THE BOOK OF AWESOME QUEER HEROES

Brief biographical sketches celebrating queer people’s contributions to society.

Activists and authors Rosswood and Archambeau present accessible community histories that educate and inspire by presenting their subjects as changemakers, not victims. The short profiles, which are prefaced by black-and-white photos, are grouped by area of influence: “Activism,” Business,” “The Arts,” “Film & Television,” “Government & Military,” “Music,” “Religion,” “Science, Health, and Technology,” “Sports,” and “Literature,” showing their broad range of interests and abilities. Some of the people featured are well-known historical figures (such as Bayard Rustin, Alan Turing, and Frida Kahlo). Others are contemporary, like Pete Buttigieg, RuPaul, X González, Esera Tuaolo, and Megan Rapinoe. Despite a U.S.-centric focus, the authors include some international names—for example, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Jin Xing, Daniela Vega, and Leo Varadkar. The diversity in the Americans, who include immigrants and working-class folks, contrasts with the omission of African subjects; similarly, the book includes no queer Muslims. Nevertheless, this strong work will appeal to teens seeking queer role models and joy-centered narratives and may encourage readers to contemplate what it means to be a hero. It also holds value for adults who are raising or working with teens. A clear and persuasive introduction emphasizes the need to push back against the erasure of LGBTQ+ lives and stories from history curricula and public conversation.

An inviting and readable book framing queer people as admirable and valuable members of society.