QUEER HISTORY A TO Z

The vibrant history of LGBTQ+ activism gets the abecedary treatment.

Each letter in the alphabet corresponds to a person, place, event, or concept that relates to the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Subjects range from the well known (the Stonewall Inn, Pride flags) to those that are more obscure but still important (activist Ernestine Eckstein, the “We Demand” demonstration held in Ottawa in 1987). Each entry is thoroughly researched and in tune with current conversations, such as cross-generational reactions to the word queer. Though the book is informative, it’s an overwhelming read at times, with spreads containing large blocks of wordy text alongside energetic illustrations. Many prominent figures who could have benefited from a more in-depth treatment are relegated to the abundant backmatter, perhaps due to the constraints of the alphabet format. In the introduction, Stevenson states that readers will learn about “queer history in North America,” yet the book includes primarily American and Canadian examples (two Mexican activists are mentioned in the backmatter). In addition to brief profiles of prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ movement, the backmatter includes a timeline, a glossary, and a list of child-friendly resources. People depicted are diverse.

An ambitious look at an important movement that falls short in execution.