LGBTQ+ History Month at Amazon is an opportunity for us to promote acceptance and diversity at work and beyond. Just like Pride in June, celebrations are led by Amazon’s LGBTQ+ affinity group, Glamazon. Run by Amazon employees, Glamazon is a network that champions diversity, supports Amazonians with social and professional opportunities, and promotes LGBTQ+ acceptance in communities across the globe.
To mark LGBTQ+ History Month 2022, Glamazon members worked with our Amazon Books Editors to curate a list of inspiring books suitable for everyone to learn more about the culture and rich history of the LGBTQ+ movement.
“The stories of LGBTQ+ people around the world have had little mention throughout the ages, the LGBTQ+ History Month is an opportunity for everyone to enrich their reading lists with books that showcase the hidden stories of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Kate Skordyli, Glamazon member and Bedford Site Lead.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally or just want to learn more, our thoughtfully curated books list is sure to have a recommendation for you.
Adult reads
Matthew Todd’s Pride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality Movement is a unique and comprehensive account of the ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, and a celebration of the equal rights won for many as a result of the sacrifices and passion of this movement. Pride documents the milestones in the fight for equality, from the victories of early activists to the gradual acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in politics, sport and the media, up to the passing of legislation banning discrimination.
We Are Everywhere by Leighton Brown and Matthew Riemer is an essential photographic history of the fight for queer liberation. Featuring more than 300 images from more than seventy photographers and twenty archives, this book enables the reader to visualise queer history unlike anything before.
Brian Lewis edits a collection of essays and research in British Queer History: New Approaches and Perspectives from leading luminaries and exciting new voices. It’s intended for both scholars and students of British social and cultural history, but will also appeal to those with a more general interest in queer issues. The book provides a number of fresh perspectives, a wealth of new information and challenges us to rethink queer history’s parameters.
Readers looking for an inspiring account of LGBTQ+ history will enjoy We Make It Better: The LGBTQ Community and Their Positive Contributions to Society by Eric Rosswood and Kathleen Archambeau. This book explores the many ways in which LGBTQ+ people have played important roles in society, including serving their country, serving in office, pushing for the protection of human rights and impacting all fields of study, sport, art, and industry.
For a vibrant and unapologetic read, explore The Queer Bible: A beautiful essay collection on queer trailblazers through history. The collection provides essays from a wide array of authors and queer icons including the likes of Elton John, Graham Norton, Lady Phyll and more, who in turn credit trailblazers who have inspired them.
Children and teen reads
In Rob Sander’s deeply moving and empowering true story Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, this picture book for young readers traces the origins of the Gay Pride Flag from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker, to its crossing of the globe and role in today's culture. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's text paired with illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images tell this remarkable story. One of love, hope, equality, and Pride.
Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!: The Story of the Trans Women of Colour Who Made LGBTQ+ History by Joy Ellison is an illustrated book telling the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, two transgender women of colour who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. The book helps introduce younger readers to issues surrounding gender identity and diversity, and provides a reading guide and teaching materials to further the conversation.
Rob Sanders’ Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. will help younger readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Movingly narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself with vivid illustrations, this book is an essential civil rights story that young readers will enjoy.
Stella Caldwell and Sue Sanders encourage readers to accept themselves and others in their book Have Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ movement. The book details the struggles and successes of LGBTQ+ movements around the world and includes profiles of significant LGBTQ+ figures from history. Importantly it also features messages from young, modern-day members of the community who share why they have pride in themselves – and why you should, too.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager brings to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people from around the world. Through author Sarah Prager’s short, engaging bios and illustrator Sarah Papworth’s bold, dynamic art, readers can delve into the lives of Wen of Han, a Chinese emperor who loved his boyfriend as much as his people, or Martine Rothblatt, a trans woman who is helping to engineer the robots of the future. Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month, LGBTQ+ History month or any time inspiration is needed.
Read more from the full LGBTQ+ booklist.
