June 1st is the start of Rainbow Book Month, which is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ literature and authors. The American Library Association is providing free publicity materials (like the image above), as well as links to awards and suggested reading lists.
With all the recent censorship here in the U.S. that has been targeting books written by or about certain minority groups, I think it’s a great idea to shine a spotlight on authors and stories that may otherwise fly under the radar. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to read fiction written by LGBTQIA+ authors or that had characters representing the community. Each one has shown me something new or given me new perspectives to think about.
It’s probably apparent from the books I review on this site that I enjoy reading works from different cultures, different ethnic groups, and overlooked or marginalized communities. I believe I can learn a lot about people from their fiction. Their stories often say the things they can’t say out loud, or they are able to express the things they go through in tragic, beautiful, and thought-provoking ways.
For example, the novel Finding Danyaal, which I read last year, is a story about two young men in Pakistan who fall in love. The narrative follows their struggles with their feelings, the conflicts with their religious beliefs, family dynamics, and how their culture deals with these situations. It gave me insight into a part of the world and a culture I knew very little about.
Ideas are supposed to be shared. Stories allow authors to give us different views on situations, topics, context that we may otherwise miss out on. Besides, an open mind is a healthy mind.
Take some time this month to read an LGBTQIA+ author. You may learn something new about the world around you.
RB
A welcome initiative, Richard! Thank you!
My pleasure, my friend!
Finding Danyaal sounds excellent. And combines both the ltgbq and cultural aspect!
This one is going on my list. My next audible credit will be arriving soon and I shall use it on this book!
It really was, Andrea, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!
What Sheree said. Fabulous idea, Richard. And now that Federal judges in Texas have decided that books can be pulled from a public library because somebody didn’t like them, hurry before they are no longer available at a library near you. We’ve quit pretending this is all about protecting children from age inappropriate books.
Agree, Pat. It’s getting out of hand and the ‘party of small government’ will continue to push the boundaries.
Sadly and sickly ironic, dontcha think?
An excellent suggestion Richard
Thank you, Sheree. 🙂