June is a month for celebration, liberation, and authenticity. It is a wonderful time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor its history, and promote inclusivity and understanding. But the opportunities to learn and listen to queer voices should extend throughout the year.
Whether you are looking to educate yourself further, find new sources of inspiration, or simply enjoy some fantastic content, there is a wealth of media that highlights and celebrates queer voices and stories.
To help you make the most of this celebratory momentum, we have curated a list of must-read books, thought-provoking podcasts, and captivating TV shows that explore the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences. Dive in and discover new perspectives, unforgettable stories, and voices that deserve to be heard and celebrated all year round.
Contrary to trendy belief, queer people have been around since the beginning of time. LGBTQ+ folks have been living out and proud and behind the scenes of our history for hundreds, thousands of years.
This podcast covers queer perspectives from all around the world. From ancient figures that you did not know were gay to the trans woman who built the internet, hear the stories from all throughout history that prove that we have always been here.
“I would highly recommend ‘Making Gay History.’ I feel like it is incredibly important to remember the history of those that have gone before us, since they paved the way for us.” - Jacob, Payroll Fiscal Specialist
Moving on to those who love having the feel of paper in their hands! These are a few books that I have either read or saved in my “to read” list in my phone. Remember, listening to audiobooks also counts as reading. You can either read or listen to these books and more through your local library!
“I very recently finished reading Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall. The audio book was read by Greg himself which made the story feel more personal. In his memoir Greg shares his life growing up gay in the 90s in Utah, his parents' illnesses, and his own search for identity. Greg has been in two closets, as a gay man and as a disabled man; as an adult, learning his “tight tendons” were actually cerebral palsy. Through the book Greg talks about lighter and serious topics with a unique, sometimes crude sense of humor. I would describe his writing style as blunt, which is my style but is not for everyone.
He discusses the AIDS epidemic, homophobia, ableism, mentions of drug use, descriptions of sex and discussions about death when discussing his parents' illnesses. We see him mature and find himself and find his place in the world as the story progresses. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it.” - Katie, Accessible Educational Materials Production Specialist
Love Wins is the real-life story of how marriage equality came to be. Learn the harrowing story of Jim Obergefell and an amazing team of lawyers who demanded marriage rights for gays across the nation in 2015. It is a story of love and loss and overcoming overwhelming odds.
This book is a great telling of the landmark marriage equality case that the Supreme Court voted into law. It is a notable example of modern history changing right before our eyes and how the law actively hinders and helps the LGBTQ+ community.
I listened to this book for free through the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Libby app and I have to say, it is a great read. It functions as an instruction manual of sorts to being LGBTQ+, a great primer on definitions and queer perspectives. Even if you are an ally, it is a great read to understand the struggles that folks deal with in coming out, stereotypes, and even politics. It is informative, entertaining, and down-right funny.
“In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia.
From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.
Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren't Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson's emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to young adults.”
This is a book that is on my “to read” list for this year and I cannot wait!
If you are more into documentaries, I have some great recommendations for you too. These are readily accessible on most major streaming services.
Warning: if you are empathetic, this documentary is a tear-jerker and infuriating. In true “Unsolved Mysteries,” this documentary follows the life and legacy of Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson. Marsha was one of the first trans women to throw a brick on the night of the Stonewall Riots. Unfortunately, her story does not end well.
Follow her life and mission through the lens of the community she loved and raised. It also follows some of the injustice that followed her death. It is a great documentary to watch to learn of the struggles that trans folks deal with on an everyday basis and the struggles that continue to this day.
Anyone love the movie “A League of Their Own”? Here is the real story behind the movie! The documentary follows a former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, Terry Donahue, and her partner, Pat Henschel, who met in Canada in 1947. They later move to Chicago and run a successful interior decorating business until the late 1980s. They kept their lesbian relationship a secret from their families for almost seven decades and are now exploring their history with their families. Follow their love story through the decades and into their elder years.
Aside from the touching love story these two women have, it was a great insight into the history of queerness in baseball as well. I loved listening to their perspectives from that era but also watching them be adorable together. Pat and Terry are funny and precious together.
This documentary is next in my Netflix watchlist, and I am stoked. This documentary features candid interviews with trans actors, creatives, and thinkers about the history of trans people in film, but also from their real-life experiences too. This documentary is also a great introduction into more films and shows to watch that feature authentic trans identities. Some of these actors may even be familiar from shows you have already watched!
These are just a few recommendations to learn more about the LGBTQ+ folks in the world, as part of history, and in your own community. I hope you have found some new favorites to add to your reading list, podcast queue, and watchlist. Celebrating Pride is not just about honoring the past, but also about embracing the present and looking forward to a future of greater acceptance and equality.
By engaging with these diverse and powerful voices, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep celebrating the vibrant and resilient spirit of the LGBTQ+ community beyond just this month. Happy Pride to all!
Eileen Asher (she/her) is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University with a focus in graphic design. She serves on the ESC Communications team where she works towards developing more inclusive, accessible, and conscious design and marketing practices. Ellie also serves as co-lead of the employee morale committee, EMBRACE, and as a member of the ESC’s Equity Committee. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and has graduated the Project Diversity Pride Leadership program at the United Way of Central Ohio which trained her to serve as a current board member for the Center for Disability Empowerment.
Email Eileen at [email protected] for more information about the LGBTQ+ community or communications services.