50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighborsor Yourself... [Paperback]

Meredith Maran (Editor), Angela Watrous (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Inner Ocean Action Guide | Publication Date: May 10, 2005

Homosexuality has been politicized. But when the issue hits home, whether it involves a family member, colleague, or neighbor who's gay, all that controversy fades in the face of a real, live person who wants and deserves basic human rights and freedoms. Written by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people and those who care about them, 50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality is a compendium of informative, joyful, and poignant essays by well-known experts, activists, and leaders, each promoting understanding while suggesting simple actions. From defining terminology ("What's gay baiting?"), to exploring family issues ("How can I support a lesbian couple who want to have children?"), the book deftly navigates workplace, cultural, and political issues. This timely and much-needed guide demonstrates positive ways to deal with everyday homophobia and heterosexism, or just plain uncertainty at the unfamiliar, offering guidance on issues ranging from the personal — what to say to a closeted friend — to the political — how to support gay rights around the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (May 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930722508
• ISBN-13: 978-1930722507
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collection of essys, June 5, 2005

By 

Anonymous - See all my reviews

This review is from: 50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighborsor Yourself... (Paperback)

Disclosure: I'm one of the authors. However, I honestly believe this is a very interesting and worthwhile book. It provides a perspective on 50 of the most important aspects of the LGBT movement from the movement's most important leaders in each of these areas. There's a lot of substance here since each author only had a couple of pages to make their point. A good overview of the movement, with a practical what-you-can-do-to-help focus, and suitable for both LGBT people, their friends, family and supporters, and anyone else who just wants to understand the the LGBT movement better.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Supporters Looking to Help, September 8, 2005

By 

Jeffrey Reardon (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighborsor Yourself... (Paperback)

I just bought this book for my mom, as she's been trying to be more supportive in the gay community but is sometimes unsure of how to help or how to get involved (beyond her monthly PFLAG meetings). I read through this book before giving it to her, and I really liked the variety of views in the 50+ essays. From my experienced gay perspective, there was nothing really new, although a lot of the passages were reassuring and reminded me of the reasons we have to fight. However, I think this book is a great guide for someone who's not as confident about how to respond to homophobia at work, what to call your child's same-sex romantic partner, knowing the difference between the terms transgender and transvestite, correct pronoun usage, reconciling religion and tolerance, writing to politicians about gay rights, etc. I also liked the box at the end of each essay that lists concrete things that gays and straights alike can do to support the cause that the essay focuses on. Great, timely book!

4.0 out of 5 stars Insight on what really happens to those that are discriminated against, May 11, 2011

By 

jm60148 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighborsor Yourself... (Paperback)

I was saddened by the some of stories and it brought back memories of my experiences. I wish I could have helped in the creation of this book. The collections of essays not only shows the truth of whats really happening but gives you the help you need to reach out and make a difference for yourself. To the authors, writers and victims who contributed their stories I thank you. You have take the first steps in truly speaking out for our equality and rights and injustices we still live though.