QUEER AND FEARLESS

A poetry collection that pays tribute to prominent queer figures.

Sanders offers a glimpse into the lives of 17 people who have played a role in the fight for equality, among them Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin, activist Marsha P. Johnson, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. An introduction encourages readers to think of themselves as heroes, too: “Speak your mind. Let your truth be known.” Woodgate’s bold and realistic full-color illustrations skillfully convey people, places, and times while reflecting the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Varied poetry styles—free verse, limerick, shape poem, and more—provide the impression of a tapestry, weaving together different moments of a movement in evolution, including the Stonewall Uprising, the creation of the Pride flag, and the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage legal. Although some poems are stronger than others, each brings to life a moment in time and a person who contributed to the movement. The entries offer effective, meaningful sketches, giving young people a strong sense of contributions to queer history and drawing out the many ways individual people can influence movements. An appended glossary and further resources will encourage readers to explore more deeply; also included is information on the various poetic forms used in the book.

An acutely distilled and vibrant compilation of LGBTQ+ heroes.