We Make It Better: The LGBTQ Community and Their Positive Contributions to Society (Gender Identity Book for Teens, Gay Rights, Transgender, for Readers of Nonbinary)

by Eric Rosswood, Kathleen Archambeau

Overview

Celebrate the LGBT Community

“For all LGBTQ teens and young adults, this book will help inspire and empower you to become your best selves.”―Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning Screenwriter, “Milk

#1 Bestseller in LGBT Studies, Lesbian Studies

LGBT history is as old as history itself. In that time, LGBT people have positively impacted their communities, made advancements for society, and changed the world! We Make It Better profiles all the people, places, and events that show just how awesome and inspiring the LGBT community is.

A stirring look at LGBT history. LGBT people have always played important roles in society. They have served their country, served in office, pushed for the protection of human rights, and have impacted all fields of study, sport, art, and industry. Meet some of the most famous thinkers and changers in history from Bayard Rustin, Alan Turing, Dr. Sally Ride, and Oscar Wilde to present day innovators and world changers such as Billie Jean King, Jason Collins, Ellen DeGeneres, Tim Cook, the Wachowski sisters, Sir Ian McKellen and more.

Positivity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and adults. More than a “who’s who” of LGBT history, We Make It Better is a vibrant chronicle of the events in history where the LGBT community came together to fight for equality and save lives. Learn how the community came together during the HIV/AIDs crisis, fought for marriage equality, protested discrimination, and pushed for progressive change throughout the years. Learn about the events, places, people, and beliefs that are all causes for pride and celebration.

Read this book and:

• Discover important LGBT people who have changed the world
• Be moved by the accomplishments of the LGBT community
• Be inspired by a mix of biographies, history, and quotes

Readers of The ABCs of LGBT by Ashley Mardell or Queer: A Graphic History by Dr. Meg-John Barker will love We Make It Better, a quintessential LGBT book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781633538207
Publisher:	Mango Media
Publication date:	01/15/2019
Pages:	236
Sales rank:	637,051
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Eric Rosswood is an in-demand authority and commentator on LGBTQ issues including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He is a major influencer on social media with over 100,000 followers on Twitter alone, and he has led panels on LGBTQ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance. His bestselling book, Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood, won numerous awards including the best Parenting/Family/Relationships book in the IAN Book of the Year Awards, the best Parenting book in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, and the best LGBTQ Non-Fiction book in the International Best Book Awards. Rosswood resides in New York with his husband, son, their two cats, and a dog named Mr. Buggles.




Award-winning writer and journalist, Kathleen Archambeau has been advocating for LGBTQ rights since 1992. Her work in the LGBTQ community was instrumental in Dance of America Foundation's acquiring 501c3 status. As a founding member of the James Hormel LGBT wing of the San Francisco Public Library, she has supported access to LGBT history and literature for all. Awarded for her work as VP of the Board and Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for one of the largest mental health agencies dedicated to serving the queer community, she, along with the Board, raised more money than the prior 10 years for mental health services for underserved LGBT clients grappling with AIDS, breast cancer, coming out, gender identity, self-esteem, employment, custody and housing discrimination issues. A same-gender ballroom dancer, Kathleen and her wife participated in the Gay Games in Cologne and won two medals. They encouraged LGBTQ teens to find like-minded friends through a film by Robert Cortlandt for The Trevor Project, the "It Gets Better" video project series aimed at reducing LGBTQ teen suicide, 4X more likely than straight teen suicide rates and 8X more likely for LGBTQ teens in religiously condemning households. Archambeau wrote a regular column of inspiring profiles for one of the largest LGBTQ newspapers in the US and the first in California, the SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES.

Award-winning writer and journalist, Kathleen Archambeau has been advocating for LGBTQ rights since 1992. Her work in the LGBTQ community was instrumental in Dance of America Foundation's acquiring 501c3 status. As a founding member of the James Hormel LGBT wing of the San Francisco Public Library, she has supported access to LGBT history and literature for all. Awarded for her work as VP of the Board and Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for one of the largest mental health agencies dedicated to serving the queer community, she, along with the Board, raised more money than the prior 10 years for mental health services for underserved LGBT clients grappling with AIDS, breast cancer, coming out, gender identity, self-esteem, employment, custody and housing discrimination issues. A same-gender ballroom dancer, Kathleen and her wife participated in the Gay Games in Cologne and won two medals. They encouraged LGBTQ teens to find like-minded friends through a film by Robert Cortlandt for The Trevor Project, the "It Gets Better" video project series aimed at reducing LGBTQ teen suicide, 4X more likely than straight teen suicide rates and 8X more likely for LGBTQ teens in religiously condemning households. Archambeau wrote a regular column of inspiring profiles for one of the largest LGBTQ newspapers in the US and the first in California, the SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES.

