We believe that storytelling has the power to build awareness and empathy, which are both vital components of violence prevention.
During #Pride2021, we have worked to amplify stories and experiences from members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The month may be coming to a close, but we want to keep the conversation going.
Here are eight memoirs in celebration of pride to read between now and next June.
1. “Untamed,” by Glennon Doyle
“You are here to decide if your life, relationships and world are true and beautiful enough for you. And if they are not and you dare to admit they are not, you must decide if you have the guts, the right - perhaps even the duty - to burn to the ground that which is not true and beautiful enough and get started building what is.”
Motivational speaker Glennon Doyle tells the story of divorcing her husband, coming out to her family, and falling in love with Olympic soccer player Abby Wambach.
2. “Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs,” by Jennifer Finney Boylan
New York Times columnist Jennifer Finney Boylan writes about her gender transition through her relationships with seven wonderful dogs who were each with during her most pivotal moments.
3. “Save Yourself,” by Cameron Esposito
“How did your parents take it?” is an annoying question. It centers straight experience of queerness and someone else’s disappointment instead of my joy.”
With her trademark humor, standup comic and actress Cameron Esposito tackles sexuality, gender, and equality in a memoir about growing up gay in a devout Catholic home.
4. “Something That May Shock and Discredit You,” by Daniel M. Lavery (as Daniel Mallory Ortberg)
This riveting collocation of essays by Daniel Mallory Ortberg, co-founder of feminist literary site The Toast and advice columnist for Slate, explores his sense of self and living life as a transgender man.
5. “The Other Side of Paradise,” by Staceyann Chin
In her gut-wrenching memoir about growing up in Jamaica, Stacyann Chin describes growing up in Jamaica, and shares the pain of trying to find her place in a world where she never felt wanted.
6. “I'm Just a Person,” by Tig Notaro
“I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny—and possibly very uncomfortable—step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.”
Hilarious and thought-provoking comedian Tig Notaro writes about illness, death, and resilience.
7. “Every Step You Take: A Memoir,” by Jock Soto
World famous dancer Jock Soto explores his roots as the gay son of a Puerto Rican-Navajo couple and describes his life on stage.
8. "Sister Outsider," by Audre Lorde
“Black and Third World people are expected to educate white people as to our humanity. Women are expected to educate men. Lesbians and gay men are expected to educate the heterosexual world. The oppressors maintain their position and evade their responsibility for their own actions."
In this unparalleled collection of essays on social change, feminist writer Audre Lorde takes on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class.
What books do you recommend for Pride and beyond?
