Celebrating the LGBT Pride Month: Our Top 8 Picks for LGBTQ+ Reads

History of the Pride Month

June is a month of celebration, commemoration, and pride for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s when we honor the Stonewall riots that sparked the gay liberation movement in 1969, which led to the first Pride march in New York City.

Also known as the Stonewall Uprising, the Stonewall Riots started in the wee hours of June 28, 1969 in New York City when the police raided, without provocation, the Stonewall Inn, a gay club that served as a haven for the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Greenwich Village. The New York police forcibly dragged patrons and bar employees to the streets, sparking a riot. This led to six days of violet clashes between the police and gay supporters along Christopher street. This event was also later commemorated as the Christopher Street Liberation Day.

The Stonewall Riots is the tipping point which later  became the catalyst for the gay rights movement in the U.S. and around the globe.

Today, Pride marches, pride parades, and other LGBTQ pride month events are held in major cities worldwide as a symbol of hope and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. And what better way to celebrate Pride Month than by reading books about the LGBTQ+, some of which are written by authors who are part of the LGBT community?

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most inspiring LGBTQ+ literature out there so that you can join us in celebrating diversity this June!

Non-Fiction

Stonewall by Martin Duberman

“Stonewall” by Martin Duberman is a highly acclaimed book that delves into the history of the Stonewall uprising. The events in this book are what sparked the LGBT liberation movement and led to the first New York Pride parade.

The author does not shy away from describing graphic details about hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals and their struggle for equal rights. This raw and poignant story shows that progress has been made but there is still much work to be done towards acceptance and equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Overall, “Stonewall” is an important historical account that should be read by anyone interested in understanding where we came from as a society regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and human rights.

The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World by Alan Downs

“The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World” by Alan Downs is a powerful book that explores the challenges and struggles faced by gay men as they navigate their way through society. The book delves into topics such as shame, self-esteem, relationships, and addiction.

One of the most compelling aspects of “The Velvet Rage” is its ability to shed light on the emotional turmoil that many gay men experience in trying to fit into a straight world and meet societal expectations. This can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and low self-esteem which often manifest themselves in destructive behaviors like drug abuse or compulsive sexual behavior.

However, Downs offers hope for overcoming these challenges by providing practical advice based on his years of experience as a clinical psychologist working with gay men. He encourages readers to embrace their true selves and build healthy relationships while rejecting harmful societal norms.

Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt

“Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family” by Amy Ellis Nutt is a beautifully written and inspiring memoir that tells the story of a family’s struggle to accept their transgender daughter. This book sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender people, particularly in terms of discrimination and violence.

What makes “Becoming Nicole” stand out from other books on this topic is that it not only focuses on Nicole’s story but also highlights the efforts made by her parents to protect her rights and ensure she gets equal opportunities despite facing hate crimes in school.

Coming-of-Age

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman is a coming-of-age novel that explores the relationship between Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver, a graduate student who comes to stay at his family’s summer villa in Italy. The novel offers an intimate portrayal of first love and sexual exploration as Elio grapples with his feelings for Oliver.

The novel also tackles themes of identity and self-discovery as Elio navigates his burgeoning sexuality. He struggles to reconcile his desire for Oliver with societal expectations and internalized homophobia.

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

“Stone Butch Blues” by Leslie Feinberg is a powerful novel that tells the story of Jess Goldberg, a butch lesbian growing up in working-class New York during the 1950s and 1960s. The book explores themes of gender identity, sexual orientation, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Throughout the novel, we see Jess struggle to find her place in a society that doesn’t accept her for who she is. She faces violence and harassment from both the police and other members of her community because of her appearance and non-conforming gender expression.

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, Fun Home, is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of family dynamics and sexual identity. Through beautiful illustrations and introspective writing, Bechdel takes readers on a journey through her own life experiences growing up in a funeral home run by her father.

The book explores themes of coming-of-age, gender roles, and the complexities of familial relationships. Bechdel also delves into her sexuality as she comes to terms with being gay while navigating a conservative community.

One striking aspect of Fun Home is how it challenges traditional notions of what constitutes “normal” or “acceptable” behavior. By candidly portraying both herself and her family members as flawed individuals struggling with their issues, Bechdel opens up conversations about authenticity and self-acceptance.

Non-Fiction

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is a powerful novel that tells the story of Celie, an African American woman living in rural Georgia during the early 1900s. The book explores themes such as racism, sexism, and domestic violence.

Through Celie’s experiences, we see how she overcomes hardship and finds strength in herself and her relationships with other women. One of the most poignant aspects of the novel is its portrayal of lesbian love between Celie and her friend Shug Avery.

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is a novel that explores themes of sexual diversity and gender identity. The story follows the journey of Nancy Astley, a young woman who falls in love with Kitty Butler, a male impersonator performer. Their passionate romance takes them through various ups and downs as they navigate societal expectations and their desires.

Waters’ writing style immerses readers in Victorian England, where same-sex relationships were considered taboo and punishable by law. Through vivid imagery and complex characters, Tipping the Velvet offers insight into the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during this period.

Celebrating Diversity Through LGBTQ+ Literature

As we come to the end of this article, let us take a moment to reflect on what Pride Month means. It is not just about parades and parties; it is about celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. One way we can do that is by supporting LGBTQ+ authors through reading their stories.

Let’s continue to learn more about sexual orientation, gender identity, and other aspects of sexual diversity through literature. By doing so, we can raise awareness around issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community around the globe while finding inspiration in their journeys towards greater equality. Happy Pride Month!