A community center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people has revived its library, which includes many hard-to-find books covering sexual orientation.
The collection of about 2,500 books had been in storage since a 2002 arson fire damaged the Pikes Peak Gay & Lesbian Community Center’s former location on West Pikes Peak Avenue.
Since then, the center has moved twice, settling in January at 2508 E. Bijou St. Staff members and volunteers hope the new storefront location will be a popular gathering place for gay-themed clubs and others who want to learn about sexual orientation.
Some of the books could be classified “erotica,” but most are not racy. Among the more popular titles are “The Other Side of the Closet,” which explores the effect on straight spouses and family members when a person reveals he or she is gay, and “Love, Ellen,” by the mother of comedian Ellen De-Generes.
There are three copies of “Gay Politics vs. Colorado and America,” a history of political battles surrounding Amendment 2, the measure state voters approved in 1992 banning laws protecting gays from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. The book argues in favor of the amendment.
Another part of the library is the document archive of Ground Zero, a defunct gay-rights group that emerged after the passage of Amendment 2. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the amendment in 1996.
The library could be useful for researchers studying the history of gay communities, said Dara Hoffman, the center’s associate director. Another possible audience is people who are uncomfortable buying such books or borrowing them from the public library, she said.
“They’re more than welcome to sit here in a safe environment,” she said.
Hoffman said she experienced that discomfort several years ago, before she revealed her sexual orientation, when she worked for a Barnes & Noble bookstore. The store had a small gay-themed section, and a bisexual friend sometimes bought the books on Hoffman’s behalf.
“Even just standing in front of it and looking at the titles would just bring me a sense of comfort . . . like there might be some support out there,” she said.
Books in the community center’s library are available for one month checkouts. The center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0187 or perry.swanson@gazette.com
