Queer Media That Shaped Me
As a queer person who was raised in a conservative home, I have always relied on art, writing, and film to educate my journey with sexuality and my understanding of the world. Art can be used as a visual commentary on social issues and can shed light on otherwise hidden histories. When language and common education fail us, art fills the void to provide insight into marginalized communities.
Art
Florence Given
Florence Given is a bestselling feminist author and illustrator who uses her platform to bring women together and give them a permission slip to define feminism on their own terms.
The Golden Canvas
Ari Brochin, the artist behind The Golden Canvas, is an independent artist working in Brooklyn, New York. Ari Brochin often juxtaposes the traditional nature of Archie Comics with modern motifs of disco and freedom. The Golden Canvas has done collaborations with Free Peoplem, Everpress, and has its own clothing line that donates part of the proceeds to women and LGBTQ+ organizations.
Sue Williams
Sue Williams is a contemporary American artist who explores issues of gender and the body. Through concealed messages in abstract painting, her vibrantly colored and highly specific work serves as a foil to the male-dominated Abstract Expressionist movement. She has challenged earlier feminist artists by exploring more controversial themes, such as domestic violence, sexual obscenity, and her anger towards the acceptance of sexism in society.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits are often filled with depictions of gender fluidity. Her paintings touched on issues such as abortion, miscarriage, birth, breastfeeding, and embracing her bisexuality.
Keith Haring
Keither Haring was an activist and devoted much of his time to public works, which often carried social messages. In 1989, he established the Keith Haring Foundation to generate funding and imagery to AIDS organizations and children’s programs. Haring enlisted his imagery during the last years of his life to speak about his own illness and generate activism and awareness about AIDS.
Amos Mac
Amos Mac is a photographer and writer whose work explores identity, second coming-of-age narratives, and intergenerational relationships through a queer lens.
Books
Hood Feminism
Mikki Kendall is a New York Times bestselling writer and activist who addresses race, feminism, violence, and sexism. The fights against hunger, homelessness, poverty, health disparities, poor schools, homophobia, transphobia, and domestic violence are feminist fights. Kendall offers a feminism rooted in the livelihood of everyday women.
Girls Can Kiss Girls Now
Jill Gutowitz is a queer, feminist writer who often includes a sarcastic tone in their writing. Girls Can Kiss Now is a fresh and intoxicating blend of personal stories, sharp observations, and laugh-out-loud humor. This timely collection of essays helps us make sense of our collective pop-culture past even as it points the way toward a joyous, uproarious, near—and very queer—future.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given is a vibrantly illustrated collection of essays about modern feminism. The book encourages us to question the insidious narratives that would hold us back from self-acceptance, self-love, and our own power.
Detransition, Baby
Torrey Peter's novel, Detranisiton, Baby, is about three women—transgender and cisgender— whose lives collide after an unexpected pregnancy forces them to confront their deepest desires.
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love
bell hooks is a cultural critic, feminist theorist, and writer. bell hooks' writing challenges patriarchal culture and encourages men to reclaim the best part of themselves.
Over the Top
Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan Van Ness is today.
TV + Movies
Elekta Abundance defends her and her friends' seat at the table in an upscale restaurant. Pose
Disclosure examines Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact discrimination has left on both the transgender community and American culture.