Biography and memoir

First, dip into a biography with Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline (Tiny Rep Books, $30), a nice look at an icon who, rumor has it, threw the brick that started a revolution. It’s a lively tale about her life and her activism before Stonewall and afterward. Reading this interesting and highly researched history is a great way to launch your Pride Month.

For the reader who can’t live without music, try The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman by Niko Stratis (University of Texas Press, $27.95), the story of being Trans, searching for your place in the world, and finding it in a certain comfortable genre of music.

Also look for The Lonely Veteran’s Guide to Companionship by Bronson Lemer (University of Wisconsin Press, $19.95), a collection of essays that make up a memoir of being queer, basic training, teaching overseas, influential books, and life.

If you still have room for one more memoir, try Walk Like a Girl by Prabal Gurung (Viking, $32.00). It’s the story of one Queer boy’s childhood in India and Nepal, and the intolerance he experienced, which caused him to dream of New York and the life he imagined there. As you can imagine, dreams and reality collided, but nonetheless Gurung stayed, persevered, and eventually became an award-winning fashion designer, highly sought after by fashion icons and lovers of haute couture. This is an inspiring tale that you shouldn’t miss.

History

No Pride celebration is complete without a history book or two.

In Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett ($24.99, Candlewick Press), you’ll see that being Trans is something that’s as old as humanity. One nice part about this book: it’s in graphic novel form, so it’s lighter to read but still informative.

Lastly, try So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro De Robertis (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, $32.00), a collection of thoughts, observations, and truths from over a dozen people. As an “oral history,” you’ll be glad to know that each page is full of mini-segments you can dip into anywhere, read from cover to cover, double-back, and read again. It’s that kind of book.

You probably don’t need to be told that harassment and discrimination was a daily occurrence for Gay people in the past (as now!), but American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives by Robert W. Fieseler (Dutton, $34) tells a story that runs deeper than you may know. Here, you’ll read a historical exposé with documented, newly released evidence of a systemic effort to ruin the lives of two groups of people that were perceived as a threat to a legislature full of white men. Prepared to be shocked, that’s all you need to know.

You’ll also want to read the story inside The Many Passions of Michael Hardwick: Sex and the Supreme Court in the Age of AIDS by Martin Padgett (W.W. Norton & Company, $31.99), which sounds like a novel, but it’s not. It’s the story of one man’s fight for a basic right as the AIDS crisis swirled in and out of American Gay life and law. Hint: this book isn’t just old history, and it’s not just for Gay men.

Okay, maybe you’re ready for some fun — and who doesn’t like a movie? You know you do, so you’ll want Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness by Michael Koresky (Bloomsbury, $29.99). It’s a great look at the Hays Code and what it allowed audiences to see, but it’s also about the classics that sneaked past the code. There are actors, of course, in here, but also directors, writers, and other Hollywood characters you may recognize. Grab the popcorn and settle in.

For younger readers

If you have kids in your life, they’ll want to know more about Pride, and you’ll want to look for Pride: Celebrations & Festivals by Eric Huang, illustrated by Amy Phelps (Quarto, $14.99), a story of inclusion that ends in a nice fat section of history and explanation, great for kids aged 7–14.

Also find Are You a Friend of Dorothy? The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped Shape by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings (Simon & Schuster, $19.99), a lively book about a not-often-told secret for kids aged 6–10; and Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor (Philomel, $19.99), a sweet family tale for kids aged 3–5.

Finally, here’s a book that your tween can enjoy too: Queer Heroes by Arabelle Sicardi, illustrated by Sarah Tanat-Jones (Wide Eyed, $14.99), a series of quick-to-read biographies of people you should know about.

And if these books aren’t enough, if they don’t quite fit what you crave now, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian for help. There are literally tens of thousands of books that are perfect for Pride Month and beyond. They’ll be able to determine what you’re looking for, and they’ll put it directly in your hands. So stand up, march, and then sit and read!

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