Show Your Support for Gay YA

Yesterday Amendment 1 in the North Carolina constitution passed, which defines marriage solely as a union between one man and one woman,  and thus joining the states that have an active ban on gay marriage (I'm sad to say my home state of Ohio along with 28 other states also have a similar amendments).  The exact wording of the amendment is "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognised in this state".  This amendment goes beyond gay marriage to invalidate all civil unions and domestic partnerships, regardless of orientation.   

This amendment weakens laws that protect unmarried domestic violence victims, unmarried parents, any private agreements between unmarried couples, any unmarried end of life arrangements, and also frees employers from providing health benefits to unmarried partners.  Again, this is regardless of the sexual orientation of the couple, just the fact that they are not married. 

This is extremely discouraging news.  As a strong supporter of the gay community and women's rights, seeing this blatant discrimination is infuriating and frustrating.  So what can we do? Why, we continue what we've been doing.  We support those who are victims of hate and discrimination and continue to spread our message of love and equality. 

One of the best ways to do this is by supporting authors and publishers who create books that deal with LGBT issues.  Share these books with your friends and family, and begin a discussion.  I honestly believe that through continual love, support, and understanding we will change the world and show that we all deserve the same rights, regardless of age, race, gender, orientation, or creed. 

List of LGBT Themed YA 

*This isn't a complete list, so please leave suggestions of other LGBT YA books in the comments!*

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
I am J by Cris Beam