Pride Month Picks: Essential Reads for Celebrating Diversity
Pride has always been a vibrant and enduring part of our society, and it's our mission to celebrate and promote this beautiful genre. Join us at Books2Door as we explore influential queer authors, those who paved the way, and those who are currently making their mark, enriching the community with their exceptional works.
To begin with, Oscar Wilde remains one of the most celebrated queer icons. This author, who truly believed in "Art for Art's sake," is synonymous with Aestheticism. We can't blame him; we all appreciate his brilliant works and want to be aesthetically pleasing now. We think you will enjoy our suggestion, The Picture of Dorian Gray.
This remarkable work delves into themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the nature of beauty, reflecting Wilde's own experiences and struggles. Despite being decried as immoral for its decadent and thinly-veiled homosexual themes, it remains a cornerstone of queer literature. Wilde's life, marked by his struggles as a gay icon and his infamous outing, has cemented him as a permanent figure in the burgeoning gay community.
Don't just read this piece of literature; immerse yourself in it, interpret its depths, and fall in love with the characters. Explore more about Oscar Wilde's struggles and triumphs as you delve into his world.
E.M. Forster 1879-1970
Moving on to the likely Godfather of queer novels, E.M. Forster, we highly recommend his work Maurice, an essential piece in the canon of queer literature. Maurice bravely depicts same-sex love and relationships during a time when such topics were taboo.
Written in 1913, this beautiful story of a gay protagonist coming into his own was allegedly inspired by the real-life couple Edward Carpenter and George Merrill. Forster revised the story several times throughout his life, but it was not published until after his death.
E.M. Forster, was a member of the Bloomsbury Group, like the next author on our list. Forster is an icon in queer literature, having been aware of his homosexuality from a young age and out to his close friends, though not publicly. His novels, often informed by his experiences as a gay man, deal with themes of social inequality, repression, and self-realisation. Explore it yourself and transcend into the world of Foster's.
When discussing the Bloomsbury Group, the undeniably great artist who comes to mind is Virginia Woolf. This modernist writer and central figure of the Bloomsbury Group is known for several of her works, including Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and A Room of One's Own. However, we suggest you dive into Orlando today for this beautiful occasion. Virginia Woolf's works have profoundly impacted literature, queer ideologies, and feminist thought.
One of her most notable contributions to queer literature is this masterpiece, Orlando: A Biography. This novel is a groundbreaking exploration of gender and identity, following the protagonist, Orlando, through several centuries and transformations.
Get yourself this classic and immerse yourself in Orlando's journey through gender and all that androgyny. Perhaps you'll even interpret why it is called A Biography and fall in love with the fact that this work was inspired by the life of Woolf's lover, Vita Sackville-West. The exploration is all yours.
Tove Jansson 1914-2001
"I always fell in love with a person. Sometimes that person was a man, and sometimes it was a woman. But the important thing was that I fell in love with that person."
Now, get your queer lens ready because we're about to delve into the icon who authored this lovely quote. Tove Jansson, a painter, illustrator, and writer of adult fiction and children's picture books, is a legendary figure in queer literature. We recommend her work The Summer Book and her beloved Moomin series.
Get your hands on these books and fall in love with her characters while interpreting her queer representation. Take some time to explore her beautiful paintings and connect all her works together.
Patricia Highsmith 1921-1995
It is time to dive into some compelling mysteries. Known for her psychological thrillers, Patricia Highsmith delves into the complexities of identity, obsession, and amorality in her works. Our suggestion for you to read from this author's collection is The Talented Mr. Ripley. This is a prime example, offering a nuanced and intricate portrait of its queer protagonist, Tom Ripley.
The Talented Mr. Ripley stands out not just as a psychological thriller but also as a significant piece of queer literature, showcasing the internal and external struggles faced by its protagonist. The novel examines the fluidity of identity and the lengths one might go to to pursue a more desirable self.
As you read, prepare to be captivated by Highsmith's masterful storytelling and unflinching exploration of the human psyche. Dive in now!
James Baldwin 1924-1987
As we move on to the next author, who also wrote at the same time as Highsmith, we have James Baldwin. He was a firm believer that sexuality was fluid and should not be divided into strict categories. Baldwin's powerful narrative and eloquent prose convey deep emotion and uniquely reflect the human experience.
We are now happily recommending his seminal work in queer literature, Giovanni's Room, offering a poignant exploration of identity, love, and societal expectations. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1950s Paris, the novel follows David, an American expatriate grappling with his sexuality and societal pressures.
The themes of Giovanni's Room remain relevant today, resonating with readers who have faced the challenge of reconciling their true identity with societal norms. As you delve into this novel, prepare to be moved by Baldwin's profound insight into the complexities of love and identity and his unwavering commitment to portraying the full spectrum of human emotion.
Audre Lorde 1934- 1992
We move onto a "Warrior", as she describes herself; and we stand by that!
Audre Lorde was a poet, author, and feminist born to Caribbean immigrants in Harlem. Despite being legally blind, she began reading and writing almost as soon as she could talk. She stood out as a Black woman among white feminists who often ignored racism and as a lesbian within the civil rights movement. This Black lesbian author embodies resilience and power.
We recommend The Black Unicorn, a robust collection of poems exploring identity, race, and womanhood. Lorde's profoundly personal and political work gives voice to marginalised communities, highlighting the intersections of various identities. Her poetry, marked by raw honesty and emotional depth, addresses the complexities of being a Black woman in a society that often seeks to silence her.
The Black Unicorn not only explores the pain and struggles of marginalised individuals but also celebrates their strength and resilience. As you explore this collection, prepare to be moved by Lorde's unflinching examination of identity and her unwavering commitment to giving voice to the voiceless.
Ocean Vuong 1988-
Now, we add a dash of contemporary to this list as we come to the writers who hold the torch today. Meet Ocean Vuong, a writer, professor, and photographer. This queer Vietnamese American poet has several awards under his belt. Vuong's work emphasises 'Agency above all.'
One notable and famous work of his we recommend to you is On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, a poignant and lyrical exploration of identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, this novel delves into the complexities of love, memory, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. Vuong's poetic language and unique perspective make this a standout work in contemporary literature.
Witness how this novel beautifully captures the intersections of personal and cultural identity, offering a deeply moving narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Alison Rumfitt 1998-
Now we end with a journey on a dark, unflinching haunted house novel that takes us from the well of the literary gothic, up through Brighton's queer scene, and out into the heart of the modern-day trans experience. We are getting into the realm of Alison Rumfitt, a writer, semi-professional trans woman, and the author of Tell Me I'm Worthless.
Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt is a contemporary horror novel addressing themes of trauma, identity, and societal decay. With a strong focus on queer experiences and narratives, Rumfitt weaves a chilling and thought-provoking tale that confronts the darkest aspects of human nature and society.
The novel's exploration of horror is not just confined to the supernatural. Still, it extends to the real-world horrors faced by marginalised communities. Rumfitt's raw and unapologetic storytelling makes Tell Me I'm Worthless a compelling and necessary read for those seeking to understand the depths of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.
From the timeless works of Oscar Wilde and E.M. Forster to contemporary gems by Ocean Vuong and Alison Rumfitt, these authors offer invaluable insights into the diverse and complex experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. At Books2Door, we invite you to explore these influential works and discover stories that resonate with identity, love, resilience, and the human spirit. Dive into our curated selection and let these powerful narratives inspire and empower you. Happy reading, and may your journey through queer literature be as enlightening and enriching as the stories themselves.