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Dear John,
Happy Pride Month! As we wrap up June, Equality Now has collected LGBTQ+ recommendations from staff and supporters.
Protecting LGBTQ+ rights means protecting human rights. However, discrimination and hate speech against the queer community is widespread, from banned books in libraries and schools to commencement speeches at universities. That’s why we need the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States, which would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination at the constitutional level and be a powerful tool in protecting the rights of all women and LGBTQ+ people.
Before the month ends, take a moment to hear the stories of LGBTQ+ people through books, movies, TV entertainment, music, and podcasts:
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Books
The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
One of the most notable books in queer history, The Well of Loneliness is one of the first novels in English to condemn homophobia in society. It is based on the author’s life and was banned after its first publication in 1928.
Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
Under the Udala Trees follows Ijeoma as she grows up during and endures the Nigerian civil war. While displaced, she falls in love with another displaced girl from a different ethnic community. The novel is inspired by Nigeria’s folktales and received the Lambda Literary Award.
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
This New York Times Bestseller tells the story of college student Greer Kadetsky as she navigates learning about the outside world and the inside of her mind. This novel touches on ambition, aspiration, power, friendship, and finding your spark.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle uses this touching, New York Times bestselling memoir to expand on coming out, finding self-love and awareness, and utilizing female empowerment. Earlier this year, actress Sarah Paulson was confirmed to star in the lead role for the television series adaptation.
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Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin
Set in Taiwan, Notes of a Crocodile follows the lives of queer teenagers as they come of age. The novel explores themes of love and friendship and challenges gender stereotypes. Notes of a Crocodile received the 2018 Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize.
Rainbow History Class: Your Guide Through Queer and Trans History by Hannah McElhinney
A blend of history and education without the drought of a textbook, this book is your perfect introduction to LGBTQ+ history. Exploring queer and trans stories spanning from Ancient civilizations up to the 21st century is a great way to learn why we celebrate every June.
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Movies and TV Entertainment
We Are Lady Parts
Witty, awkward, and relatable, We Are Lady Parts follows five young Muslim women in London and their trials and tribulations surrounding their punk band, Lady Parts. Season 3 is now streaming on Peacock.
Am I OK?
Dakota Johnson leads this film as a late-blooming lesbian conquering her anxiety and embarrassment on discovering her sexuality later in life. Based on the life of screenwriter Lauren Pomerantz, Am I OK? is available to stream on HBO Max.
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Music
Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Known for working with her producer and brother Finneas exclusively throughout her career, HIT
ME HARD AND SOFT is Eilish’s third album. This is the first album released after her 2023 Variety cover story where she publicly came out as being attracted to women. The ballads, club beats, and haunting whispers throughout this album have many critics claiming this is her best album yet.
Shawnee Kish - Revolution
Shawnee Kish is a two-spirited Mohawk singer-songwriter from Canada. Her recent album, Revolution, was released in 2023 and nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2024. From dance-worthy bops like “Stella!” to choir-backed melodies in “For Me,” there is something for everyone to enjoy in Revolution.
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Podcasts
Cruising
Cruising follows three queer women, Jen McGinity, Rachel Karp, and Sarah Gabrielli, as they travel across the United States, seeking out the last lesbian bars. They interview bar owners, staff, patrons, and community members to present an unbiased look at these establishments and their impact.
Call Me Mother
Shon Faye hosts the highly reviewed podcast Call Me Mother. Each episode features a different LGBTQ+ guest who shares insight into what it means to be queer in modern society. Guests are from around the world, including Rupert Raj, a Canadian trans activist, and Zsa-Zsa Fisher, a South African healthcare worker.
The Log Books
Hosted by Tash Walker, Adam Zmith, and Shivani Dave, The Log Books shares queer people’s experiences throughout Britain’s history through log book entries. The podcast explores different LGBTQ+ themes and discusses the modern queer experience.
We Change the Rules
Equality Now’s podcast We Change the Rules, hosted by award-winning journalist Samira Ahmed, features the views and voices of a diverse range of activists, academics, and legal experts. Episode three "Beijing Platform for Action" features Beverley Palesa Ditsie, a South African activist and artist who was the first queer woman to address the United Nations.
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