Written by Gabrielle Collantes

As most of us know, June is Pride Month and with that comes the annual surge of rainbow flags, historic highlights, parades, and numerous companies changing their logos in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m fortunate to have lived and worked in the #1 most diverse city in the country; my “gaydar” at one point was well refined. Thankfully, my alma mater prepared me with countless years of studying feminist, gender, queer and gay theory (s/o to NYU). One day, I felt ready to tackle the world with all my knowledge and bravely ventured out to my local gay bar. Getting hit on by fellow females felt empowering, like the proper boost of confidence one needs post breakup. But ultimately, I am merely an outsider looking in, an ally if you will. 

To be immersed in a world or culture where one can completely be their authentic selves, a come-as-you-are, all-are-welcome and safe place – not sure if this utopian place exists out there. For me, it’s in books. For others, it’s the communities they’re members of. For some, it’s an adults only all-inclusive resort vacation on a private beach. The LGBTQ+ community has vastly changed and made progress is some areas, but is still lacking in others (i.e. healthcare and reproductive rights). To keep up with these changes, I’ve had to re-read some academic texts and dissertations, but to fully understand, I’ve gone back to the basics – voices from actual people sharing their stories and their truth. It’s easy to want to place people in our version of “boxes” or spaces where they fit in our respective minds. But there are numerous possibilities within the LGBTQ+ sphere. I’m talking about more than your stereotypical gays, twinks, cubs, bears, chapsticks, butch, cis-gender, transgender, etc. There is more complexity or layers. Here is a collection of reads to start growing past our own intolerances and false beliefs, to foster an accepting space that starts with ourselves. 

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong 

There are not enough beautiful words that could be said about this book, a cross-mix between familial piety and personal memoir mixed with verse. Vuong is one of the most eloquent and thoughtful authors I’ve ever come across. Retelling a series of letters to his Vietnamese mother, Little Dog explores concepts of race, masculinity, love, and lust. This one will give you all the feels, a story that stayed with me long after the pages were done. 

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

Boy, girl, neither? Don’t discount YA books, there is much to learn here regarding gender fluidity. Plus, I’ve always been intrigued by individuals who can encompass both male and female features beautifully (queue in Hunter Schafer and Ezra Miller). Riley Cavanaugh is living through both genders with classic teenage angst, additionally his high-profile political parents aren’t helping. Coming to find acceptance against gender binary norms, Riley finds the support he needs in non-typical ways.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

As the name states, this book is about undoing a transition. This complex story involving a cisgender couple Reese and Ames, becoming all the more interesting as a third individual enters the mix. Written in past and present tense, the character development, pop culture, shade, infidelity, humor, and sarcastic “reads” are all here. With true wit, Peters highlights some of the struggles that face the transgender community. 

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

A raw memoir in the most unique way, this story highlights Machado’s abusive same sex relationship. It is heavy in the truest sense, sad to say exhausting in others. One of the books I had to power through and dreaded its continuation at times. Although uncomfortable, I believe this is important because many times we enter books with the hopes of a wrapped up and palatable story and forgo unpleasantries but it’s a realistic view of relationships. You’ll be happy when it ends, but happier to read how Machado supersedes this toxic abusive cycle. 

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi 

A murder mystery that builds suspense as each chapter unfolds. Set in Nigeria, Vivek has always been a quiet outsider living his life in secrecy. This book uncovers the family relationships that are too risky to be shared openly. It is a focused narrative about Vivek told by those closest to him, after his departure. A unique story one which punches you in the gut but unforgettable, nonetheless.

Moving beyond Pride Month, let’s make it a point to continually keep learning, this selection is merely a place to start understanding that the LGBTQ+ community is more than coming out stories. Instead, it’s a place of lived truths, hardships and history that go beyond the rainbow flag.