In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, dive into five must-read books! From the comprehensive history of “The Gay Revolution” to the personal journey of “When We Rise,” these titles explore the fight for equality, the intersection of identities, and the power of resilience. Celebrate the past, learn from the present, and envision a more inclusive future.
“The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle” by Lillian Faderman
A thorough introduction to the history of the gay and lesbian civil rights movements, this book chronicles the early struggles of LGBTQ individuals from the 1950s to present day using a compilation of enlightening interviews with politicians, military officials and members of the community.
“When We Rise: My Life in the Movement” by Cleve Jones
Born in 1954, Cleve Jones, a pivotal figure in LGBTQ history, shares his remarkable life in “When We Rise.” The upcoming ABC television mini-series, inspired by Jones’ experiences, features talents like Guy Pearce and Mary-Louise Parker. Jones’ narrative unfolds in the electrified 1970s San Francisco, where he found community in the Castro district alongside Harvey Milk. From AIDS activism to the creation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, Jones’ memoir is a poignant account of his transformative journey in a changing America.
“Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability” by Robert McRuer
Crip Theory explores the intersection of disability and queerness in contemporary cultures, addressing how bodies, pleasures, and identities are portrayed as “normal” or marginalized. Author Robert McRuer draws from feminist, African American, Latino/a cultural theories, film studies, and more. The book offers critical perspectives on the Sharon Kowalski story, Bob Flanagan’s performance art, and critiques of mainstream representations like Bravo TV’s Queer Eye. McRuer examines how disability and queerness disrupt and reshape dominant bodily and sexual identities, advocating for alternative possibilities in cultural and historical inquiry.
“The Stonewall Reader” by Edmund White
The Stonewall Reader, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, is an anthology capturing the LGBTQ rights struggle in the 1960s. Curated from the New York Public Library’s archives, it features firsthand accounts, diaries, and articles, spotlighting key activists like Sylvia Rivera. Recognized with the Randy Shilts Award and praised by Tor.com and Harper’s Bazaar, the anthology delves into the pivotal events of 1969 and the surrounding decade. Edited by Jason Baumann, it aligns with the NYPL exhibition on the Stonewall uprising.
“Don’t Call Us Dead” by Danez Smith
“Don’t Call Us Dead” by Danez Smith is a punch to the gut, a poem-filled scream against racism, homophobia, and the ever-present threat of violence. It’s a love letter to Black bodies, a celebration of queer joy, and a lament for lives lost. Smith’s words are raw, honest, and sometimes brutal, painting vivid pictures of pain and resilience. He doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, tackling police brutality, HIV, and the complexities of desire. But amidst the darkness, there’s hope and beauty, a testament to the power of community and the fight for survival. This book isn’t just for reading, it’s for feeling, for questioning, and for demanding change.
