Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Resources
Jeanne Armstrong, Librarian for American Cultural Studies, Sociology and Women Studies
This research guide is an introduction to resources available through Western Libraries. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a tool to begin further inquiry and research. The focus is on reference sources, seminal works, recently published materials, and evaluated web resources. To aid in further research, the guide also provides sections on how to search the library catalog and how to locate journal articles. Annotated citations are provided for selected reference sources, audio/visual materials and web resources. This is a work in progress. Comments and contributions are welcome.
GETTING STARTED with Reference Sources To begin your library research, consult reference sources for a general overview or summary of your topic. You can test your main concepts or keywords. If you haven't decided on a point of view, an overview will help you focus your research and provide a context. It often includes a list of books and articles for further reading.
A reference book, such as an encyclopedia or dictionary, provides:
A brief overview of the topic
Significant names and dates associated with the topic
Terminology specific to the topic
Related subjects and terms which might be used when searching for books and articles
Other sources where more information might be found
Selected Reference Sources Includes almanacs and atlases, bibliographies, biographical sources, dictionaries and encyclopedias, and handbooks. For more reference sources, see the Specific Topics sections.
Almanacs & Atlases
The almanac of women and minorities in American politics 2002 / Martin, Mart, 1944- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ1236.5.U6 M3779 2001
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The almanac of women and minorities in world politics / Martin, Mart, 1944- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ1236 .M347 2000
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NOTE: Provides highlights of North American gay and lesbian history from the 16th century to the present. Includes a guide to notable gay and bisexual men, quotations, a glossary, statistics, and directories of community centers, organizations and resources.
NOTE: Provides highlights of North American gay and lesbian history from the 16th century to the present. Includes a guide to notable lesbian and bisexual women, quotations, a glossary, statistics, and directories of community centers, organizations and resources.
St. James Press gay & lesbian almanac • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.3.U5 S75 1998
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NOTE: A comprehensive, substantive almanac that provides a broad overview of lesbian and gay history, culture and communities in the United States. Articles are written by experts in the field and include extensive bibliographies. There is also an important section containing historical documents.
Bibliographies
Facets gay & lesbian video guide / McGavin, Patrick Z. • Location: Wilson 3W -Books PN1995.9.H55 M35 1993
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NOTE: Guide to videotapes on gay and lesbian themes and of key figures in gay/lesbian cinema. Includes documentaries only if readily available. Arranged by film title, entries include descriptive annotation, format, cost, director, country of origin, date and length.
Gay and lesbian American plays : an annotated bibliography / Furtado, Ken, 1948- • Location: Wilson 3W -Books PS153.G8 F86 1993
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NOTE: A bibliography arranged alphabetically by author of over 700 English-language plays that have major gay or lesbian characters and/or primary gay or lesbian themes. Each entry includes author, title, number of acts, characters, interior and exterior settings, plot synopsis, and other detailed information.
The homosexual and society : an annotated bibliography / Ridinger, Robert B. Marks, 1951- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.25 .R5 1990
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NOTE: A bibliography containing 1,583 entries composed primarily of journal articles published between 1951-1987. The book is arranged by subject and contains highly useful, paragraph-length annotations. Entries within subject headings are arranged chronologically allowing a historical review of the literature.
Homosexuality : a research guide / Dynes, Wayne R. • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.25 .D9 1987
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NOTE: This book offers 4,858 annotated references about homosexuality from books and journals around the world. The compiler has materials covering nearly every facet of gay/lesbian/bisexual life including literature, history, anthropology, travel, art, music, philosophy, religion, language, economics, education, politics, military, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, family issues, legal issues, violence, medical issues, and biology.
NOTE: Entries provide full citations and are arranged alphabetically by author under topical sections, also alphabetically arranged. Sample topics are abuse, censorship, parenting, racism, etc. Covers articles written by or about lesbians, and focuses upon readily available materials. Omits archival material and most newspapers.
Many peoples, one land : a guide to new multicultural literature for children and young adults / Helbig, Alethea. • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference PS173.E8 H45 2001
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NOTE: Contains entries on "homosexuals" and "lesbians" under the various ethnic groups. Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Sex role stereotyping in the mass media : an annotated bibliography / Friedman, Leslie, 1948- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference P96.S5 F7
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NOTE: Concerns sex role stereotyping in the American mass media. Arranged by broad topic, with more detailed subdivisions.
