LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer) Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June. Originally celebrated as "Gay Pride Day" the last Sunday in June, the day-long event grew to encompass an entire month of parades, picnics, workshops, concerts and other events celebrated by millions of people around the world. Saint Louis PrideFest is one of the many events celebrated during Pride Month. (Though the event has been rescheduled for August 15th & 16th 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.)
The Entertainment, Literature & Biography department houses LGBTQ biographies, poetry, plays, as well as books representing the LGBTQ community in the performing arts and sports. Check out some of the new(er) releases and celebrate Pride in literature:
Throughout his life, Saeed Jones has been painfully aware of how racism and homophobia penetrate American life, and of the potential consequences of being an openly gay black man. How We Fight for Our Lives touches on familial drama and racial violence yet finds room to celebrate the small but remarkable moments in life. Jones, an award-winning poet, writes in a fresh and powerful style that mesmerizes the reader through the very end.
From the bestselling author of She's Not There, Good Boy is the story of how a young boy became a woman through various critical moments of growth. During these periods of development, her beloved dogs were at her side. Boylan explores the concept of unconditional love and gives encouragement to others wrestling with their on sense of self.
With aspirations to become a priest, Cameron Esposito ultimately found her niche in stand-up comedy. Save Yourself is full of appreciable anecdotes: from wearing an eye patch and sporting a bowl cut as a kid, to coming out at her conservative Catholic college. Readers will find humorous, heartening and relatable stories in Esposito's new memoir.
For more LGBTQ biographies and memoirs, check out the list below: