UWM Special Collections - LGBT Studies Collection Search Strategy

LGBT Search Strategies

We have recently updated our subject headings to reflect our sensitivity towards these materials, as well as our dedication to facilitate user-centered community and scholarly access. However, location of LGBT primary source material can still be cumbersome. Here are some suggested search strategies.

To locate LGBT materials in Special Collections, do a basic search in PantherCat. In the "Search By" box, select "Keyword (and, or, not)" for the most comprehensive output in this subject area. In the "Search For" box, type in this suggested search:

homosex? or lesbian? or "gay men" or gay? or transsex?

By using a question mark at the end of the search terms, you will be able to search for all terms that contain the root word (i.e. "homosex?" will find "homosexual", "homosexuals", and "homosexuality"). Select "Special Collections" in the "Quick Limit" box, and click the "Search" button.

See example below:

Other search term suggestions:

Search Term	Retrieves
feminis?	feminist, feminists, feminism
wom?	woman, women, women's rights
bisexual?	bisexual, bisexuals, bisexuality
transgender?	transgender, transgendered
transsexual?	transsexual, transsexuals, transsexuality
gender	gender identity, gender roles
sex?	sex, sexuality, sexual history, sex roles, sexology, sexual characteristics

Other search terms to try:

drag

queer

queen?