I didn't think I was going to join the BlogHer Holiday Guide fun by contributing a "10 great gifts" list but here I am and I'm a wee bit nervous about it.

At first I couldn't come up with a genre I was interested in - or one that I was interested in that couldn't be better covered by another editor. Truth be told, I was just hesitant because I no longer spend time coming up with really fabulous gift ideas for the people in my life. It's not that I don't want to give great gifts - I do! The problem is that my partner, TW, gives such great gifts that I just don't measure up. It's hell living with a woman who has such a gift with gifts.

OK, enough about me and my troubles, let's get on with the great gifts for the GLBTQ in your life... errr wait, I should throw out a caution. Not all gays, lesbians, bis, trans, or queers are "out" - even when we're out we may not REALLY be out. Or if we're "out", we may not be "out and proud". We also may be really really OUT and sort of militant or we may be really really OUT and unable to take a gay gag gift in the spirit in which its intended. Think carefully about the GLBTQ you are gifting with a queercentric gift - if in doubt, go heteronormative. Better safe than sorry, 'k?

* It's really not easy for some GLBTQs to earn that toaster, so why not gift us with a rainbow toaster ($69 at Neiman Marcus) to help take some of the recruitment pressure off?

* The"Q" in GLBTQ doesn't stand for questioning but if you know a woman who hasn't quite made up her mind, she might enjoy So You Want to Be a Lesbian?. Women who've just come out might find it helpful to read Is it a Date or Just Coffee? The Gay Girl's Guide to Dating, Sex & Romance. And since we're talking books, The Whole Lesbian Sex Book could be a great gift for someone - or yourself (even if you're straight...)

* I know there are some GLBTQs who sat on Santa's lap and asked for Dyke Ducks ($15), Dyke Dolls ($10-$50) and Billy Dolls (very hard to find, super collectible - $75ish.)

* Is there a lesbian alive who wouldn't love to find Pussy Pucker Pots ($5) in her stocking? I've never met a M2F trans chick who didn't rave about MAC. If you don't know her MAC preferences, a gift card tucked in that stocking would not be unwelcomed.

* Help your favorite GLBTQ create an awesome video library. The L Word, Queer as Folk, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Boys Don't Cry, Bound, Desert Hearts, and Naked Boys Singing are a few suggestions to get you thinking. Need more ideas? Amazon's most frequently watched GLBT movies might help.

You can't give video without giving music. You can go with the classic greats: Etheridge and Elton. Or you can branch out a bit with Ferrick (my personal favorite), Rachael Sage , Imperial Teen , Scissor Sisters or Tegan & Sara. A compilation might be a better idea. Here are a couple of my favorites: Out Loud and Lesbian Favorites.

* Queer travel is hot and getting hotter. An R Family Vacation, Olivia Cruise, Alyson Adventures vacation or a gift certificate from a Purple Roofs friendly B&B would be fantastic.

* Doesn't every GLBTQ you know have at least one pet? Rainbow collars, leashes, pet beds and food bowls are a must. Our pets have to represent, (Well mine don't 'cause that idea makes me ill but other GLBTQs seem to like this stuff.)

* Why not make a donation in the name of your GLBTQ friend or family member? Here are some organizations to consider: PFLAG, GLSEN, Academy of Friends and Sylvia's Place.

* I can't create a queer gift list without including some fun and campy tshirts. Blair & Jo were totally doing it, Sorry girls, I'm gay, Dyke Pride, Bi Invitation Only, Trans Pride or Don't Assume I Prefer Men.

Have fun queer shopping. I mean shopping for your queer. Uh, you know what I mean, right?

~Denise
Who is somewhat interested in this Queer Fairy Fiction. Just sayin...