Holding a copy of Michael Wilhoite's children's book Daddy's Roommate, Travis DiNicola discussed how important a book made for children of gay parents could be.

Book publishers are targeting gay male and lesbian audiences, developing everything from mysteries to science fiction, said DiNicola, an employee of Svoboda's Books, 227 W. Beaver Ave. He added that it is impossible to tell whether readers are gay or straight.

"It's not just limited to presses that publish only gay and lesbian books," he said. "Interests cross over into all different types of genres.

"A couple of years ago, it seemed as though a majority of the books coming out on gay lifestyle focused on AIDS," he continued. "It's nice to see a lot of other books coming out dealing with the history of being gay or lesbian, books on developing healthy relationships."

But AIDS has had an effect on new fiction, especially in biographical or autobiographical works, said Judy Levinson, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance social/educational co-director.

"You see AIDS coming out in (books)," Levinson said. "That's kind of like where a dark cloud descends over the whole tone of the books, it's kind of depressing."

There is something to be learned from both old and new gay literature, added Levinson, a fan of gay author Randy Shilts (And The Band Played On and Conduct Unbecoming).

"Coming out hasn't really changed much," she said. "It's pretty much the same kind of process, so what you read 20 years ago still kind of holds true today."

Although gay literature is a popular market for publishers right now, it may be only temporary, said Jeff Yarbrough, editor in chief of The Advocate, the nation's oldest gay magazine.

"It's true that that's an area where gay material has become very trendy," Yarbrough said. "I think that's gonna level off eventually."

At University Park, in addition to available books in Pattee, a section of the Human Development Working Collection Center library is devoted to gay, lesbian and bisexual literature. But Fay Wohlwill, the center's director, said except for a few graduate students, there has been little interest in the library in 109 S. Henderson.

"It's a well-kept secret, I guess," Wohlwill said.

But in the open marketplace, gay fiction has been rejuvenated because many of today's authors are only in their 20s, said Tony D'Augelli, professor of human development. Although they have also had to grow up with the AIDS epidemic, the new crop of authors offers positive reflections for gay men and lesbians.

"It speaks to people's experiences and lets them know they exist," D'Augelli said.

Although it is hard to tell who is reading it, ignoring gay literature would be similar to not reading a book because it was written by an African American, D'Augelli said, adding that the genre holds something for readers from all walks of life.

"You'd be out of it these days not reading any gay and lesbian fiction," he said. "It reflects more of a variety of experiences."

Here is a look at a few recent entries to the growing pool of gay literature:

Closet Case -- Robert Rodi

Trying to succeed in a homophobic world is difficult for the open-minded, and even more troublesome for a gay man. Robert Rodi's second novel, Closet Case, explores the world of Lionel Frank who struggles to climb the ranks of his prejudiced advertising firm while hiding his sexual orientation.

Rodi explores Lionel's neurosis, exposing the fears and concerns that plague his every waking hour. The threat of discovery drives Lionel to weave a web of cover-ups to keep his identity a secret from both his co-workers and family.

Rodi offers a new look at the perils of the closet by recalling the havoc on Lionel's priorities and judgment caused by his hiding.

Unfortunately, the author's poking at the frivolous values of the wealthy and conservative firm executives and their bubble-head wives turns from amusing to distracting as their hair-brain comments overshadow the climactic moments of the book, when Lionel is forced to confront his sexuality in the open.

Maybe the Moon --Armistead Maupin

Armistead Maupin, one of the best-known authors in the gay community, made a successful crossover to mainstream notoriety with his Tales of the City series. In Maybe the Moon, Maupin takes a different approach to gay issues by having a heterosexual character faced with a different set of obstacles and discrimination.

Cady Roth is the spunky 31-inch tall heroine who doesn't let her shortcomings stop her attitude. Explicitly depicted through her journals, she vocally shrugs off others' condescending attitudes. With a gay activist outing on the set of a major Hollywood production as a backdrop, Maupin addresses prejudice without turning off straight or conservative readers.

Maupin questions societal preconceptions while recalling the touching story of Cady's struggle for acceptance. Maupin lets readers fall in love with Cady and take her insults personally as she is constantly denied a normal life by society because of a condition beyond her control.

Captain Swing -- Larry Duplechan

Description is the key to Larry Duplechan's fourth novel, Captain Swing, a tear-jerking love story with enough taboos to offend quite a few narrow minds. Dealing with many aspects of gay life, Duplechan presents a unique scenario -- an African-American gay musician who ventures to Louisiana to see his dying homophobic father.

Mixing things up is the undeniable attraction between Johnnie and his 18-year-old cousin Nigel. With musical references harking back to the '40s, Duplechan tells a story filled with the subtle nuances of the South and gay life.

Duplechan lets the reader experience Johnnie's erotic fantasies and subliminal connections, giving an uncensored view of his thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Covering a broad range of timely issues including AIDS, gay-bashing, divorce, incest and racism, Captain Swing is a personal and vivid tale, worth the few hours it takes to glance over its 184 quick-reading pages.