Resources for a course on LGBT policy issues... got any suggestions?

[phaseolus]

My good friend Gina in NYC posted the following this afternoon -- if any of y'all have some suggestions for her off the top off your head, post 'em here and I'd be delighted to forward them to her... Thanks in advance.

"I have been asked by my program to teach a course on Policy Analysis and Practice, focusing on LGBT issues to MSW students next Fall. While I know of a lot of local advocacy groups I can approach to speak, and plenty of websites for resources on gay adoption and marriage issues, I was wondering if anyone out there had some good suggestions for the following:

* Overview of transgender legal issues

* Any books that cover a range of queer policy issues for a possible textbook

* Resources on poverty and the l/g/b/t community

* Legal issues faced by queer youth (particularly in the foster care system and in homeless shelters)

* Any other resources that might be useful

I foresee this course being primarily about issues in the United States, but a synopsis of international gay rights would be welcomed for comparative purposes.

I'm very excited to take on this course as it will be the first time it's been developed at the school and I can take full credit on my CV for developing it. I've taught policy analysis and practice with children and families before. So tailoring it to LGBT issues will be an interesting and exciting change. Any help anyone could provide would be extremely welcome!"

[JackBeck]

1. LAMBDA Legal might be a good resource

[JackBeck]

2. Human Rights Watch for International

[BOSSHOG]

3. It breaks my heart that someone would have to ask the question

I served in the military and I swore to support and defend the constitution. If a person is a citizen of the United States, they are subject to all rights provided by that constitution. It does not matter what your sex life or orientation is. You want a resource on LGBT issues. May I suggest the CONSTITUTION? Fuck a bunch of religious zealot robots who put a group of American citizens into a position where they want to ask for resources in support of their cause. I know my answer is rather simple, but take a moment and think about my answer; no one else's will be more powerful.

Question from me - Why do radical religious zealots who hate in the name of Jesus Christ have to amend our constitution to ban homosexuals from getting married? Answer: BECAUSE THE BAN ISN'T IN THERE NOW!

[phaseolus]

5. Not really heartbreaking, because ...

I think we can all understand your anger, but she's really just developing the course materials - even writing a textbook, it sounds like - for a graduate-level course for social workers. Credentialed social workers coming from that university who take the course will be better informed of the issues unique to serving the LGBT community, that's all. I think she wants some opinions along the lines of "who's the expert/what are some of the most useful books/what's the best regarded journal on issue xxxx..." from those who might be in-the-know.

[shaniqua6392]

4. Family and community acceptance?

If you can put some focus on the difficulties that people face in telling their families. Being educated on this issue can possibly promote empathy for the family and the person who needs to tell their family. I only raise this issue because my sister "disappeared" from our family for a few years because she was gay. We did not know her reasons until much later. She and her girlfriend have come back around and now we are all very close. I just wish she would have trusted in our love for her, but I understand the difficulties that people have with telling their families. Now we are together all the time having family dinners, traveling, etc. and it is wonderful. I think any information given to your students on this issue would help immensely. The community needs to be educated and they have a long way to go. But, I find it exciting that you are able to teach a class like this. I wish I could take it. But, I am happy to have my sister back and she brought her partner whom we have all grown to love. What a wonderful addition to our family she is! I don't know if this helps. I know it is not a specific resource, but I thought it might help. Congrats on teaching the class!

[oneold1-4u]

6. PFLAG - a good resource

For real values for all to understand the meaning of acceptance and diversity!
These are the "real people" who know what the word love means! They are the true leaders of human honesty and morality! Destructive, religious/hate is not in their lives and most are true Christians, not just church goers who would follow cruel dogma.

[JackBeck]

7. Human Rights Campaign for legislative advocacy