Forming a new generation: Constructing children's literature as means for social action.

摘要

From the perspective of queer theory, the creative dissertation investigates complex social and political issues informing the cultural construction of contemporary American homosexuality. This applied analysis establishes a backdrop for contextualizing and explicating the civil unions movement in Vermont, which was the first state to extend unitive rights to gay and lesbian families. The research demonstrates a dire need for introductory source material addressing the issue of sexuality, and establishes a rationale for constructing a creative response informed by dialogic and dialectic methodologies. Under interdisciplinary frameworks, an illustrated nonfiction picture book about Vermont's landmark legislation has been crafted as a creative response, informed by social action principals, to these findings. This introductory narrative can serve as a tool for dialogue about gay and lesbian civil rights within the State of Vermont and beyond.