Tragedy Transformed into Activism

Matthew Shepard's murder changed all our lives but foremost among those affected was Judy Shepard, his mother. Both because of her grief, and in spite of it, she became an activist committed to ending hate violence against LGBT people. In her book, The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie and a World Transformed, she shares the intimate details of her loss with honesty, forgiveness, determination and grace.

Here is a video of Judy Shepard speaking out in the name of her son and an article about the rising incidence of hate crimes against LGBT folks in the U.S.

Portraits, Plays Perversions

Controversial playwright George Birimisa will read from one of his plays that takes place in the notorious Strand Theater on Market Street. His plays have been praised by Tennessee Williams, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, and The New York Times. Mrs. Trauma Flintstone will provide the entertainment, along with her bevy of drag divas including Virginia Suicide and Countess Katya Smirnoff Skyy.

Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00pm. Main Library. Lower Level. Latino-Hispanic Room B.

Love is a Many-Gendered Thing!

Hi Rowdy Rainbow Readers, this week's focus book is one about an experience that goes where no man has gone before. It's called, Labor of Love: the Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy and it's Thomas Beatie's memoir as the first Female to Male (FTM) transgendered person to give birth. In his chatty and informative memoir he chronicles his sex-changing and life-changing adventure. Check out these reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Booklist. Then go to the library and check it out!

Welcome to the LGBT Resources Blog of the San Francisco Public Library!

The San Francisco Public Library is full of resources for the LGBT Community. All branches hold published materials, magazines, videos and databases to help you with your research. The largest collection of materials is held at the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center of the Main Library, which includes an archives collection on the 6th Floor as well an extensive number of circulation resources. The Center sponsors many political and literary programs which are all free.

Our other LGBT hotspot is the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch, which is temporarily closed for renovation. When its new look has been completed, (the estimated date is late October), it will have beautifully paneled wood ceilings, better lighting, an expanded teen section, more public computers and lovely new landscaping. LGBT programs will be scheduled there when it re-opens so follow our blog and we'll keep you posted!