With the controversy in Indiana over State Bill 344, there’s never been a better time to learn more about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, perspectives, and resources. And while IU East offers a lot of support, from student groups like the LGBTQS Alliance and cultural opportunities like the annual Drag Show, there’s no better place to research and learn than the library.
Numerous databases have insightful and authoritative articles on any LGBT issue or interest. But several databases are even more useful, such as LGBT Studies, which includes material like films, documentaries, interviews, and archival video that explore every facet of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, including cultural, social and political changes through history. Another great choice is GenderWatch, which includes hundreds of thousands of LGBT-targeted articles on sexuality, religion, and social roles.
And we have lots of books, as well. Great titles include Transgender Rights and Politics: Groups, Issue Framing, and Policy Adoption by Jami Taylor, Out of the Ordinary: Representations of LGBT Lives by Ian Rivers, Debates in Transgender, Queer, and Feminist Theory by Patricia Elliot, From the Closet to the Courtroom: Five LGBT Rights Lawsuits That Have Changed Our Nation by Carlos Ball, Queer Visibility in Post-socialist Cultures by Nárcisz Fejes, Out and Running: Gay and Lesbian Candidates, Elections, and Policy Representation by Donald Haider-Markel, and Make Your Own History: Documenting Feminist and Queer Activism in the 21st Century by Lyz Bly. If you need any help with your research, ask us at iueref@iue.edu!
Beyond research, IU seeks to be a safe haven for all students. Numerous faculty and staff here have taken “Safe Zone” training, to provide safe, supportive, and affirming listeners for any LGBT student who wants to discuss their experiences and concerns. Any faculty or staff member with the Safe Zone decal on their office door is there to help you – if you need an accepting ear to listen to your unique story, these doors are always open to you.
Staff and faculty that completed the most recent Safe Zone training are:
Michael Scott, Ann Tobin, Danielle Nuss, May Moore, Amber Hall, Kara Newman, Jamie Rippey, Michele Walker, Tracy Amyx, Nichole Mann, Caitlin Bilbrey, Christy Tollett, Rebeckah Hester, Josh Tolbert, and Latishea Varnsdeel. These student staff and organization leaders also successfully completed the Safe Zone workshop: Nic Turner, Shyanna Pasay, and Morgan Gard.
