February Reads: LGBT+ History Month

February is LGBT+ History Month. This is an annual celebration and observation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of those in the wider community. It is a chance to discover and rediscover role models, to strengthen ties within the LGBT+ community and beyond, to educate and introduce people to the often overlooked past troubles and it is a powerful civil rights statement demonstrating the enormous contributions of the LGBT+ Community.

So, February seems like the perfect time to indulge in some great books from, about and for (not exclusively) the LGBT+ Community. Here are the 4 books that I shall be indulging in over the course of the month.

1. Oscar Wilde's "Complete Poetry"

(Oxford University Press)

One of the giant figures in LGBT History is Oscar Wilde, who is sometimes better remembered for the treatment to which he was subjected rather than the beauty of his words and his status as a literary chameleon. I love his work and cannot wait to sink my teeth back into his social commentary, wit, innocence and pain.

"They stripped him of his canvas clothes,

And gave him to the flies:

They mocked the swollen purple throat,

And the stark and staring eyes:

And with laughter loud they heaped the shroud

In which their convict lies."

(Taken from "The Ballad of Reading Gaol")

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2. "Trans Britain: Our Journey From The Shadows" Edited by Christine Burns

(Unbound)

This particular read is one I am really looking forward to. The reviews, the subject matter, the ability to increase my understanding and educate myself on areas unconsidered are some of the reasons I am anticipating this read with relish. From its blurb I have ascertained that it is attempting to chart the roots, struggles and efforts of many who fought (and still are fighting) for equality, acceptance and freedom from hostility, threats and judgement. It does this against the backdrop of more recent high profile and renowned individuals in the media, whose presence has allowed the discussion to be reinvigorated.

"These are stories that need to be told, that need to be remembered. We need them to know where to go next. And we need them so that we can say thank you to the people who gave so much so that we can just be ourselves."

(Taken from the Foreword by Aaron H. Devor, Ph.D, FSSS, FSTLHE, Chair in Transgender Studies, Founder and Academic Director of The Transgender Archives, Professor of the Sociology Department at the University of Victoria, Canada.)

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3. "The Complete Poems of Sappho" Translated by Willis Barnstone

(Shambhala Publications, Inc.)

Anyone who has read a recent poem of mine "Sappho: History's Lyre" and its accompanying blog, will know of my love for this poet. The fragments of her extraordinary writings we have been left exploring sexuality, love of another woman, love itself, hurt, loss, family and more - a strong female voice emerges at a time when they weren't welcome (many would argue that they still aren't today). And this was circa 600BC.

This collection, and in particular this translation, is new to me and was sent as a present by an anonymous secret-gifter. I shall enjoy swimming in Sappho's words once more...in fact I've already started!

"But you have forgotten me

Or you love some man more than me."

(Taken from "Where Am I?")

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4. "From Prejudice To Pride: A History of the LGBTQ+ Movement" by Amy Lamé

(Wayland Books)

This easy reference book "looks at the rise and achievments of the LGBTQ+ movement for equal rights and the different communities, pioneers and stories of heartbreak and courage that have marched alongside it." I haven't yet poked my nose thoroughly around this trove but it looks like a unique piece of work that will definitely find its place as an LGBT+ History Month read.

"BUILDING A FAMILY: In the past, laws prevented LGBTQ+ people from having custody of their children after a separation or divorce, and also prevented LGBTQ+ people from adopting, or receiving medical assistance to conceive. This made building a family very difficult for LGBTQ+ people."

(Taken from the chapter on "Family")

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Those are my 4 main reads for this extremely important month, it is my way of continuing to educate myself, improve my understanding and confronting some of the misconceptions that I may have.

What will you be reading for LGBT+ History Month? Why not leave a comment!