Me Time
A Month of Pride
Wow, Pride Month. I remember when it was just a day and then a week. Now we've got a whole month. Are you exhausted already?
This year in addition to all the rainbow stuff I see as I walk through midtown Manhattan (here's something I wrote a few years back expressing my ambivalence about how companies are now part of Pride month) there's also a lot of anger, fear and trepidation, especially in places like Florida, where a few cities have cancelled or downgraded their Pride celebrations. Now, people are worried about Proud Boys showing up with guns. Others are ready to defiantly take to the streets in a show of Pride and Resistance. It's a difficult time, but as you'll see below, queer-themed books are flying off the shelves. So there's that!
I guess we can all calm down and eat a cookie at Pret a Manger since 50 cents of every Pride Cookie they're selling goes to support SAGE, where I serve on the board. SAGE is the only national organization serving and advocating for LGBTQ+ elders. I had the pleasure of eating one of these cookies and it is delicious!
Next week I'll be on a flight to Denver for the Golden Crown Literary Society's annual conference. I am mega-excited to see everyone. (Oh, the hugs!) And right before the Con, I'll be spending Pride weekend in Denver with my son who's flying in from Portland. So wins all around.
Happy Pride! Stay safe but stay out and proud. Imbue yourself with the courage of Stonewall and the Lavender Menace!
Sapphic Lit and Other Book Stuff
LGBTQ+ Fiction Sales Are Soaring Amid Rise in Book Bans | Them
“It is important to note that the growth in LGBTQ fiction has outpaced the overall market for fiction sales, including adult, kids’, and young adult fiction combined, which remained relatively flat,”
How Queer-Owned Bookstores are Celebrating Pride Month
here are 42 beloved bookstores’ thoughts on Pride month and their plans for June, from drag queen story hours to local Pride festivals to dance parties and beyond.
Illinois Becomes First State to Ban Book Bans
What this law does is it says, let’s trust our experience and education of our librarians to decide what books should be in circulation
Biden Names Coordinator To Work On Book Bans Issue - Towleroad Gay News
The new coordinator, under the auspices of the Department of Education’s office of civil rights, will be tasked with providing new training for schools on how book bans can create a “hostile” environment for students — and possibly violate federal laws.
Reading Black Joy: 27 F/F Romances by Black Authors – The Lesbrary
Many Black authors have spoken about the difficulties of being pigeon-holed by the publishing industry into writing only about Black trauma. While learning about racism, both historical and present day, is crucial, there is so much more to read from Black authors than that.
Rita Mae Brown: Famed LGBTQ author and feminist - Queer Forty
I like stories about people who stand up and fight. The book was about this outspoken girl and woman who wants to live her life the way she wants to live it. I would hope everybody comes to those conclusions whatever and whoever they are.
‘Dykes to Watch Out For,’ Now Holding Forth in Your Headphones - The New York Times
Ms. Aleia said she appreciated “Dykes to Watch Out For” as a rare work about queer people that doesn’t feel a need to explain itself to a heteronormative world. Instead, it spends its time making jokes about psychotherapy, lusting after crushes and rigorously engaging in politics. As Ms. Aleia described it: “We’re here, we’re queer and we’re neurotic about it!”
Hayley Kiyoko Creates a Lesbian Romance for Teens
successfully adapts her iconic music video for the song “Girls Like Girls” in her debut novel, expanding on the characters and deepening queer themes.
"Bernie's Mitten Maker": A Memoir of Crafting, Connection, and Queer Parenthood - Mombian
Jen Ellis, the Vermont teacher who created the mittens that Senator Bernie Sanders wore in his now-famous photo, has written a surprisingly moving memoir not only about how that happened, but also how it ties into her wider story of coming out, becoming a parent, the power of crafting, and the magic of generosity.
About the Sapphic Quill - For sapphic fiction authors
I’m a firm believer in mutual support, uplifting one another, and giving back to the community. With this website, I’m hoping to achieve all of that and to be able to help more writers, especially those who are struggling or just starting out.
Quiz: What Sapphic Romance Novel Trope Is Your Destiny? | Autostraddle
As captain of Team Love Is Not a Lie here at Autostraddle, I thought I'd combine my affections and recent obsession and make a little quiz for you.
Fee-Free Writing Residencies - Erika Dreifus
residencies that both 1) charge no application fees and 2) charge no fees for participation
Wild Seeds Writers Retreat - Center for Black Literature
the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color workshops (summer 2023). The dates are July 17 - 22, 2023 at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (Utica, NY). Aspiring writers (21 and over) are encouraged to apply.
News You Can Use
Indiana High Schoolers Bravely Perform LGBTQ-Inclusive Play Despite School's Ban
Students at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne were excited to perform Adam Szymkowicz’s Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood, a queer version of Sherwood Forest and its merry group of thieves. However, some parents complained to the school district and said that portraying homosexuality onstage was sinful, The Washington Postreports.
Roberta Colindrez is a queer butch Latina in a league of her own - Queerty
With more than 30 credits to her name, the openly gay and Latina actor has been making waves on TV and Broadway for well over a decade.
"Marvelous Mrs Maisel" Finally Truly Confirms Susie's Gayness | Autostraddle
In this moment I lamented how the shows determination to sideline Susie’s sexuality has given Borstein so few opportunities to do this type of work, these kinds of scenes, the ones that happen between two people who have been involved intimately and carry the entire weight of their broken selves into every future conversation they have.
“I’m No Stranger to Hard Times”: Brittney Griner Opens Up About Russian Detention | Them
The WNBA superstar gave her first press conference since her return to the U.S.
'Complex butch characters helped me feel seen'
From Big Boo in Orange is the New Black to Max in A League of Their Own, here are the butch characters that had a profound impact on Niamh O’Toole.
LISTEN: The story behind Madeline Davis & her timeless anthem "Stonewall Nation" - Queerty
Davis, a singer, songwriter, activist, and documentarian, played a significant role in the gay liberation movement for over 50 years.
Reneé Rapp on Mean Girls, TikTok romance and her music career
For the past two seasons, she’s played fan-favorite Leighton Murray, a snobby, well-to-do lesbian who has been coming to terms with her sexuality. Though Rapp identifies as bisexual, she says, “A lot of [Leighton’s] journey is reflected in my life, specifically because it's coming from me.”
‘I stood there with my mouth open. It was a utopia’: 50 years of Olivia, the lesbian cruise company | Travel | The Guardian
Since the company started offering cruises, in 1990, it has hosted more than 350,000 LGBTQ+ women on cruises and resort holidays from Europe to Africa and has earned a revered status among lesbians
Karine Jean-Pierre Hosts ‘The L Word’ Cast & Creator at White House Press Briefing
“This week is Lesbian Visibility Week, and as the first openly queer person to hold the position of Press Secretary for the President of the United States, I see every day how important visibility and representation are,” she said.
12 Lesbians Who've Made U.S. Political History
For Lesbian Visibility Week, we present 12 who've contributed significantly to visibility in elected and appointed offices.
Helpful Tools
Readwise
Readwise lets you quickly liberate your highlights (all into one place), and ensures that you'll actually see and use them.
A Terrific Quote
20 Quotes About LGBTQ+ Pride | Inspiring Quotes
Pride Month is an acknowledgment of progress, ongoing activism, and, above all, love in all its forms.