CELEBRATE GAY, LESBIAN PRIDE MONTH.(Stars)(Column)

Byline: Pamela Crane Onondaga County Public Library

June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, celebrating diversity and civil liberties and rights for all. The following lesbian and gay parenting guides contain information about adoption and co-parenting. Each title offers a unique perspective highlighted in the annotations below. Visit www.onlib.org or ask a librarian for more information.

The documentary "I Can't Marry You," a film about same-sex marriage that is narrated by Betty DeGeneres, Ellen's mom, will be shown at Mundy Branch on June 21. Call 435-3797 for details.

The books

"Love Makes a Family," edited by Peggy Gillespie; photographs by Gigi Kaeser. In photographs and text based on interviews, Kaeser and Gillespie present portraits of 43 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families.

"How It Feels to Have a Gay or Lesbian Parent: A Book by Kids for Kids of All Ages," by Judith E. Snow. Thirty-two sons and daughters of lesbian and gay parents tell their real-life stories.

"For Lesbian Parents: Your Guide to Helping Your Family Grow Up Happy, Healthy and Proud," by Suzanne M. Johnson and Elizabeth O'Connor. Religion and spirituality, homophobia and diversity, divorce and lesbian breakup are some of the topics in this guide.

"The Complete Lesbian & Gay Parenting Guide," by Arlene Istar Lev. Practical advise, personal anecdotes and up-to-date Internet and organizational resources for lesbian and gay parents make this a stand-out handbook.

"Fatherhood for Gay Men: An Emotional and Practical Guide to Becoming a Gay Dad," by Kevin McGarry. The author takes a candid look at his decision to become a father - the sacrifices (emotional and practical) and the trade-offs (children versus freedom) - and the infinite rewards fatherhood offers.

Pamela Crane is the manager of Onondaga County Public Library's Mundy Branch.