novels, The Betiful Room Is Empty (1988) and The Farewell Symphony (1997), which follow his gay protagonist to young adulthood. Together, they form a poignant trilogy that chronicl a gay life the latter half of the 20th century. Integral to the lbian non (spe s beg nsired somewhat problematic) Brish wrer Radclyffe Hall's 1928 novel foc on Stephen Gordon, an upper-class lbian who dons men's clothg and be a novelist who eventually be a part of a lerary salon Paris at a time when there were no overt laws exprsly barrg homosexualy.

Hall's novel was groundbreakg her troductn of the views of "sexologists" Richard von Krafft-Ebg and Havelock Ellis, who posed that homosexualy was an born, unalterable tra that was nsired a ngenal sexual versn that simply meant a "difference" and not a fect.