BOSTON, MA - May 30, 2025 - To honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Boston Public Library (BPL) is releasing its We Are Pride booklist, a booklist of recent titles about the diverse experience of the LGBTQ+ community. Observed annually in June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month honors and explores the influence and legacy of members of the LGBTQ+ community. The BPL will also observe LGBTQ+ Pride Month by hosting special events for all ages across branches.
The We Are Pride booklist, featuring selected books written either by LGBTQ+ authors or about LGBTQ+ history and culture, is compiled by staff librarians from the Brighton, Jamaica Plain, Parker Hill, and South Boston branches, along with staff from the Central Library in Copley Square. The 75 titles comprising the We Are Pride booklist highlight selections for adults, teenagers, and children by authors such as George M. Johnson, Adib Khorram, Chaya M. Milchtein, RuPaul, and Chuck Tingle. Genres from this collection include fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, expressions, and poetry.
Each book on the list contains a synopsis and is accompanied by an image of the book cover as well as classification information. In addition to print books, select titles are available as eBooks or audiobooks.
Along with the booklist, the BPL will celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with author talks and lectures, performing arts events, film screenings, book group discussions, arts and crafts workshops, and more. The full list of programs can be found at bpl.org/events. Highlights include:
- Drag Queen Makeup for Teens | June 2, 3, 9,10, and 11, various locations | Teens can put together a look with the amazing, fabulous Miz Diamond Wigfall!
- Writing Workshop with Kayla Cottingham | June 3, Faneuil | Join New York Times bestselling author Kayla Cottingham for a writing workshop focusing on crafting your own fantasy story. Topics of discussion will include how to world build, write entertaining plots, craft believable characters, and create an inclusive fantasy setting that mirrors reality.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: An Intergenerational LGBTQ+ Ice Cream Social | June 7, Roslindale | An ice cream social that brings together LGBTQ+ people of all ages to share experiences, build relationships, and celebrate our vibrant past and present — one scoop at a time. Enjoy delicious ice cream, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with queer elders and youth in a welcoming and inclusive space.
- Drag Queen Story Time | June 9-13, 16-20, and 23, various locations | Children and families can celebrate Pride Month with drag queen Ms. Patty for a fun-filled story hour with songs, stories, and more!
- Lilt - A Fork and Shoe Production | June 10, Faneuil | Lilt is a one-person musical performance about how someone's relationship with their voice changes as they begin taking testosterone; written and performed by Lee Forrest, accompanied by the Goddamn Brass Band, and directed by Lauren Elizabeth.
- Mom, I Have Something To Tell You: A Film Screening & Discussion with Director Rick Miller | June 11, Central | A screening of Mom, I Have Something To Tell You, a documentary that explores the unique and life-changing bond that exists between women and their gay sons through interviews that inspire audiences with stories about acceptance and love. A discussion with Rick Miller, the film’s director and executive producer, follows the screening.
- Queer Zine Workshop | June 12, Jamaica Plain | Learn what exactly a zine is and what it has to do with queer and trans liberation. We will take a brief look at the history of queer and trans zines as well as the present-day zine scene. Then, you will learn how to make your very own queer zine!
- Drag Bingo Night with Rose Quartz! | June 18, Honan-Allston | This isn't your typical bingo night — expect fun, fast-paced gameplay, exciting prizes, and performances that’ll leave you speechless! Hostess Rose Quartz will keep the energy high and the bingo balls rolling as she serves up sass, style, and a sprinkle of comedy. With every round, the excitement grows — who knows, you might just win something fabulous while enjoying some jaw-dropping performances along the way!
- Another World is Already Poem-ing — Arts Workshop and Poetry Reading | June 21, Central | Part poetry reading, part creative activity workshop, and part open mic with poets Blue Nguyen, JR Mahung, and mica rose. The artists will offer a series of workshops and activities prompting reflection on global liberation movements, past and present, to imagine what revolution means for participants. Activities will lead to expression through collage, movement, creative writing, and a share out portion.
- Author Talk: Daniel Gonzalez - The Rise and Fall of Boston Pride | June 26, Central | Author Daniel Gonzalez discusses his book The Rise and Fall of Boston Pride which delves into the vibrant history of LGBTQ+ activism and community in one of America's most historic cities. From its early roots in the 1970s to becoming a symbol of resilience, visibility, and celebration, this book traces the evolution of Boston Pride and its profound impact on both the city and the national movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Nonfiction Night: Horse Barbie | June 26, Brighton | A group discussion of Geena Rocero's 2023 memoir, Horse Barbie, which details Rocero’s struggles and successes as film producer, director, model, trans rights advocate, and television host.
Physical copies of the We Are Pride booklist will be available at all BPL locations starting June 1, 2025; it can also be accessed digitally. In addition, the booklist and information about LGBTQ+ Pride Month programs will also appear on the BPL website at bpl.org and on the BPL social media accounts (X, Facebook, Instagram). Many of these programs and resources are supported by The Howard Cooper LGBTQIA+ Endowment Fund.
Patrons can view many years' worth of prior affinity booklists, such as those from Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Black History Month, Disability Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Native American Heritage Month in an online archive.
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ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large, free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children’s room.
The Boston Public Library of today is a robust system that includes the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, the Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, and an archival center, offering public access to world-class special collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints, along with rich digital content and online services.
The Boston Public Library serves nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. All of its programs and exhibitions are free to all and open to the public. The Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. To learn more, visit bpl.org.