An LGBTQIA+ reading list (part 2).
This is a book that I have had on my birthday and Christmas list since last year. I am hoping this year someone gets me this book. It looks at what it means to be transgender as both authors are trans, who share their own experiences. There is also advice from advocates, activists and allies. This books is one that proudly acknowledges and accepts all gender identities - man, woman, transgender, cisgender and non-binary.
2: Gender Trouble (1990) by Judith Butler.
Gender Trouble is a book I first encountered while at university. I unfortunately never got round to reading it all while I was there but I always said one day I would buy it for myself. What Butler does here, is she questions gender and argues that it is performative. Her book is informative, thought-provoking and deserves to be read.
3: Pageboy (2023) by Elliott Page.
Canadian actor, producer, director and activist Elliott Page came out with his memoir aptly named Pageboy. His memoir recounts moments that have happened in his life and what being transgender has meant to him.
4: Being Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality (2022) by Julia Shaw.
Here is a book that I came across back in April of this year. I decided I wanted it and said I would put it on my birthday list for someone to get me. I am blessed to get my wish. I cannot wait to unwrap it for my birthday and to be able to read it. For some reasons I always find out ONE of my birthday presents each year. No, not by my choice either!
Now this book here dives deep into what it means to be someone a part of the biggest sexual minority - bi. To me, I consider bi as in bisexual and biromantic. I also see bi+ as being an encompassing term that includes panromantic, pansexual, omniromantic, omnisexual, polyromantic and polysexual. My two posts on LGBTQIA+ from last month can clarify any valid identities here that you are unsure of.
5: The Transgender Issue (2021) by Shon Faye.
Author Shon Faye's book here is a look at what it means to be trans in a transphobic society and how justice for trans people can also be a win for others. It is calling out for change and emphasisng how trans people should get a voice. As opposed to be nothing more than being talked about. I think this is key in society because trans people (along with other groups in society) are being used as scapegoats for the real issue in society. I do not have this book yet as I only recently found out about it so I will be adding it to my birthday list.
6: Talk to Me (2025) by Munroe Bergdorf.
Model and activist Munroe Bergdorf recently came out with her new book Talk to me which is a confident discussion of topics ranging from cancel culture to beauty standards to gender identity and more. Again this is another book that I want more for my birthday, if not Christmas.
Munroe Bergdorf also has a new film due for release soon, called Love and Rage. I would love to see it in the cinema when it does come out.
7: Mr Loverman (2013) by Bernardine Evaristo.
Bernardine Evaristo's Mr Loverman unravels the story of seventy-four year old Antiguan born and bred Barry who's marriage falls apart all the while he has been having a secret love affair with his friend Morris. Even if his wife Carmel suspects him of cheating on her, little does she know it is with a man. Now I started reading this but never got round to finishing it. One day I am sure I will. There is also a television series starring Sharon D. Clarke (among others) who is one of my favourite actresses. She was in Holby City as the impressive Lola Griffin and as lovely nurse Grace in Doctor Who. There are others I like a lot too such as Sharlene Whyte and Tahj Miles.
8: Gender Games (2017) by Juno Dawson.
Author Juno Dawson's Gender Games details her story from before she transitioned, to after. It analyses feminism and femininity, looking at at society views these two things. I quite lucky to attend an event once where they Juno Dawson was a host of. I think she's incredible and she has even written a Doctor Who episode so there!
P.S: Doctor Who is cool.
9: Beyond the Gender Binary (2020) by Alok Vaid-Menon.
I discovered gender non-conforming writer and performer Alok Vaid-Menon when I came across their book Beyond the Gender Binary online. I also saw that Bimini had referenced them and mentioned Alok's book in their book Release the Beast (2021).
Beyond the Gender Binary takes readers to challenge this idea that gender is a simple male/female and that's that. Gender is not as clear cut as that and that's what Vaid-Menon does here.
10: The Queer Art of Failure (2011) by Jack Halberstam.
Jack Halberstam's The Queer Art of Failure gives criticism to heteronormativity and the Patriarchy. Halberstam looks at alternatives and how things can change. This is something I like to consider myself.
I hope something on my list here piques your interest.
Until next time,
Thomas.
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