As June rolls around, the world gears up to embrace Pride Month, a time dedicated to honouring the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for equal rights.
This is a time when I like sitting down with a good book related to the LGBTQ+ community. I just picked up “Homeless” by K. Vaishali, a powerful memoir that delves into the intersectionality of identity. Loving it so far as the author unravels her journey of self-discovery as a lesbian and dyslexic.
Set in Hyderabad, the book courageously explores themes of love, heartbreak, mental health, and societal challenges, while grappling with one’s personal truths. Through her poignant narrative, Vaishali sheds light on the experiences and struggles faced by young individuals in India, making it a compelling read to celebrate Pride Month.
With that being said, I am also looking forward to new initiatives and events that push the boundaries of acceptance and diversity each year. In 2023, amidst a backdrop of ongoing cultural shifts and societal conversations, Pride Month promises to be a platform for ground-breaking achievements and meaningful contributions.
Read on to learn which ones I found the most interesting!
A Children’s Book That Challenges the Celebration of Pride
Brave Books and actor Kirk Cameron are shaking up the conversation surrounding pride month with their latest children’s book, ‘Pride Comes Before the Fall.’ This book focuses on teaching children about the dangers of pride and the value of humility.
With colourful illustrations and a fable about a tiger and an elephant, the book offers parents a message to counter the prevailing narrative of pride celebrations. With ‘Pride Comes Before the Fall’ and his library story hours, Cameron aims to instil important values of humility and bravery.
Target Faces Controversy Over ‘Pride’ Collection for Kids
Target has come under fire for its latest “Pride” collection, which includes clothing and gender-fluid books promoting transgender activism. These include books like “Bye Bye Binary” and “The Pronoun Book.”
However, these offerings have sparked a backlash from conservative lawmakers and parents who argue that they are advancing radical gender theory among children. The American Library Association reports a significant increase in demands to censor library books, with the majority targeting materials in school and public libraries alike.
Vermont Bookstore Hosts Pride Readathon to Support LGBTQ+ Literature and Summer Camp
Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vermont, is taking a stand against efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ literature for young readers by organizing its inaugural Pride Readathon. Throughout June, participants will raise funds for every LGBTQ+ book they read, to support Outright Vermont’s Camp Outright.
This is a summer camp that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids to express themselves. Bear Pond Books aims to raise $40,000 for the camp, and a generous private donor has pledged to match the funds raised to $20,000.
Readers taking part in the Pride Readathon can create their online public profile, showcasing the books on their reading list, tracking their progress, and displaying the donations they’ve raised. The event aims to also encourage readers to explore literature by LGBTQ+ authors or featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
Summing Up
As Pride Month 2023 unfolds, it is evident that the spirit of inclusivity and celebration is stronger than ever. From bookstore readathons to corporate support, society’s collective efforts shape a future where acceptance, understanding, and love thrive.
Where there’s support and inclusion, there is also backlash and regression. Where do you think we are going with this? Let me know and let’s keep the conversation flowing! Happy Pride Month.
Neha Raj is the co-founder of the Booknerds