Hey, just a question...

[AmandaSparks730]

I have to do a research paper for my honors English class. The topic is any issue touched upon in American Literature (an author born or living in America, past or present). I've decided to do mine on gay issues in American Lit. The topic has been approved by my teacher, no worries on that. Can anyone maybe suggest an author who has written poetry, short strories, or novels on gay issues? So far I've got Julie Anne Peters, but I'd like a few more to go from. We can only use one novel/one author.

Ah, and the paper has to be 5 pages long (minimum; 7 max).

TIA!

 

[rpmdfw]

I'd say that Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" series is a great place to start. Especially in the second book "More Tales of the City" where Michael writes the "coming out" letter to his mother.

 

[OrlandoMike]

I'd say that Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" series is a great place to start. Especially in the second book "More Tales of the City" where Michael writes the "coming out" letter to his mother.

Great series of books! Very short chapters, so it's easy to put down, and the story is awsome! Mrs. Madrigal is my favorite character!

I think Michaels mother is still a tour guide at the Tupperware World Headquarters Museum!

(And yes there is such a thing, right next door to Gatorland! Tacky Tourist Heaven!)

 

[bhencey]

I'd suggest David Sedaris. Although many(most) of his stories aren't "about" being gay. He is a perfect example of a fantastic writer who just happens to be gay.

 

[rpmdfw]

Great series of books! Very short chapters, so it's easy to put down, and the story is awsome! Mrs. Madrigal is my favorite character!

I think Michaels mother is still a tour guide at the Tupperware World Headquarters Museum!

(And yes there is such a thing, right next door to Gatorland! Tacky Tourist Heaven!)

You haven't read the last book, have you? "Michael Tolliver Lives"?

Michael and his husband travel to Orlando to visit his mother and his brother.

 

[wallyb]

I'd suggest David Sedaris. Although many(most) of his stories aren't "about" being gay. He is a perfect example of a fantastic writer who just happens to be gay.

Love his stuff.

Kinda twisted perspective.

 

[Desiree1972]

Women in Love: Portraits of Lesbian Mothers & Their Families - interviews several families

School's Out: The Impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America's Schools


good luck

 

[Desiree1972]

one more
1 in 10
speaks to 1 in 10 teachers being gay
*can you tell I teach?*

 

[NHdisneylover]

I'd suggest David Sedaris. Although many(most) of his stories aren't "about" being gay. He is a perfect example of a fantastic writer who just happens to be gay.

LOVE David Sedaris' work--though I enjoy listening to him more than reading him

OP you have chosen an interesting topic. I recently joined a book group of mom's at the kids' school. I have read three books so far. I found it intersting that 2 of the three books have gay main characters and the third as a fairly important secondary character who is gay. It jumped out at me becuase this is a newer phenomena that I have not run into in literature before and I am pretty sure the ladies who picked the novels were not looking in particular to include any GLBT books (or to exclude--just not on their radar). It is refreshing to see more and more types of people represented regularly in current literature.

 

[soulmates]

I'd say that Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" series is a great place to start. Especially in the second book "More Tales of the City" where Michael writes the "coming out" letter to his mother.

HUGE fan!! When we were in San Fran last year, we saw his house!! I have both books you mentioned...SO funny, I love him!

 

[rpmdfw]

HUGE fan!! When we were in San Fran last year, we saw his house!! I have both books you mentioned...SO funny, I love him!

Well, our dog is named Tolliver after Michael's character, so I guess that tells you that we're pretty big fans.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Oh wow, thanks guys! I'm considering reading Alex Sanchez's Rainbow trilogy (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, Rainbow Road). I have read all of Julie Anne Peters's books, and would like to read some others before the final decision. Thanks for all your help! Even if I don't end up using one of these, I'll certainly use them for personal reading

 

[rpmdfw]

In case anyone hasn't read the letter from "More Tales of the City", it is reprinted in this blog: http://amanidreamtup.blogspot.com/2008/10/letter-to-mama.html

It never fails to move me.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Oh wow, thanks guys! I'm considering reading Alex Sanchez's Rainbow trilogy (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, Rainbow Road). I have read all of Julie Anne Peters's books, and would like to read some others before the final decision. Thanks for all your help! Even if I don't end up using one of these, I'll certainly use them for personal reading

Okay, I have not read the Rainbow Trilogy and they may be great books, but when I was the Young Adult Librarian in our little New hampshire town and I was trying to increase the amount of GLBT themed offerings I asked one of our avid readers about them. She had read one and told me not to get them. She thought they were terrible and described them in the funniest was as "Sweet Valley High for Gay Christians"

 

[AmandaSparks730]

**Update**

My topic is officially...*insert drumroll here*!

Transgender issues in American Literature!

The author I am using is Julie Anne Peters, examining her amazing YA Novel, Luna.

Wish me luck! I've found so much information already, but other useful links or sources are welcome

 

[NHdisneylover]

Oh Excellent choice of book for the topic. It sounds like it will be a very interesting paper

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Oh Excellent choice of book for the topic. It sounds like it will be a very interesting paper

Thank you! It's going to be very fun, challenging, and rewarding to write :

 

[dale62676]

If you're writing about transgender issues, I'd strongly suggest Kate Bornstein, author of "Gender Outlaw" or Leslie Feinberg, author of "Stone Butch Blues" and "Transgender Warriors".
BTW, my favorite queer poet is Audre Lorde, author of "Sister Outsider".