May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia—a day which serves as a reminder for how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go in the fight for LGBTQ2+ rights, freedoms, and equality. To mark this day, we’ve put together a list of books that highlight the stories, activism, and artistic expression of the vibrant LGBTQ2+ community in Canada and beyond.
Breaking Boundaries: LGBTQ2 Writers on Coming Out and Into Canada edited by Lori Shywdky (Rebel Mountain Press)
Bringing together multiple voices from many different authors, this touching and deeply personal anthology gives life to the LGBTQ2+ experience. These selections discuss the good and the bad, the past and the future, and everything in between in a poignant look into what it means to be LGBTQ2+ in Canada.
Out of the Woods: Nature, Sexuality, and Faith in the Forest by Luke Turner (Greystone Books)
Set against the backdrop of a sprawling urban forest in London, this thoughtful and unique memoir exemplifies the journey to self-expression and self-acceptance—a journey that is very familiar and very personal to many LGBTQ2+ folks. Only by escaping the constraints of society does the author, Luke Turner, eventually find harmony and acceptance within himself.
The Care We Dream Of edited by Zena Sharman (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Medicine has a long history of using harmful and discriminatory practices against marginalized groups, and even today, members of the LGBTQ2+ community find that access to appropriate, compassionate, and judgement-free medical care can be difficult to find. The Care We Dream Of (available October 5) engages with the possibilities of inclusive medical care for LGBTQ2+ folk in a not so distant future.
Riley Can’t Stop Crying by Stéphanie Boulay (Orca Book Publishers)
Sometimes all it takes to get through the rough patches in the self-discovery of a non-conforming identity is the love and support of close family and friends. Riley Can’t Stop Crying beautifully illustrates the powerful impact that compassion and support have on young children who are exploring their identity and individuality.
The Hammer of Witches by Kelly Rose Pflug-Back (Caitlin Press/Dagger Editions)
Some of the most compelling stories come from the margins of society, a fact that Kelly Rose Pflug-Back demonstrates to the fullest in this wonderfully haunting collection of poems. Exploring gender non-conformity in a world of magic and mystery shines a new light on the old tales of witches and wizards of medieval European folklore.
Peyakow: Reclaiming Cree Dignity, A Memoir by Darrel J. McLeod (Douglas & McIntyre)
Darrel J. McLeod’s first memoir, Mamaskatch, explored the intersections of masculinity, colonialism, racism, gender identity, and sexuality in raw, deeply personal stories. This follow up memoir shows how McLeod was able to push through those childhood traumas toward personal and professional success and healing.
Am I Safe Here?: LGBTQ Teens and Bullying in Schools by Donn Short (UBC Press)
Bullying, harassment, and violence in school are all common fears for LGBTQ2+ youth. This frank and honest book asks students themselves for their opinions and advice. How can we tackle this issue to create safe, respectful learning environments for all students? Together, we can work towards a learning environment that recognizes and celebrates all sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot, Kate Fry (Orca Book Publishers)
Another fantastic title that highlights the lived experiences of trans youth, Growing Up Trans looks at what it means to be young and trans today: what difficulties are encountered, what supports are needed and what the future looks like for trans youth. Part collective memoir and part toolkit for other trans youth and their communities, Growing Up Trans is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, and young people everywhere.
Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle by Robin Stevenson (Orca Book Publishers)
This new, updated primer on everything LGBTQ2+ includes new achievements, facts, and profiles from the LGBTQ2+ community. Written as a celebration of queer excellence and activism, Pride provides an overview of the critical work that has been done and continues to be done for LGBTQ2+ rights in Canada.
The Language of Family: Stories of Bonds and Belonging edited by Michelle van der Merwe (Royal BC Museum)
It goes without saying that family and a sense of belonging are crucial for the health and happiness of LGBTQ2+ folk—whether that be one’s biological family or a network of close friends. The Language of Family pulls from the experiences of 20 different authors from different backgrounds to explore what family means to them, and what role this critical social unit plays in their lives.
Just One More Drive: The True Story of a Stuttering Homosexual and His Race Car by James Robert O’Brien (Tidewater Press)
This wonderfully honest memoir of self-discovery and wistful dreams of the future beautifully captures the complexity, the hopes, and the fears that are part of being a human of any identity or sexuality. Just One More Drive reminds us that being comfortable in our own skins is often the first step to creating a better world for ourselves and others.