Subculture: Greek or geek, hippie or hip-hop, they just 'get' me

The New York Times reports that official plans for Halloween activities in the Castro district of San Francisco have been canceled. In past years the parade and other activities have attracted crowds reminiscent of Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street. Historically, the Castro embraced a vibrant gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community, but in recent years, as the article goes on to explain, newcomers of all sexual orientations are attracted by the eclecticism the community offers. -- "Gay Enclaves Face Prospect of Being Passé," New York Times, October 30, 2007

In related news, the Los Angeles Times recently ran an editorial about the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) being reviewed by Congress. The proposed legislation was motivated by the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, a hate-crime motivated by his sexual orientation. If approved, the legislation would add crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation to the federal definition of a hate crime and improve the frequency and quality of investigations into such crimes. The bill has been introduced in every Congress since the 105th in 1999, but has yet to be ratified. -- Editorial, "Narrow the Hate Crimes Act," Los Angeles Times, October 29, 2007

Whether Greek or geek, hippie or hip-hop, we probably all belong to at least one subculture. A group where people just 'get' us, without explanation--or judgment.

Has mainstream America become more accepting of the LGBT subculture? And just what is "mainstream?"

For some basic information:
Start with the Try These First databases. (PSU only)

And, just about every subculture has a book or two on the subject. Search The CAT for the keyword "subculture," or the popular name for the subculture itself. -- There are also lots of books on hate crimes.

For more information:
Search GLBT research resources for more on GLBT (or LGBT) history and issues. Check out sociology and cultural anthropology resources for more on cultures and subcultures. Use criminal justice research resources to find out more about hate crimes. (mostly PSU only)

FBI Hate Crime Statistics

Search the Library of Congress' Thomas database for "matthew shephard" to learn more about the bills in Congress.

Need help? Ask! All PSU or Altoona only.