The history of LGBTQ+ people is one that is rich, but frankly, the masses are simply unaware of most of it. Sure, milestones like the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US are known. There is some general knowledge of the AIDS crisis and terrible hate crimes like the murder of Matthew Shepard. That being said, there is a more intricate tapestry of progress that mostly goes unacknowledged. I think that is just the nature of oppression. The stories of the oppressed are brushed over in the broader narrative of human history. In their new book The Gay Agenda, power couple Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham attempt to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ community, spreading a story of love, life, and progress.I received a copy of the new book from the publisher, and I was immediately drawn to the bright cover and illustrations. The authors are a real-life couple who run a stationery company called ASH + CHESS. "They create greeting cards and art prints that are bold with retro color palettes, often using their artwork to make a political statement." With this book, they attempt to take a phrase often used to stoke fear and turn it into a celebration. The Gay Agenda is a bright and fairly comprehensive overview of the history of a remarkable group of people.
The book is divided into two sections, history and informational. The majority of the work is comprised of the history section, a historical timeline that spans from around 600 B.C.E to the present day. The timeline features brief snapshots of influential people, works, places, and events. We see authors like James Baldwin and Radclyffe Hall, activists like Emma Goldman and Miss Major Griffin-Gracey, and important vends like the formation of the Human Rights Campaign and the Stonewall Riots. While each entry is quite brief, I felt that the authors did a great job in highlighting some of the people and events that normally are whitewashed out of history. Specifically, there is a wonderful representation of Bi, Lesbian, Non-binary, and Trans members of the community.
The second portion of the book is described by the authors as "informational". Think of this as a queer glossary of sorts, a kind of introduction to the community to those who may not be familiar with it. As someone who identifies as a member of the gay community, I found The Gay Agenda to be a wonderful starting point in exploring this side of our family. What a wonderful tool this could be to people who simply don't understand what being LGBTQ+ is like. Even I was being exposed to topics and history that I simply was unaware of. I applaud the authors for using their platform to spotlight such an important group of people. This is the kind of conversation starter that serves to spread facts and promote empathy and understanding. Despite what naysayers and political extremists will have you believe, that is truly what The Gay Agenda is all about.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 18)
What an interesting sounding book.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It was such an interesting look at the LGBTQ+ history. The illustrations and snapshot approach make it an easy read too!
DeleteI have to say, I am impressed that they researched all the way back to 600 BC. Wow! I have read several YA books, which incorporate some LGBTQIA history. Like a Love Story deals with the AIDS crisis in the 80s, and Robin Talley has written several books with historical context. Pulp incorporates the Lavender Scare in the 50s, and her newest book centers around the Harvey Milk era gay rights movements in the 70s. I think, like with all equality movements, recording the history and sharing it with the younger generations is important.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important for this history to be shared, and I really loved how approachable all of the info was in this book!
DeleteI am super excited to get this one. And I am really glad to hear that the Trans and Non-Binary members of the community especially are given space. I really feel like some books focus primarily on Gay men, a bit on Lesbian women, and then lump everyone else together. Especially when going over history. It's Stonewall and that's it. Definitely looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteIt did such a great job highlighting those lesser known/recognized parts of the history!
DeleteI usually don't read Non-Fiction, but the cover and your review made me very curious. I'm always interested in the point of view of others on life and love and I feel that I'm a person that is open to people and lets them be themself.
ReplyDeleteI hope this book can teach me even more.
It really is a great introduction into the topic and a quick read. I think you would really get a lot out of reading it.
DeleteIt sounds like a great overview and introduction. I've learned a lot from reading some of the historical fiction and romance writers about the LGBTQA past and some of the landmark moments in my own lifetime and family/friends who are part of the community, but, for me, I like to see the larger picture in a linear line.
ReplyDeleteIt was really nice to see the history in a timeline form.
DeleteWhat a unique book with its blend of historical + informational sections. I'm not sure I've heard of anything like it. And when they say historical, they really went back. This sounds like a great starting point for someone who is just immersing themselves in the community or anyone who just wants to be better educated.
ReplyDeleteThey did go way back in history! This would be a great primer to the history before diving in deeper.
DeleteThis sounds really well done and it is such an important topic. There is so much history that really needs to be known and not forgotten. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention, Ethan!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important topic, and I'm glad a book like this can expose the history to a wider audience.
DeleteI love how far back their research went! That's dedication! What was it? 600 B.C.E.? I'm also really intrigued by the informational aspect of the book, since I know people (myself included) could potentially learn a lot from it. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?😷 💬
The informational aspect is really great! I know personally I try to be very open and encourage people to ask questions so that they can learn. This is a great resource for many people.
DeleteSounds like a fun and informative book shining light on important history and milestones in the LGBTQ+ community!
ReplyDeleteIt is all of that. And the illustrations make it really engaging too!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful way for people to learn more about the queer community, its history and milestones.
ReplyDeleteIt is. I love that a book like this exists!
DeleteSince I am not I could never know, and that is why we can learn :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said that better myself.
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