Reads and Resources for Pride Month

June 1, 2022

We celebrate Pride Month in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that occurred in 1969. These events were a tipping point that spurred awareness, activism, and an ongoing pursuit for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is recognized and celebrated around the world. The suggestion to call the movement “Pride” came from activist L. Craig Schoonmaker.

“A lot of people were very repressed, they were conflicted internally, and didn’t know how to come out and be proud. That’s how the movement was most useful because they thought, ‘maybe I should be Proud,’” Schoonmaker said.

Pride Month is celebrated with colorful parades, festivals, and events. While it is impossible to encompass every identity in the following selection of books and movies, through the Library’s vast collection, one can explore a wide world of different voices.

Books

Changing Times: Almanac and Digest of Kansas City’s LGBTQIA History by David W. Jackson – In 1966, three years before the Stonewall Riots, representatives from more than a dozen different organizations gathered in Kansas City, joining hands to create the first nationwide coalition of lesbian and gay rights activists. Attend one of Jackson’s upcoming programs at MCPL branches about Changing Times.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender – A powerful YA novel about a transgender teen grappling with self-discovery and identity while falling in love for the first time. (Stonewall Honor Book)
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel – Claude is five years old, loves wearing dresses, and dreams of being a princess. Claude’s parents want Claude to be whoever he wants to be. But the family isn’t ready to share it with the world. So, they keep Claude’s secret until one day, it breaks free.
The Gods of Tango by Carolina De Robertis – In 1913, 17-year-old Leda leaves her home to move halfway across the world to Argentina. But when she arrives in Buenos Aires, she learns that the man she was meant to marry has been killed. Not wanting to return home, she moves into a commune and begins a journey of discovery and authenticity.

Movies

Pride – LGBTQ+ activists from London travel to Wales to support the Welsh miners on strike during the summer of 1984. (Based on a true story)
Milk – The life-changing story of Harvey Milk, who, after moving to San Francisco, became a gay rights activist and politician. His election in 1977 made him the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States. (Biographical)
Rocketman – The story of Elton John’s rise to stardom and taking his place as one of the biggest names in the music industry. (Biographic/Musical)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Based on one of New York’s longest running musicals, this film follows the story of a glam-rocker on a journey to find stardom, and of course, love! (Musical)