LGBTQ Signaling

Research Guide

Getting Started

Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.

Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings

GAYDAR (Nonverbal communication)
Interpersonal Communication
NONVERBAL cues
SOCIAL psychology
SEXUAL orientation
PROMPTS (Psychology)
HUMAN sexuality
LGBTQ+ signs & symbols
LGBTQ+ history.
Gay culture
LGBTQ culture.

Books/Print Resources at DPL

The gay metropolis : the landmark history of gay life in America
The rise and fall of gay culture
The world turned : essays on gay history, politics, and culture
Routledge international encyclopedia of queer culture

Database/Online Resources

Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources. The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.

Sample Articles
Perceptions of Sexual Orientation From Minimal Cues
Detection of Sexual Orientation ('Gaydar') by Homosexual and Heterosexual Women.
Dissecting “Gaydar”: Accuracy and the Role of Masculinity–Femininity.
GAYDAR: EYE-GAZE AS IDENTITY RECOGNITION AMONG GAY MEN AND LESBIANS.

Academic OneFile (Gale)

Articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources—including thousands of podcasts and transcripts from NPR and CNN as well as videos from BBC Worldwide Learning. Covers subject areas such as, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, economics, environmental science, history, marketing, political science, and psychology.

Available with library card

Visit Academic OneFile (Gale)

Sample Articles
Perceived Sexual Orientation Based on Vocal and Facial Stimuli Is Linked to Self-Rated Sexual Orientation in Czech Men
The Sex Lives of Spinsters.

Prospector: Materials from Other Colorado and Wyoming Libraries

​​As a Denver Public Library customer, you can also borrow materials from other libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Use Prospector to request materials that DPL does not own.

Gay semiotics

Internet Sources

Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.

Contact the Reference Services department for help with your research project