Women and sexuality in America : a bibliography / Sahli, Nancy Ann. • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ29 .S26
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NOTE: Contains 1,684 annotated references to 19th-20th century English-language literature, arranged chronologically and by topic. Includes books, articles, pamphlets; omits biography and the popular press.
Biographical Sources
Coming out stories : fact and fiction : a collection of fabulous essays, facts written by students in ACS 242 : the GLBT experience (Fall 1999) and, fictions by students in Fair 381b : GLBT literature (Fall 1998) • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ75.2 .C652 2000
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NOTE: An anthology of essays and fiction about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered experiences by students from Western Washington University.
Coming out strong : stories from the students in ACS 242/Fair 210b : The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered experience, winter 1998 • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ75.2 .C65 1998
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Contemporary gay American novelists : a bio-bibliographical critical sourcebook • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference PS374.H63 C66 1993
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Who's who in contemporary gay and lesbian history : from World War II to the present day • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ75.2 .W46 2001
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Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Civil rights in the United States • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference E184.A1 C47 2000
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NOTE: Comprehensive and accessible two-volume encyclopedia on all aspects of America civil rights. Includes entries on gay and lesbian rights movements and homophobia, and bibliographic information on other sources.
Historical dictionary of the gay liberation movement : gay men and the quest for social justice / Hunt, Ronald J., 1940- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.5 .H86 1999
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Historical dictionary of the lesbian liberation movement : still the rage / Myers, JoAnne, 1954- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.5 .M94 2003
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NOTE: A directory of over 300 bisexual groups and 1750 bisexual-inclusive groups located in 56 countries. Each entry includes an address, telephone number and an annotation. The introductory materials include electronic resources, book and film bibliographies and a chapter on starting a support group.
Facets gay & lesbian video guide / McGavin, Patrick Z. • Location: Wilson 3W -Books PN1995.9.H55 M35 1993
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Gay and lesbian Americans and political participation : a reference handbook / Smith, Raymond A., 1967- • Location: Wilson 3W -Books HQ76.3.U5 S59 2002
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The Gay and lesbian literary heritage : a reader's companion to the writers and their works, from antiquity to the present • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference PN56.H57 G365 1995
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The gay and lesbian movement : references and resources / Ridinger, Robert B. Marks, 1951- • Location: Haggard 2 -Reference HQ76.5 .R53 1996
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NOTE: Part of a series of reference publications on American social movements. Described as "an attempt to provide an outline to unify scattered fragments of the social history of local gay and lesbian communities of the United States into a coherent whole." Covers from 1864 to 1993 using a variety of primary sources.
Find Books and more in our Library Use the Library Catalog to locate materials within our collection. The Library Catalog provides location, call number and bibliographic information for the books, journals, newspapers, selected government documents, microforms and other media, as well as online or electronic resources owned or accessed by the Western Libraries.
Books Books are the most comprehensive and easiest to obtain sources of information. In the WWU Library Catalog, look up any books cited in your overview. To find additional materials, search by clicking on the subject headings listed in the record. Also, browse on the bookshelves in relevant call number areas.
Broaden Your Search This guide points to just a selection of sources. To locate more materials, search the Western Libraries Online Catalog using Keywords and Subject headings.
Keyword searching Select Keyword search from the Online Catalog. Break down your search by key concepts. For example, the Keyword search gays and identity will retrieve the following book:
Ojeda, Auriana, ed. Homosexuality : opposing viewpoints. San Diego : Greenhaven, 2004. Call # HQ76.3.U5 H675 2004
Use broader terms to expand your search. For example, the keyword search homosexuality and rights will find books on civil rights for gays and lesbians. Try narrower terms to focus your search, depending on your topic. For example, try the keyword search lesbians and feminism.
Subject searching Our library uses the Library of Congress classification system to assign call numbers to books, periodicals, videos and other materials. This system uses letters and numbers to sort materials into subject areas.
Subject Headings Some relevant Subject Headings to use in searching Western Libraries catalog are:
Recommended Indexes Choose an index or database to find articles. Here are some recommendations:
Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) Academic Search Complete is a scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,500 full-text periodicals, including more than 4,600 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 9,500 journals and a total of more than 10,000 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. The database features PDF content going back as far as 1887, with the majority of full text titles in native (searchable) PDF format. Searchable cited references are provided for nearly 1,000 journals.
Alternative Press Index
[Resource no longer available]
America: History and Life / ABC-Clio • Dates covered: 1964-current
A bibliographic database indexing scholarly literature on the history and culture of the United States and Canada from prehistoric times to the present. The scope includes citations and abstracts of journal articles, dissertations, as well as book and media reviews. 6 Simultaneous Users.