Table of Contents

Introduction 10

Part 1 Activism 15

Bayard Rustin 16

Emma González 19

Nyle DiMarco 22

Cecelia Maria Zarbo Wambach, PhD 25

Part 2 Business 28

Beth Ford 29

Rick Welts 32

Suze Orman 35

Tim Cook 37

Part 3 Dance 41

Bill T. Jones 42

Jin Xing 45

Part 4 Film & Television 48

Daniels Vega 49

Ellen DeGeneres 52

Robin Roberts 55

Chris Nee 58

Sir Ian McKellen 61

Margaret Cho 63

The Wachowskis 66

Part 5 Government & Military 68

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir 69

Leo Varadkar 72

Eric Fanning 75

Technical Sergeant Leonard P. Matlovich 78

Part 6 Music 81

Sir Elton John 82

K.d. lang 85

Leonard Bernstein 88

Michael Tilson Thomas 91

Ricky Martin 94

Rob Harford 97

Part 7 Religion 100

Archbishop Carl Bean 101

Bishop Gene Robinson 104

Part 8 Science 107

Alan Turing 108

Dr. Marci Bowers 111

Sally Ride, PhD 114

Part 9 Sports 117

Abby Wambach 118

Billie Jean King 121

Esera Tuaolo 124

Jason Collins 127

Stephen Alexander 130

Part 10 Literature 133

Mary Oliver 134

Oscar Wilde 137

Tony Kushner 140

Acknowledgments 143

About the Authors 144

Resources 146

Photo Credits 173

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“We've had the audacity to fight for social justice for all LGBTQ citizens. This book highlights the contributions our community has made to the world in science, technology, business, religion, sports, the arts, government and entertainment. It is dedicated to all LGBTQ young adults and teenagers with big dreams and the perseverance to make those dreams come true. This book is sure to empower the next generation of LGBTQ youth to find their passions and transform the world.” ―Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights

“For all LGBTQ teens and young adults, this book will help inspire and empower you to become your best selves. This book shares how the LGBTQ community has made invaluable contributions in the fields of science, technology, business, government, education, and the arts. It throws open the doors of queer possibility making it clear we can use our imagination to make distinctive marks on our world however we choose.”―Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning Screenwriter, “Milk”

“Throughout history, the LGBTQ community has been erased, marginalized or vilified. Since the passing of the F.A.I.R. Education Act in California, that wrong is being corrected at long last. The inclusion of the contributions of the LGBTQ community to society is required to be taught in history and social studies classes in the California public schools. This book shines a spotlight on the amazing contributions to science, technology, business, government, education, sports and the arts of our community. School kids will learn that we are more than the stereotypes the media has projected and how our dedicated efforts in a variety of fields have enhanced the common good.” ―Ardel Thomas, Ph.D. Chair, LGBT Studies, City College of San Francisco

“Give this book to the young people in your life! It will offer inspiration regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For LGBTQIA young people in particular―for whom coming out can be a tremendously isolating experience filled with uncertainty―this book provides a glimpse into the lives of well-known LGBTQIA people who live full, productive and happy lives, providing hope and strength for their journey as they grow into their blessed, God-created selves.” ―Bishop Karen Oliveto, Ph.D., First Openly Lesbian United Methodist Church Bishop, Author, Together at the Table : Diversity Without Division in the United Methodist Church

“The need for positive role models in the LGBTQ Community has never been greater. In a divisive political climate, books like this one encourage and inspire LGBTQ youth to focus on their part in advancing society. Whether in science, technology, education, sports, government or the arts, the LGBTQ community has made an indelible mark on the world. Undaunted by prejudice, marginalization, discrimination and violence, the community has persisted and dedicated its efforts to the greater good. In the words of MLK Jr., ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’" ―Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland

“Right now, more than ever, we need these stories of sheroes and heroes and gender-expansive warriors to inspire us on our paths toward justice. Kathleen Archambeau and Eric Rosswood have eloquently lifted up these stories for all of our benefit, showing us queer and trans people as powerful agents of change, love and liberation.” ―Sean Dorsey, Trans Choreographer and Activist, Founder and Artistic Director, Fresh Meat Productions (2001-Present)

“Growing up in my Maori indigenous culture of New Zealand and with a father who was a leader of our local marae, sacred communal gathering place for 30+ years, I lived the value of community. We believe that we are never alone, our ancestors are always with us and so we share a collective and interconnected identity that helps us to stand strong in solidarity with our ancestors. This book may help you to remember that we are all connected to a global Rainbow family. Find the people―within family, friends, teachers, coaches, counselors, pastors―who will support you and help you on your sexual orientation and gender identity journey. We are the potential of our ancestors, free and equal and we are never alone.” ―Louisa Wall, Member of Parliament, New Zealand; Author of the Successful Marriage Amendment Act; Co-Chair of Cross-Party Rainbow Group, New Zealand Parliament; Co-Chair Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, New Zealand Parliament ; Co-Chair of the First International Congress of Parliamentary Women's Caucuses, Dublin, Ireland, 2018

“This book should be required reading in schools and homes. All people―however they are born―should be free to reach their full potential. It is only an uninformed society which creates hurdles in this direction. Here we have the evidence that sexual orientation need not get in the way of success. Let us celebrate and speak about the high achievements of these great people, in the hope that they will be an inspiration to LGBTIQ youth. I thank the authors for creating this platform to commemorate these accomplishments.” ―Dr Helena Dalli, Minister for European Affairs and Equality, Holder of European Diversity Award

Editorial Reviews

"Accentuates the positive," - Bay Area Reporter

From the Publisher