LGBTQIA+ Resources for Pride Month and Beyond
Find support, activities, books, and more at your local library
Only a few decades ago, it was considered a criminal offense to live as a Queer person in many areas of the United States. Individuals could be openly LGBTQIA+, at their peril, but many laws in place prevented Queer individuals from enjoying the same equal rights as cisgender persons. For example, in 1969, it was still illegal to serve gay patrons alcohol in New York, and therefore, many gay establishments became easy targets for police raids.
On the morning of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, was raided by police. The police, who expected compliance from bargoers, were met with heated resistance. Police lost control of the crowd, and the Stonewall Riots continued for six days.
Approximately four hundred patrons and neighborhood residents participated in the riots. This historic moment ignited the LGBTQIA+ rights movement of the 1960s. Today, LGBTQIA+ rights endeavors are celebrated during June (i.e., Pride Month), to coincide with the historic Stonewall Uprising.
Pride creates a visible platform to address critical issues that significantly affect the Queer community—issues like the AIDs epidemic, which, at the time of its emergence in the 1970s and 80s, disproportionately impacted the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride events often provide HIV testing booths, rapid tests, and HIV/AIDs educational resources.
Libraries are LGBTQIA+ allies that serve a critical role in supporting the Queer community. They actively work to understand the pressing issues faced by LGBTQIA+ persons and use their position as cornerstones of communities to leverage lasting changes that benefit the Queer community.
Libraries are centers of knowledge, the primary weapon against ignorance that all too often fuels social prejudice. This year, I encourage you to visit your library to join the Pride movement and, if you’re cisgender, to begin your allyship journey.
Take action today to support libraries!
Resources at the Local Library
Every year, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Rainbow Round Table assembles a list of recommended titles for young readers (the 2025 Rainbow Book List is now available). Check with your local library to see which of these books are available for checkout.
Libraries often partner with other platforms, like Libby/OverDrive or Hoopla, to provide audiobooks and ebooks to their patrons. Libraries also give patrons access to DVDs, streaming services, and academic databases, some of which may be LGBTQIA+ focused, like LGBTQ+ Life, GenderWatch, or Project MUSE.
Drag queen storytimes have become a popular children’s program in public libraries. These story hours are led by professional drag queens who specialize in age-appropriate drag entertainment. Drag queen storytimes promote literacy and imagination among children while also encouraging them to celebrate gender diversity and acceptance.
Some libraries allow patrons to use a chosen name on their library cards and accounts. Many libraries (though not all) offer both gendered and gender-inclusive restrooms. Library staff are often trained in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and safe space practices.
Libraries are safe spaces that welcome individuals from all walks of life, including those from LGBTQIA+ communities. Many host workshops throughout the year about LGBTQIA+ topics, like gender identity, allyship, and inclusivity.
New research by The Trevor Project revealed that LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13–24) are more likely to experience houselessness, violent crime, and self-exiting than their cisgender peers. Libraries provide patrons with information and referrals for local LGBTQIA+ centers, legal help, health clinics, and mental health services. Some have in-person or virtual LGBTQIA+ support groups for library patrons who might be struggling.
Send an email to your Representatives to show your support for libraries!
Recommended Reading
Reading has become a form of political activism, especially in recent years, as many books are at risk of being censored in libraries. Books expose readers to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and knowledge that can sometimes frighten others. LGBTQIA+ authors and themed books have been especially under attack in recent years. Here are some of my favorite LGBTQIA+ books and authors. Remember, any unavailable titles can likely be ordered through your library’s interlibrary loan service.
Adult Readers
- Tales of the Lavender Menace: A Memoir of Liberation (1999) by Karla Jay
- A Two-Spirit Journey (2016) by Ma-Nee Chacaby, Mary Louisa Plummer
- Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love (2019) by Jonathan Van Ness is a memoir describing Van Ness’s early life, history of substance abuse, and journey to stardom.
- Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood (2020) is a women’s etiquette guide that contains a collection of essays written by two of my favorite sassy, world-famous drag queens.
- Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington (2022) by James Kirchick. Readers are taken on a journey through American history as Kirchick shines a light on Queer individuals and their roles and influences in political arenas.
- Blood Loss: A Love Story of AIDS, Activism, and Art (2024) by Keiko Lane
Young Adult (YA) Readers
- No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America (2018) by Darnell L. Moore tells the personal story of a young Black man coming of age and coming to terms with his sexuality. This book was the 2019 winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Memoir.
- All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto (2020) by George M. Johnson is a young adult memoir. Johnson writes about his younger life as a Black Queer person.
Child-Friendly Readers
- And Tango Makes Three (2005) by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole. This children’s picture book often finds itself on a “challenged” list in school libraries, even though it is a retelling of a true story about two male penguins who raised a penguin chick, Tango, as their own.
- The Pengrooms – Pringle and Finn (2022), written and illustrated by Paul Castle. Pringle and Finn are two penguins who run a wedding cake delivery service and are preparing for their wedding.
- Not He or She, I’m Me (2023) by A.M. Wild, illustrated by Kah Yangni. This story uses gender-neutral pronouns and follows the life of a nonbinary child.
Sign the petition to fight book bans!
Why Is Pride Important?
The Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Ignorance, the root and stem of every evil.” As I write this article, Jonathan Joss, a Native American, American actor, voice actor, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, lost his life on June 2 due to a hate crime. His death is a grim reminder of why Pride continues to be an important social movement, and why Pride can and should be celebrated year-round.
Knowledge is the best cure for ignorance, and libraries play a key role in educating the public about LGBTQIA+ history, social issues, and advocacy. Libraries have participated in Pride for over fifty years, and they continue to provide supportive resources throughout the year.
Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries.
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