A.C. Buehler Library: Big Queer Gathering: LGBTQ resources

I want to be informed

Start by reading a book! There are many excellent fiction and non-fiction LGBTQ books published each year. Many public libraries also offer ebook collections, such as eRead Illinois (Boundless app), hoopla, cloud library and OverDrive, that include LGBTQ titles. All you need is a valid library card and you can browse thousands of books from a computer, laptop, tablet or phone. Check out some of these award winners at your local library, either in person or online.

Stonewall Book Awards
The Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table, honor works of LGBTQ nonfiction, literature, and children's/young adult literature each year. This award has been sponsored by ALA since 1986, but began independently in 1971. Many books have been honored for exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQ experience.
Rainbow Book Lists
The Rainbow Book List is created by the Rainbow Book List Committee of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table of the American Library Association. The Rainbow Book List presents an annual bibliography of quality books with significant and authentic GLBTQ content, which are recommended for people from birth through eighteen years of age.
Lambda Literary Awards
The Lambda Literary Awards identify and celebrate the best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender books of the year and affirm that LGBTQ stories are part of the literature of the world. The Lammys, which receive national and international media attention, bring together nominees, celebrities, sponsors, and publishing executives to celebrate excellence in LGBTQ publishing.
100 Must-Read LGBTQIA YA Books
The display at the 2017 BQG includes titles from this amazing list.

Here is a link to A.C. Buehler Library LGBTQ materials available for checkout. This list is currently under construction, so check back for updates.

LGBTQ materials at A.C. Buehler Library

Several libraries in the area have special collections, either physically or virtually, for LGBTQ resources. Check out these collections:

Transgender Resource Collection
The Oak Park Public Library has created a unique collection to serve transgender people and everyone seeking information, including employers, medical providers, allies, friends, and family. Materials are available to most Illinois library cardholders.
Chicago Public Library - LGBTQ
Take a look at the variety of materials, exhibits and events with an LGBTQ focus at the Chicago Public Library.
Gerber/Hart Library and Archives
Did you know? There's an LGBTQ library in Chicago. Established in 1981, the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives is the largest LGBTQ library in the Midwest.
LGBT Studies Resources
A collection compiled by the NIU University Libraries.

People and Events You Should Know

12 LGBT Icons from History Who Made Pride Possible
from the Advocate
Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame
LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
LGBT Rights Milestones
from CNN
A Living Memory - LGBT History Timeline
from the Safe Schools Coalition
LGBT Illinois Authors
compiled by the Illinois State Library

I want to be involved

Find out how to make your home, your school and your community a safe, welcoming and affirming place.

GLSEN
Find information here on building safe spaces at your school and resources for GSAs and other student clubs that support LGBTQ students.
Youth.gov - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Human Rights Campaign: LGBTQ Youth Resources
Youth Outlook
Illinois' first social service agency solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance
The mission of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alliance) is to promote safety, support and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, in Illinois schools and communities, through advocacy, education, youth organizing and research.
Equality Illinois
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
PFLAG - Council of Northern Illinois
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) celebrates diversity and envisions a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The Council of Northern Illinois draws together several chapters of PFLAG from Chicago and the northern Illinois region.