A bright overview of LGBTQ history from ancient times to the present, this book is less a narrative history and more a series of interesting snapshots, timelines, quotes, and other fascinating tidbits, grouped into sections about Prejudice, Pride, Community, Turning Points, and LGBTQ+ Life.
Most discussion is focused on the U.K. and U.S., but one chapter is dedicated to LGBTQ people in other countries. The emphasis is on gay and lesbian history, though there is some discussion of other identities. The book notably spends a fair amount of time talking about LGBTQ community and culture (and contributions to the wider culture), not just protests and political gains.
A few points could use revision, however. Most critically, the book mentions the birth names/deadnames of trans women Caitlyn Jenner and April Ashley—something one shouldn’t do without express permission of the people mentioned. Also, the glossary’s definition of “Transvestite” is “A person who practices dressing and acting in a style or manner traditionally associated with the opposite sex. Some people find the term offensive and identify as cross-dressers.” That’s somewhat misleading (especially for young readers), as many queer people may don clothing “traditionally associated with the opposite sex” without considering themselves transvestites or cross-dressers. And while the book elsewhere says that “Drag is a popular form of cross-dressing performance,” GLAAD advises, “Cross-dresser does not describe men who perform in drag as drag queens.” (I’m not sure if that’s just a bit of U.K./U.S. difference, but readers should be cautious here.) Also, the book here and in several places uses the term “opposite-sex,” which implies a false binary. “Different-sex” would have been better.
Finally, while I appreciate that the book includes a spread about LGBTQ families, the milestones on that page start in 1996, when in fact LGBTQ people had been intentionally starting families together since the 1960s. This is the area of LGBTQ history with which I am most familiar, so perhaps I am most likely to find gaps here—but for the LGBTQ youth and those with LGBTQ parents who are likely to be reading this, knowing that LGBTQ families have a long history feels like an important point. Additionally, while it is true that “Some families are built by parents adopting children, others through surrogacy,” it would have been good to add “or other forms of assisted reproduction.”
While generally appropriate for middle schoolers, the book does mention the 1533 “Buggery Act,” and explains that this “defined anal sexual intercourse—also known as sodomy—as an ‘unnatural sexual act.'” Decide for yourself whether you think that is appropriate for the young people in your life, or at least be prepared to explain it. (I offer no judgment, and say this so that everyone can make the decision that is right for themselves and their children.)
The bright layout and many photographs should engage readers, however, particularly those without the desire to read through a longer narrative text. If some of the history is sketchy on details, it may nevertheless motivate young people to go learn more.
Originally published in the U.K. in 2017; U.S. edition published in 2022.
