PFLAG plans to continue bibliotherapy program

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids chapter of PFLAG is examining the initial impact of its bibliotherapy program.

The program, which began in the fall of 2013, aims to reassure those who may be exploring their gender identities - or who have family members or friends who are gay, lesbian or transgender - that they are not alone.

A number of books reviewed by PFLAG, counselors and other specialists were given to counselors at six middle schools in the Cedar Rapids Community School District: Roosevelt, Harding, Wilson, Franklin, McKinley and Taft.

Among the first titles were 'Geography Club” by Brent Hartinger, 'Parrotfish” by Ellen Wittlinger and 'Totally Joe,” by James Howe. PFLAG members used a rating scale to screen books based on the amount of romance, bullying, violence and other components that appear. The books were purchased with a $1,000 grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Due to additional funding from area companies, PFLAG has decided to continue the program in area schools.

During a board meeting Thursday night, PFLAG chair Diane Peterson shared one school counselor's story about a student whose father came out as transgendered.

'This student, although supportive of his dad's decision, still found himself wanting to process this huge change,” Peterson said, reading from a statement from the counselor. 'Because this was not a subject that he could discuss with his peers, nor most adults, he found comfort and solace while reading one of the books purchased with funds from the foundation.”

Data from the first year of the program showed students at Roosevelt and Harding checked out the greatest number of bibliotherapy books.

In these schools, Peterson said, a special display was made so students knew the books were available.

Peterson and other board members said they hope more middle school students take advantage of the resources.

'Society is changing, but kids are hitting these questions earlier and earlier,” said Andy Peterson, a PFLAG member. 'We know that the impact of feeling like you're an outsider is immense. It's a lot of emotional stress.”

PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies. To learn more about PFLAG or to contribute to the bibliotherapy program, email pflaglcb@gmail.com.