Read with Pride!

This year the UK are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pride!

Inspired by the Stonewall riots, the very first UK Pride march took place here in London on 1 July 1972. At this time, and for many years to come, LGBTQ people in the UK faced terrible discrimination. For example, gay marriage would not be legalised until 2013 and gay and bisexual people were forbidden to enter the armed forces until 2000.

Pride is now celebrated every year to celebrate the impact that LGBTQ people have had in the world, uplift their voices, raise awareness of issues facing the community and promote important ideals such as acceptance and equality. 

While London Pride does not take place until July, Pride Month is celebrated throughout June. 

Here at the Library, we have selected a broad range of titles featuring LGBTQ characters and written by LGBTQ authors. Ranging from graphic novels, classics, fantasy fiction, to romance and mysteries there is sure to be something for everyone! 

If you would like to learn more about LGBTQ History and the importance of Pride, check out the following resources available via the Library:

Sensible Footwear: A Girl's Guide by Kate Charlesworth 

Blending her own personal experiences with social history, Sensible Footwear explores the movement for LGBTQ rights in Britain chronicling events from the 1950s to present day. Featuring key events such as Stonewall, Pride and the introduction of Section 28, this graphic novel is a brilliantly accessible introduction to anyone wanting to learn more about LGBTQ history. 

English Heritage -  London Pride: LGBTQ stories from history (Blue Plaque Stories)

In this article, English Heritage provides fascinating insight into the lives of famous London residents including Alan Turing, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and Siegfried Sassoon. Learn more about their work and experiences by clicking the link above and keep an eye out for their Blue Plaques around the city!

The British Library - A short history of LGBT rights in the UK

Here Steven Dryden traces the history of LGBTQ rights from the reign of Henry VIII up until the 21st century. Explore this brief timeline to learn more about how laws have changed over the years and check out the brilliant primary sources available via the British Library!

These articles, and many more, are all available via the Library app.

All students also have access to the digital library JSTOR which is full of brilliant academic journals, primary sources and books. Access to History Today is also available via the Library app. Aimed at students this is a great resource which explores a broad variety of topics including LGBTQ history.

You can find our Pride displays in both St Andrew's and St Michael's Libraries.