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LGBT History Month

LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of prominent figures in published media, sports, entertainment, activism, and politics. Each day of October represents a specific person that has made progress and given visibility to the community in an attempt to make the world to be a more inclusive, positive, and equal, or, in some cases, they simply made someone’s life a little happier.

Detailed information about each person can be found on the official website lgbthistorymonth.com, and you can deep dive with several offerings from the Temple Public Library in all formats. Below are works that are about or written by some of the notable people on the list. 

Far from the Tree: how children and their parents learn to accept one another ... our differences unite us (2017) by Andrew Solomon
This book encompasses many ways to bridge the gaps that come with parenting – all the differences that you may experience from your child brings you closer. This book focuses on many topics, LGBT included. Understanding your family and each person’s unique life experience is a lesson in compassion. 

From Cradle to Stage: stories from the mothers who rocked and raised rock stars (2017) by Virginia Grohl
This book is an essay collection full of love from many famous musician’s closest people and first fan – their mothers. REM’s Michael Stipe is featured alongside his mom Marianne Stipe. Michael Stipe is one of the 31 icons that will be celebrated this month for being one of the few public figures in the 1990’s to contend with being queer. He says, “[being queer is] a state of mind brought about by an understanding: it is understanding difference, accepting your own truth, desire and identity, and lovely, lovely choice.” It isn’t without his mother’s love and unwavering support that it was possible. The book is a great choice for music fans of all genres.

How y'all doing?: misadventures and mischief from a life well lived (2021) by Leslie Jordan (Book / Audiobook) 
“I think our dreams are what sustain us in hard times. Dreams are what keep us childlike. I love that they can grow and expand as we grow and expand.” – Leslie Jordan
A wise insight tucked away in a charming, quirky memoir full of stories that spans generations. 

The Chiffon Trenches: a memoir (2020) by Andre Leon Talley
The last 50 years of fashion, including the rise of pop art icon Andy Warhol, to the inner working of Vogue magazine are chronicled in this book. Andre Leon Talley has made a name for himself in New York City, when there was a time in the American south that seemed impossible. Overcoming racism and homophobia, the late Talley paved the way for those who wish to follow in his footsteps. Fabulous footsteps. He believed that creating opportunities was important, and he led with love. 

Believe Me: a memoir of love, death, and jazz chickens (2017) by Eddie Izzard
This larger-than-life author’s goal in writing their memoir was to bring humility and a well-rounded element to how she is known. Eddie’s fanbase and work of art transcends age, gender, and race, meaning that this book is to be read far and wide. Izzard’s goal is to add to the human existence. 

Bad Feminist: essays (2015) By Roxane Gay 
Roxane Gay is a prolific author that represents many intersectionalities that are so important to the civil rights movement. Her work that is also available at the library includes: Difficult Women, An Untamed State, Hunger; as well as graphic novel works and a contribution to “The Power Book” which teaches young minds all about power, the history, and how to shape it as your own.

In My Skin: my life on and off the basketball court (2014) by Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner rose to local fame as a Lady Bear basketball player for Baylor University. The accomplished Olympian athlete and WNBA player is also an author and an LGBT activist that shows girls how far they can go and what they can achieve by embracing their authentic selves.

These few stories that you see here are just a handful of many that have shaped LGBT visibility in America, by spreading awareness, fighting for equality and acceptance. For further reading, here are more topics regarding LGBT history. All these books listed can be found on the second floor of the library.

by Shawna Sullivan, Library Specialist 

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