Contemporary Women's Issues • Dates covered: 1992-current
Provides full-text access to global, interdisciplinary information on women, located within journals, newsletters, and research reports from non-profit, governmental, and international agencies. 4 Simultaneous Users.
ERIC - Cambridge Scientific Abstracts • Dates covered: 1966-current
ERIC is the largest education database in the world providing indexing and abstracts of all types of materials including journal articles, government documents, books, dissertations, and unpublished materials such as curriculum guides, research reports and conference papers in education and related topics in the social sciences. Many ERIC documents published between 1993 and 2004 are now available online full text. Most ERIC documents published from 1966-1993 are available in the ERIC Microfiche collection on Wilson 2 West. Site License.
Inventory of Marriage and Family Literature 1973/74 - 1993/94 This annual listing of articles published in professional journals is an important guide to literature on all aspects of marriage and the family, covering theory as well as practice. Ceased publication in 1994.
Location: Reference HQ728 .I56
JSTOR JSTOR provides searchable full-text access to backfiles of core scholarly journals in many fields including African American Studies, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Ecology, Economics, Education, Finance, History, Language & Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Population Studies, Sociology, and Statistics. There is a gap, usually from 1 to 5 years, between the most recently published journal issue and the content available in JSTOR. Site License.
PsycINFO • Dates covered: 1840-current
PsycINFO indexes and provides nonevaluative abstracts for scholarly, international literature in psychology and related disciplines such as sociology, education, consumer behavior, linguistics, medicine, law, psychiatry, and anthropology. Materials covered include articles from more than 1,300 journals, reports of surveys, bibliographies, books and book chapters, and dissertations. Dates covered: 1840 – present. Site License.
Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science) • Dates covered: 1990-current
Indexes the journal literature in the social sciences. Building on the list of cited sources for each reference, this index can search for works that have cited a specific author or article. Available via the Web of Science. Print index 1966 to date, Reference AI3.S614.
Consortium (12 Libraries) Share 15 Simultaneous Users.
Sociological Abstracts • Location: HM1 .S67 (Wilson 1 East)
• Dates covered: 1963-current
Provides indexing with abstracts of the world's literature in sociology and related disciplines. Available in print and online. Online includes Sociological Abstracts and Social Planning, Policy, and Development Abstracts (SOPODA). Site License.
Women's Studies Abstracts 1972- Indexes journal articles on women's studies and related subjects. Arranged by subject in approximately 20 categories including education, employment, health, history, literature, art, and media. Each winter issue contains the annual index.
Location: Reference HQ1101.W772
Sources on Specific Topics These topic guides include reference and circulating materials available at Western Libraries. Although not comprehensive, each topic guide does include many seminal works and recent titles. Links to some relevant Library of Congress subject headings can help in searching the library catalog for more resources on a particular topic. Annotated citations are provided for selected reference sources and audio/visual materials.
Be sure to check the Western Libraries Online Catalog for location and availability of materials.
Education Focuses on relevant issues in elementary, secondary and higher education.
Ethnic & Cross-Cultural Studies Includes works with a general or international focus, and sections on specific American ethnic groups (African-, Asian-, Hispanic-, and Native-Americans).
Fine Arts & Popular Culture Includes sections on Drama, Film and Mass Media; Fine Arts; and Music and Dance.
History Includes works with a general or international focus, and a section on American history.
Society, Community & Family Includes general works, as well as sections on economics and employment, and marriage.
Web Resources Includes annotated links to Internet sites focusing on Business, Civil Rights, Law & Politics, Education, Gateways, Journals & Magazines (online), History & Research, Libraries & Collections, Minorities, Organizations, and More.
Obtaining More Materials If the item you need is not available through Western Libraries, try the following options:
Summit Summit is the combined library catalog of Pacific Northwest academic libraries. Use Summit to locate and request materials like books and videos which are not available from Western Libraries. To access Summit, search our library catalog first, then choose the option to “Repeat search in Summit”. To learn more, go to the Summit information page.
Jeanne Armstrong Reference and Instruction
Deptartments and Programs: American Cultural Studies, Anthropology, English, International Studies,Sociology and Women Studies
Office: Haggard Hall 227
Phone: 360-650-7667
Email: Jeanne Armstrong
WWU:Homepage
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3-4 p.m. or by appointment
