LibGuides: LGBTQ+ Pride Month @ Taft: Fiction and Literature

Lambda Literary Awards

In 1989, the Lambda Literary Awards were created to garner national visibility for LGBTQ books, which had established a foothold through a nascent network of lesbian and gay publishers and bookstores.

Today, the Lammys celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 25 categories, and include several cash prizes for writers at all stages in their careers.

For over 30 years, Lambda Literary has championed LGBTQ books and authors. No other organization in the world serves LGBTQ writers and readers more comprehensively than Lambda Literary. We believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer literature is fundamental to the preservation of our culture, and that LGBTQ lives are affirmed when our stories are written, published, and read.

LGBTQ+ Authors

Barnes and Noble: 14 YA Authors on the Queer Books That Changed Their Lives
This is a month with so much history behind it, and of course, there’s one way we explore that best: by asking authors of some of our favorite rainbow literature about the queer books that changed their lives. These life-changers include some of queer YA’s fore bearers as well as some universal classics, and even titles that released as recently as this past month, which proves it’s never too late to make your mark.
Bookstr.com: 20 Queer Authors from History Who You Need to Know
Given the scarcity of satisfactory LGBTQ representation, one might be inclined to think that LGBTQ people haven’t existed for the bulk of human history. Nothing could be further from the truth. Queer folks have been around since the dawn of time, and we aren’t going anywhere. Discrimination, violence, and oppression have contributed to the erasure of queer individuals who have been blazing the trails since before your grandparents’ grandparents were born, and here is just a small drop in the ocean of queer writers throughout history. Both fiction and nonfiction writers are included.
Boston Public Library: BostonPL_Young Adult Books by Transgender and/or Non-Binary Authors
Looking to support some YA authors that affirm trans and non-binary identities? Check out these books by transgender and/or non-binary authors. We have everything from romance to thrillers to epic fantasy!
BusinessInsider.com: 33 Must-Read Books by LGBTQ Authors, from Stunning Memoirs to Heartwarming Romance Novels
We chose these recommendations based on queer authors we — and readers — love, from groundbreaking authors in the mid-1900s to emerging voices with stunning debuts. With a variety of genres on this list including memoirs, fantasy novels, and young adult books, you're sure to find an LGBTQ author to cherish this Pride month and beyond.
Esquire.com: 46 Must-Read Books by Queer Writers
18 LGBTQIA+ literary luminaries share their summer reading recommendations, featuring everything from ice cream to ice dancing.

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Is there a book you'd like to read that the library doesn't have?

You can request it by emailing Mr. Padgett, Ms. Taylor, or Mr. Previti

spadgett@taftschool.org

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April is National Poetry Month!

LitHub.com: Queer Black Poets Since the Harlem Renaissance: A Reading List
A timeline of contributions by queer and trans black poets since the Harlem Renaissance. This article is focused specifically on the literature of queer black poets because American racism was built from the start off of anti-blackness and anti-indigeneity. Many of these poets were not only visionary writers, but also freedom fighters, survivors, legends, and proof that the vital poetry of queer black artists has shaped the world of American letters. All are featured in the Nepantla anthology, which is on order at the library.
Out.com: 25 Queer Poets to Read Now and Forever
We've rounded up 25 of our favorite queer poets to close out National Poetry Month, which takes place in April. From seasoned legends to budding up-and-comers, here's 25 of the best wordsmiths to read this spring.
Poetry Foundation: LGBTQ+ Pride Poems
A collection of poems and essays by LGBTQ+ poets on topics and themes of identity, gender, and sexuality.
Poets.org: Poems & More for LGBTQ Pride Month
This page from the Academy of American Poets explores the rich tradition of LGBTQ poets and poetry through a showcase of audio, video, poetry, and prose. Also from Poets.org: LGBTQ Poetry.

Stonewall Book Awards of the American Library Association

Stonewall Book Awards List
The first and most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table. Since Isabel Miller's Patience and Sarah received the first award in 1971, many other books have been honored for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.

The Stonewall Book Award-Barbara Gittings Literature Award, the Stonewall Book Award-Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award and the Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award are presented to English language works published the year prior to the announcement date. The award is announced in January and presented to the winning authors or editors at the American Library Association Annual Conference in June or July.