Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homo-Bi-Transphobia. On the occasion of this anniversary, which marks the moment in which homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses in 1990, we offer you some recommendations of titles on the topic, to read during this day and throughout the year
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Every year, May 17th, the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is celebrated. Conceived in 2004 by the writer and activist Louis-Georges Tin and recognized by the European Union and the United Nations, the anniversary’s sole major objective is to combat discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. The date is not random and, indeed, marks a very important moment for contemporary society: on 17 May 1990, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses and officially defined by the WHO as a “natural variant of human behaviour” . However, the road ahead for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community to be fully respected is still quite long. For this occasion we have decided to select for you a series of books on the topic, to read during this day and throughout the year.
Queer. Cultural history of the LGBT+ community – Maya De Leo
Written by the Roman author and teacher Maya De Leo, this volume traces the history of sexualities and LGBT+ identities in the West from the 18th century to today. Through a series of sources, from literary writings to journalistic reports, the book spans two centuries of history: from the first theories on homosexuality to the world wars, up to the HIV crisis and the Queer revolution of the 1990s. The result is a fascinating historical reconstruction of LGBT culture, its struggles and its achievements.
A summer with a pioneer handkerchief – Elena Malisova and Katerina Silvanova
Signed by Russian writers Elena Malisova and Katerina Silvanova, A summer with the pioneer handkerchief is a children’s novel that deals with the theme of homosexuality. The plot revolves around the love between two gay boys who discover new emotions by exploring their sexuality. Their love story, however, is nipped in the bud due to both of them’s fear of being convicted and imprisoned due to the Soviet law prohibiting homosexual relationships.
see also
Sweden, gender change starting from 16 years old. Law approved
Bi. History, science and culture of bisexuality – Julia Shaw
Is titled Bi Julia Shaw’s essay which investigates the theme of bisexuality. The book traces its history, giving voice to the activists and scholars who, over the years, have explored and studied the issue. The author’s goal is to explore the bisexual universe, destroying the stereotypes that – still today – hover over this topic.
Pageboy – Elliot Page
There is also one of the must-read LGBT books Pageboy by Elliot Page. Through the pages of the volume, the Canadian actor tells his personal story: from the professional success achieved in the film Juno to the sense of loss in his private life and the social pressure that required him to act on and off the set. The author takes us on a tortuous journey in search of himself, as a queer and trans person.
Afterlove – Tanya Byrne
Published in 2021, Afterlove, written by London-based author Tanya Byrne, tells the story of the love between two girls, Ash and Poppy. A relationship so sweet and sincere that, appointment after appointment, it solidifies more and more, until it becomes indissoluble. So big and strong that it can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
