Off the Shelf: Why Pride Matters
Posted June 5, 2024
By K. May
Customer Service Assistant, Liberty Library
In December of 1924, the first known gay rights organization, The Society for Human Rights, was founded by activist Henry Gerber.
Now, 100 years later, why do we dedicate a whole month to the celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride? The answer to that is simple: it still isn’t safe to be gay. Members of the community and their allies spend the month of June spreading awareness of the systemic and immediate dangers that they face on a daily basis.
Pride Month is a celebration of differences and identity as much as a protest against inequality and prejudice. Check out these books to gain some helpful perspective on the history and importance of Pride.
For Adults |
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The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk
An account of the gay rights movement from the 1960s to now through the voices of leaders, activists, and witnesses to the battles faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. |
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Raised by Unicorns: Stories from People with LGBTQ+ Parents; edited by Frank Lowe
This anthology shares stories from a broad spectrum of individuals who were raised in LGBTQ+ families and the love they’ve shared in spite of difficulties. |
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For Teens |
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All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
Journalist and activist George M. Johnson looks back at his journey of growth and the struggles he faced growing up Black and queer. |
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Pride: The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A Photographic Journey by Christopher Measom Take a look at this photographic commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising and to the LGBTQ+ Pride movement. |
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What’s the T? The Guide to All Things Trans and/or Nonbinary by Juno Dawson Explore this illustrated guide to the realities of being a transgender and/or nonbinary person, written for teens by the author of This Book Is Gay. |
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For Children |
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Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders by Sarah Prager; illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday Real stories introducing young readers to 14 important leaders in the LGBTQ+ community, including activist X González and poet Sappho. |
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Love Without Bounds : An IntersectionAllies Book about Families by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi; illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith A colorful resource for kids that teaches about the love families share no matter what form that family takes. |
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