The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World

History doesn’t just exist; it must be preserved in order to prevent us from repeating our past mistakes. Rarely has a group been more targeted with historical erasure than the LGBTQ community. Whether it’s Nazis in the 1940s wiping out records of trans individuals or modern bigots trying to harass them out of military service, there are numerous examples throughout history of attempts to deny a historical presence to persecuted groups.

Thankfully, there is now a concerted effort toward protecting LGBTQ history, and The Book of Pride is one book bringing dozens of names back into the spotlight. At first glance, this is a collection of interviews with trailblazers for nonbinary gender representation, bi representation, and other LGBTQ groups that have been marginalized and attacked over the years.

But collectively, it is a symbol, a joyous celebration of those who fought when the fight was harder, whose struggles have helped pave the way for modern activists to carry on the fight. And without these interviews, many of these voices could’ve been lost forever.

As a history buff, it’s rare for me to encounter important names that are unfamiliar, but The Book of Pride is loaded with important figures I’d never heard of, and that’s a travesty. Here’s hoping this worthwhile, informative, and insightful book is the start of a sea change for LGBTQ history and visibility.