American Library Association and Lambda Literary to collaborate on LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program

Via press release

The American Library Association (ALA) is collaborating with Lambda Literary to utilize the American Library Associations’ Rainbow Book List in Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program.

The Rainbow Book List, an annual bibliography of the year’s best works of fiction and non-fiction for Lesbian, Gay,  Bisexual and Transgender teens, has been compiled by the American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) since 2008.  Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program was started in 2012.

“The ALA is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Lambda Literary Foundations LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program,” said ALA President Courtney Young.  “Our goals are the same, to empower youth with informational resources that promote self-acceptance, tolerance and an understanding of LGBTQ issues. This program is a step forward in helping youth understand that celebrating our differences paves the way for a stronger and peaceful society.”

“Lambda Literary recognizes what a valuable resource the ALA’s Rainbow Book List is to educators who need guidance about quality LGBTQ titles to choose for their classes that are grade level appropriate,” said Tony Valenzuela, Lambda Literary’s executive director.  “For this reason, the Rainbow Book List is an ideal match with our LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program and a wonderful collaboration of our shared missions to empower young people through great literature.”

Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools program connects authors with classrooms through free in-class visits or Skype to discuss the authors work and LGBTQ issues.  The program aims to encourage diversity in not only the students’ lives, but in society at large by discussing the author’s works openly.

In addition to the Rainbow Book List, ALA’s GLBTRT also produces the Over the Rainbow book list for adult literature and non-fiction titles.  It also awards the prestigious Stonewall Book Awards, which have honored the very best in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender books since 1971.  The GLBTRT is also responsible for GLBT Book Month a nationwide celebration in June of authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the LGBTQ community.

For more information on Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools, please visit http://www.lambdaliterary.org/lgbt-writers-in-schools.

To learn more about the Rainbow Book List and ALA’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table, please visitwww.ala.org/glbtrt.

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