GLBT-RT

Queer Youth Cultures. Edited by Susan Driver. State University of New York Press, 2008. softcover. 307p. $28.00. ISBN:978-0-7914-7338-2.

Susan Driver's Queer Youth Cultures is a refreshing, analytical view of contemporary queer youth, seen not as victims or martyrs, but as cultural and political catalysts in the everyday world. Such diverse cultural practices as lesbian punk rock, zines, on-line dating (The Pink Sofa), drag performance, and sissy boys are examined by a variety of primarily academic researchers (including several based in Australia). Permeating throughout are the voices and views of queer youth.

The book is divided into three handy sections: 1. "Performative Queer Youth Cultures, Embodiments, and Communities"; 2. "Desiring Youth and Un/Popular Cultures"; and 3. "Transforming Political Action." A photo spread by Cass Bird is also included. And, just in case you are not up-to-date, "queer youth" encompasses GLBTTIQQ (gay-lesbian-bisexual-transsexual-transgender-intersex-queer-and/or questioning individuals).

Enough said, get this for your library. It fills an important role in any cultural/gay/women's studies collection, and could be a lifeline for the queer youth that grace your doorstep.

Reviewed by Morgan Gwenwald
SUNY New Paltz

Tin, Louis-Georges, ed. English Language Edition. Trans: Marek Redburn. Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press, 2008. hardcover. $44.95. ISBN: 9781551522296.

In 2003, Presses universitaires de France published the groundbreaking Dictionnaire de l'homophobie. But though the text was highly acclaimed and "unanimously well-received," its editor, Louis-Georges Tin, found himself a victim of his dictionary's topic. Upon Dictionnaire de l'homophobie's publication, Tin learned that "doors that had previously been open were now closed" to him, and his contract at the University of Paris was terminated. Thus, while literary society lauded Tin's achievement, homophobia among Tin's colleagues dictated his fate, and simultaneously provided ironic proof of the profound need for Tin's book.

This 2008 translation - the first English translation - updates rights gained and abuses committed since the 2003 edition. It is comprehensive, well-documented, and often reads like a conversation - an intelligent, informed, necessary conversation. Standard dictionary format is used; however, the articles can be divided into five categories: (1) Theories used to justify homophobia; (2) Historical agents and victims of homophobia; (3) Homophobia in regards to geographical and historical places and settings; (4) Homophobia in environments and institutions (i.e., schools, homes, workplace); and (5) Homophobic rhetoric.

The Dictionary of Homophobia contains 160+ enlightening essays, written by over 70 people from over fifteen countries. And though (as the subtitle states) its focus is homophobia, Tin includes informative, thorough entries on biphobia and transphobia as well.
Strongly recommended for all libraries.

Reviewed by Tracy Marie Nectoux
Cataloger, Illinois Newspaper Project
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Summer 2008 GLBTRT Newsletter is now available online at:
http://isd.usc.edu/~trimmer/glbtrt/Summer08.pdf

GLBT-owned and -friendly restaurants, bars, and bookstores around Orange County, found using gaywired.com, Orange County & Long Beach Gay Blade, and Damron Men’s Travel Guide 2008.

Of course, if you know of others, add them in!

Bookstores

Latitude 33 Bookshop
311 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach
949-494-5403
http://www.latitude33bookshop.com

Martha’s Bookstore
308½ Marine Ave, Newport Beach
(on Balboa Island)
949-673-7185
http://www.marthasbookstore.net

Community Centers & Information

Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Orange County
12832 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove
714-534-0862
http://www.thecenteroc.org

Laguna Outreach
http://www.lowebmx11235.web.aplus.net

Orange & Long Beach County Blade
PO Box 1538, Laguna Beach
949-494-4898
http://www.socalblade.com

Restaurants & Cafés

Anaheim White House (Italian, Seafood)
887 Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
714-722-1381
http://www.anaheimwhitehouse.com

Avanti Café(Vegetarian)
259 E 17th St, Costa Mesa
949-548-2224
http://www.avantinatural.com

Bistro 400 (International)
400 W 4th St, Santa Ana
714-543-9821
http://www.bistro400.com

Café Zoolu (“Quasi-Polynesian”)
860 Glenneyre, Laguna Beach
949-494-6825
http://www.cafezoolu.com

Cottage(International)
308 N Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach
949-494-3023
http://www.thecottagerestaurant.com

Dizz’ As Is (International)
2794 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
949-494-5250

El Calor (Mexican)
2916 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim
714-527-8873

Koffee Klatch (Coffee, sandwiches, desserts)
1440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
949-376-6867

Madison Square & Garden Café (Breakfast, lunch)
320 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
949-494-0137
http://www.madisonsquare.com

Plum’s Café (Northwestern)
369 E 17th St, Costa Mesa
949-722-7586
http://www.plumscafe.com

Sorrento Grille & Martini Bar (California Contemporary)
370 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach
949-494-8686
http://www.culinaryadventures.com

Sundried Tomato Café (California Contemporary)
361 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach
949-494-3312
http://www.thesundriedtomatocafe.com

Zinc Café and Market (Vegetarian)
350 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach
949-494-6302
http://www.zinccafe.com

Bars/Taverns/Clubs

Club Bravo
1490 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
714-533-2291
More gay Thursday, Saturday, Latin music
http://www.clubbravo.com
http://www.myspace.com/clubbravo

El Calor
2916 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim
714-527-8873
Friendly, Latin music

Frat House
8112 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove
714-897-3431
Popular with trans community, Latin, but everyone welcome
http://www.frathouseniteclub.com

In Cahoots
1401 S Lemon St, Fullerton
714-441-1666
Country & Western bar, GLBT Sundays only.
http://www.DJRosa.com

Lion’s Den
719 W 19th St, Costa Mesa
949-645-3830
Popular and very cruisy on Saturdays.

Lucky Sundays@Tia Juana’s
14988 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine
949-551-2998
Sunday nights only.
http://www.luckysundays.com

Main Street
1460 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
949-494-0056
Packed dance bar

Stiff@Proof
215 N Broadway, Santa Ana
714-953-2660
Tuesday nights only.
http://www.stifftuesdays.com

The Tin Lizzie Saloon
752 St Clair, Costa Mesa
714-966-2029
Casually sophisticated, great neighborhood bar
http://www.tinlizziesaloon.com