June is known as National Pride Month in the United States. It’s a time when the LGBTQ+ community celebrates its unique and amazing people. What better way to join the celebration than with some great books? Here are some hopeful reads to make this year’s pride the best by far.
Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by Samantha Allen
In this riveting travel book, Allen traverses the Bible Belt and Deep South, regions usually associated with prejudice and narrow-mindedness, to find thriving queer communities. It’s a read full of hope and inspiration to fight for equality for all across the nation.
A People’s History of Heaven by Mathangi Subramanian
Subramanian’s novel features a community of mostly women living in a slum between high rises who have been ousted by the men in their lives. When the government leaves them to fend for themselves and a construction company wants to bulldoze their neighborhood, they band together to fight back for their home. It’s a story of found family and joy found in strife.
Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy
For a fun and exciting adventure featuring an LGBT protagonist, take a look at this young adult reimagining of the famous King Arthur tale. Set in the future in outer space, this novel promises to give readers a heart-pounding story that will keep them turning the pages.
Birthday by Meredith Russo
The protagonists, Morgan and Eric, were born on the same day at the same time, bringing them together as they go through the trials of growing up. Throughout the novel, readers see the characters each year on their birthday as they approach adulthood at 18 and discover who they are.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Vuong explores race, immigration, class, and masculinity in America in this breathtaking debut novel. The story discusses the intersectionality of identity and maintaining one’s truth while learning to heal and help others. Its poetic form and language make this a must-read novel for Pride Month 2019.
In at the Deep End by Kate Davies
If Bridget Jones discovered she was a lesbian, this is the story that would ensue. The main character Julia comes to the realization that she isn’t attracted to men at all after she’s invited to a warehouse party in a different part of town. From that night on, she finds a community to start living her best life and embracing her sexuality.
We Are Everywhere: Protest, Power, and Pride In The History of Queer Liberation by Leighton Brown & Matthew Riemer
This researched art book, with stunning images and a rich narrative, tells the history of the LGBTQ+ community just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It contains work from some of the best-known queer photographers, as well as pieces from unnamed activists, making for a truly lively historical read.
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