Books Like...

'The Deviant's War' by Eric Cervini is a gripping account of the early history of LGBTQ advocacy in the United States, focusing on the life and struggles of Frank Kameny. The book delves into the battles faced by Kameny and the LGBTQ community, highlighting the challenges, activism, and spirit of the movement during a tumultuous period. Through engaging prose, the author brings to light the injustices, discrimination, and courage of those who fought for equality, providing a detailed narrative of a pivotal era in LGBTQ history.

The narrative not only captures the personal journey of Kameny but also intertwines it with the broader context of societal and political events, such as the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and the Red Scare. By exploring Kameny's fight against discrimination and his advocacy for LGBTQ rights, the book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history, offering valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of the early Gay Liberation movement.

'Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States' by Samantha Allen is a memoir and reportage that takes readers on a journey through various red states in America, highlighting the stories of queer individuals who have carved out spaces for themselves in conservative regions. The author, a queer person herself, explores the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ communities in red states, shedding light on their experiences, activism, and resilience. Through personal anecdotes and interviews with local activists and community members, Allen paints a vivid picture of the challenges and progress within these communities, offering a unique perspective on queer life outside of traditional urban hubs.

The book combines travel journalism with political activism, offering a blend of memoir moments and in-depth exploration of queer culture in the cities and states visited by the author. Allen's writing style is warm and inviting, full of vulnerability and perspective, as she delves into the complexities of identity, geographical belonging, and the fight for LGBTQ rights in hostile environments. Through heartfelt storytelling and nuanced observations, 'Real Queer America' celebrates the courage and resilience of queer individuals in red states, challenging stereotypes and inspiring readers to rethink their perceptions of LGBTQ life in America.

'Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression' by Iris Gottlieb is an educational and comprehensive guide that explores topics related to gender, identity, sexuality, and intersectionality. Through colorful illustrations and engaging writing, the author covers a wide range of subjects including queer history, BIPOC communities, social issues, and personal anecdotes. is praised for its ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to learn beyond traditional gender norms.

With a focus on inclusivity and understanding, 'Seeing Gender' delves into historical and personal narratives to provoke thought and discussion on gender structures and LGBTQ+ issues. is not only informative but also thought-provoking, humorous, and visually captivating, making it a perfect tool for those seeking to educate themselves or others on diverse identities and expressions.

'Transgender History' by Susan Stryker is a comprehensive account of the history of transgender activism in the United States. It delves into the relationships between various groups such as drag, gay, and feminist communities and how they interact with the transgender community. The book provides insights into the struggles and advancements of transgender rights movements, shedding light on the complexities involved in supporting trans rights. Susan Stryker presents historical information about transgender life and gender pioneers from the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a framework for transgender feminism.

A Black Women's History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry is a rich and insightful exploration of the history of Black women in America, spanning from 1619 to the present day. The book sheds light on stories that are often overlooked or not taught in traditional education, providing a deep dive into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African American women and their enslaved ancestors. The writing style is dense and fascinating, offering an expansive knowledge of history with abundant political and social context for each time period covered.

The book challenges the inadequacies of American public education in teaching Black history, especially the stories of Black women. It is described as a gem that everyone can benefit from reading, offering a different perspective on American history through the lens of Black women's experiences. Readers are left with a clear understanding of the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Black women throughout history, inspiring a deeper appreciation and awareness of their impact on shaping America.

Asian American Histories of the United States by Catherine Ceniza Choy offers a broad and engaging exploration of Asian American history. It challenges the conventional chronological format, instead presenting chapters that act like interconnected stars in a constellation, illuminating the diverse experiences of various Asian groups. The book includes personal stories and vignettes, enhancing its emotional depth and making it relatable for a wide audience. The setting of the book begins with recent events, like the rise in anti-Asian violence during COVID-19, and proceeds to unpack historical experiences across decades, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Asian American contributions that have often been overlooked or erased from the mainstream narrative.

Choy's writing style is accessible and engaging, pulling together complex concepts into an easy-to-read format. It's suitable for both newcomers to Asian American history and those familiar with the subject. The author includes empowering stories that reflect resilience and community, making it a source of hope despite addressing darker historical aspects. While the book contains valuable stories and facts, some readers noted minor structural issues. Overall, it's a recommended read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Asian American histories and their integral role in shaping the United States.

"Female Husbands: A Trans History" by Jen Manion reveals the lives of female husbands—people assigned female who lived as men and married women—over centuries, spanning from the colonial era to just before World War I. The book combines personal stories with broader social and political contexts, highlighting both the challenges and freedoms experienced by these queer pioneers. It addresses the complexities of gender and sexual expression, as well as the often violent reactions to those who defied societal norms.

The writing style is accessible, making it easy to read despite the serious topics it covers. Manion carefully avoids applying modern identities to historical figures, which can be both enlightening and challenging. While the book may read like an academic history at times, it provides crucial insights into LGBTQ past and the language that surrounds it. Overall, it’s an informative, engaging, and groundbreaking work that sheds light on a vital part of trans history.

David Carter's 'Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution' is a dense history detailing the 6-day struggle of queer people in New York in 1969. The book covers the events at the Stonewall Inn, a pivotal gay bar in Greenwich Village, and the riots that ensued following a police raid. Carter's writing style is rich in detail, providing accounts from multiple perspectives and portraying the environment and tensions of the era leading to the beginning of the gay liberation movement.

The book delves into the history of the Stonewall Inn, the unique social environment it offered to the LGBTQ community, and the significant role it played in the gay scene of the time. Carter meticulously researches the events surrounding the riots, shedding light on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ community in the 1960s and the lasting impact of the Stonewall riots on the fight for civil rights and liberation.

Who’s Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler presents a powerful critique of the anti-gender movement. The book discusses how misinformation and fear are used to attack gender studies and LGBTQ rights. Butler connects these anti-gender sentiments to broader issues like nationalism and fascism. Through their analysis, Butler highlights the importance of recognizing intersectionality and understanding the various systems of oppression that impact marginalized communities.

The writing style is a blend of accessibility and depth, making complex ideas relatable. Butler's prose invites readers to engage thoughtfully with important social topics. While some find the book dense, many appreciate its clear explanations of right-wing narratives and their impact on society. Butler’s engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of gender politics makes this work a vital resource for anyone interested in social justice and feminist literature.

'Gay New York' by George Chauncey provides a historical look at the gay lifestyle in the first few decades of the 1900s in NYC. The book delves into the open acceptance of the gay community and the challenges they faced, shedding light on the lives of gay men and women in a time when homosexuality was not openly embraced. Through detailed accounts of events like gay bar raids, drag balls, and relationships of notable figures, the author paints a vivid picture of the vibrant and evolving gay culture in New York City.

The book is praised for its dense yet engaging narrative, filled with well-researched facts and reflections on the historical context of LGBTQ life in America. Readers appreciate the thorough exploration of the struggles and triumphs of the gay community in a time when societal norms and laws were often discriminatory and oppressive.