Everyday Activism: A Handbook for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People and their Allies

by Stevenson,Michael R.

• ISBN13: 9780415944816
• ISBN10: 0415944813
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-04-30
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

From same-sex marriages to hate-crime laws, gay, lesbian and bisexual people have fought an uphill battle to gain equal rights. Now a comprehensive new reference collects in one volume the strategies, hard data, and legal arguments that are central to the fight for equality in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) life. Up-to-date and readable,Everyday Activismis the one essential book that provides the basic facts on the key questions faced by LGB citizens: * What are domestic partnership benefits? * Are lesbian and gay parents legally recognized? * Does civil rights legislation protect gays? Covering everything from school discrimination to custody agreements to hate crimes,Everyday Activismis the first book to provide current information on the policies, research, laws and regulations that affect the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Articles on housing, mental health, and military policy are written by experts in the field and highlighted by information that explainshow anyone can effectively lobby for policy changes. Readers will learn: *How to join organizations that support LGB rights *How to create sound arguments that can influence policy makers *How to establish relationships with legislators Everyday Activismcuts through the political rhetoric, demystifies the process of policy development and arms readers with the ammunition they need to advocate for LGB causes.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction Getting Involved	1	(18)
Michael R. Stevenson and Jeanine C. Cogan
PART I GEARING UP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Chapter 1 Influencing Public Policy	19	(20)
Jeanine C. Cogan
Chapter 2 Answering Basic Questions	39	(18)
Michael R. Stevenson
Chapter 3 Defending Claims About Mental Health	57	(24)
Jessica F Morris and Stacey Hart
PART II ENDING DISCRIMINATION
Chapter 4 Combating Hate Crimes	81	(24)
Jeanine C. Cogan
Chapter 5 Ending Employment Discrimination	105	(18)
David C. Sobelsohn
Chapter 6 Obtaining and Maintaining Housing	123	(22)
Christopher J. Portelli
Chapter 7 Ending Discrimination in the U.S. Military	145	(26)
Clinton W. Anderson and C. Dixon Osburn
PART III CREATING EQUALITY
Chapter 8 Honoring and Protecting Relationships	171	(22)
Robin A. Buhrke
Chapter 9 Recognizing and Legitimizing Families	193	(18)
Beverly R. King
Chapter 10 Debunking Myths About Child Abuse	211	(18)
Michael R. Stevenson
Chapter 11 Making Schools Safe	229	(16)
Karen M. Anderson and Michael R. Stevenson
Appendix Web Resources	245	(12)
Jennifer M. Hoag and Lisa M. Schmidt
Notes	257	(42)
Biographical Notes	299	(4)
Index	303