By Kevin Takasato, Circulation and Reserves Dept., Quinn Library

When RuPaul opens the library and declares that “reading is fundamental,” you know you’re in for some sharp-tongued critiques filled with clever wordplay and sly insults. But there’s no “shade” to be thrown at our new LGBTQ+ book display– just pride, representation, and plenty to celebrate.

In line with the Libraries Transform initiative by the American Library Association, our display reminds us that books show us every color of the rainbow, offering a window into the many facets of LGBTQ+ lives, struggles, and triumphs.

Whether you’re new to queer literature or a long-time fan, this collection has something for everyone– memoirs, novels, poetry, and classic cinema that reflect the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Featured LGBTQ+ Books

Recent winners of the Lambda Literary Awards are showcased and offer a broad range of perspectives on love, identity, history, and culture. Here are some of the featured titles:

1. Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives by Amelia Possanza
   A powerful exploration of queer history through personal narratives and the archives that preserve them. This memoir provides a unique perspective on lesbian love and the importance of documenting our stories.
2. Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Huw Lemmey and Ben Miller
   A provocative, darkly humorous look at the history of LGBTQ+ figures whose actions were less than admirable. This book challenges traditional narratives and offers an alternative view of gay history.
3. Miss Major Speaks: Conversations with a Black Trans Revolutionary by Toshio Meronek and Miss Major
   An intimate and illuminating conversation with Miss Major, one of the most important figures in the trans rights movement. Her story is a testament to resilience, activism, and the power of community.
4. Tweakerworld: A Memoir by Jason Yamas
   In this raw, personal memoir, Yamas recounts his experience in the underground world of meth addiction and queer identity, blending personal history with larger social themes.
5. Creep: Accusations and Confessions by Myriam Gurba
   A sharp, insightful book of essays that examines the intersections of sexuality, race, and trauma, through the lens of Gurba’s lived experiences as a queer woman of color.
6. Hi Honey, I’m Homo!: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture by Matt Baume
   This book takes a deep dive into the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in American sitcoms, looking at how television has both reflected and shaped queer culture over the years.
7. Wild Geese by Soula Emmanuel
   A poetic, heart-wrenching narrative about love, loss, and the search for belonging in a world that often marginalizes queer identities.
8. Rainbow Milk: A Novel by Paul Mendez
   This debut novel weaves together themes of family, sexuality, and race, telling the story of a young man coming to terms with his identity in both his personal and professional life.
9. You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
   A historical romance novel with witty dialogue, strong chemistry, and an unapologetically queer lens on love and life in Regency England.
10. Dance with Me by Georgia Beers
    A heartwarming romance that highlights the struggles and triumphs of queer women in love. A beautiful tale of self-discovery and finding happiness with the right person.
11. Desire Museum by Danielle Cadena Deulen
    A collection of poetry that delves into the complexities of queer identity, love, and desire, with a sharp, thought-provoking voice.
12. Natural Beauty: A Novel by Ling Ling Huang
    A novel about beauty standards, identity, and the challenges of being an immigrant in a world that demands conformity, with a deeply queer and feminist perspective.
13. The Perfect Bastard: Poems by Quinn Carver Johnson
    An unapologetic collection of poems that explores the intersections of love, identity, and self-doubt, offering a fresh and poignant take on queer experience.
14. Hood Vacations by Michael “MJ” Jones
    A memoir that blends narrative, poetry, and personal reflection to explore the experience of growing up queer in a predominantly Black, working-class neighborhood.
15. Biography of X: A Novel by Catherine Lacey
    A fascinating exploration of identity and memory, this novel asks readers to question what we really know about ourselves and the people around us.
16. Trace Evidence: Poems by Charif Shanahan
    This collection beautifully captures themes of love, longing, and displacement, with a keen eye for both the personal and the universal.
17. Family Meal: A Novel by Bryan Washington
    A touching, multigenerational story about the intersection of family, food, and queer identity, examining relationships in a post-gay-marriage world.

LGBTQ+ Classic & Iconic Literature 

Dusted off from deep in the stacks of QuinnX, Fordham’s collection of classic LGBTQ+ literature has stood the test of time and remains essential reading for anyone interested in queer stories:

• Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima
• The Swimming-Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst
• The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
• Dancer from the Dance: A Novel by Andrew Holleran
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• City Boy: My Life in New York During the 1960s and ‘70s by Edmund White
• Death in Venice and Other Tales by Thomas Mann
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
• The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
• Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
• Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
• Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman

And finally, our LGBTQ+ DVD collection includes a mix of celebrated films, documentaries, and indie gems that have shaped the queer cinematic landscape. Here are a few highlights:

1. Angels in America
2. The Times of Harvey Milk
3. Company
4. My Beautiful Laundrette
5. Moonlight
6. Go Fish
7. The Birdcage
8. Brokeback Mountain
9. My Own Private Idaho
10. Maurice

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, entertainment, or an understanding of LGBTQ+ history and culture, our collection offers something for everyone. From queer classics to contemporary voices, our books and films are here to help you see the world in all its colorful, vibrant hues. Come celebrate Pride with us, and remember, libraries are places where every identity, every story, and every color of the rainbow is welcome. No shade here!