Non-fiction has long been a staple to the queer community. Memoirs sharing our experiences and the reality of being LGBTQIA+ in different parts of the world, at different points in time, have helped educate and enlighten us to some of the harsh realities, as well as the wonderful moments of community we can experience. Essays and blogs can also bring forth lost history which is often missed out of school curriculum and main stream media. Publishing gives us a voice.
Burning My Roti, Sharan Dhaliwal
‘Burning my Roti’ celebrates the strides South Asian women have made, whilst sharing devastating stories of growing up as a queer Indian woman. Sharan Dhaliwal covers multitudes in her memoir, from mental health and beauty standards, to sexual and cultural identity. She invites other South Asian women to share their personal stories and advice.
It would be easy for me to say that this book ‘wasn’t for me’ as a white British woman, however, Dhaliwal opens up and shares her experiences, and it was an eye opening opportunity to learn and listen. It’s packed with humour, devastation and wonderful art, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone in search of a memoir.
The absolute icon that is Miriam Margolyes. If you’re going to read one book, read ‘This much is true’. It is the most interesting and unbelievable memoir ever, Margolyes has had an incredible life, with all the ups and downs, and is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. She came out as Lesbian in 1966, when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK, and now uses her platforms to promote acceptance and awareness.
If a memoir isn’t for you, I’d recommend reading these articles for a glimpse of her magic.
https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/14/miriam-margolyes-vogue-cover-debut-lesbian-shame-sexuality/
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/jun/13/miriam-margolyes-i-never-had-any-shame-about-being-gay
I met her 2 years ago at a book signing, and she gave me some free cake 🙂
She was genuinely so lovely, and we had a great chat. (she is also just as funny in real life!)
All the Violet Tiaras, Jean Menzies
I picked this up from my local indie bookshop last month, and I’m very excited to read it! All of the 404 Inklings books look great, and I can’t wait to make my way through them.
“For a period in time that gave us Sappho, and the love affair of Achilles and Patroclus, the Ancient Greek relationship with queer folk is a lot more complicated than at first glance. Myths were altered and adapted throughout antiquity to reflect the values and issues of the day. All the Violet Tiaras navigates queer reimaginings, explorations of gender, and more.”
Another book I’ve just picked up is ‘In Their Shoes’ by Jamie Windust. I was suprised to find it in my local charity shop as it had been on my radar for a while.
“There is no one way to be non-binary, and that’s truthfully one of the best things about it. It’s an identity that is yours to shape.
Combining light-hearted anecdotes with their own hard-won wisdom, Jamie Windust explores everything from fashion, dating, relationships and family, through to mental health, work and future key debates. From trying on clothes in secret to iconic looks, first dates to polyamorous liaisons, passports to pronouns, Jamie shows you how to navigate the world and your evolving identity in every type of situation.
Frank, funny, and brilliantly feisty, this must-read book is a call to arms for non-binary self-acceptance, self-appreciation and self-celebration.”
The Times I Knew I Was Gay, Eleanor Crewes
The Times I Knew I Was Gay is a graphic novel memoir. Through amazing illustrations, Crewes tells the story of her coming out. This was a sweet, accessible memoir, for anyone who has wrestled with their identity in the past, or currently still is (or any young LGBTQIA+ people!).
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