5 LGBTQIA+ Books to Celebrate Pride Month
With June being National Pride Month, here are our novel and poetry picks from LGBTQIA+ authors about gender-diverse experiences.
In celebration of Pride Month, let’s explore some amazing books written by LGBTQIA+ authors as well as stories about gender-diverse experiences. From heartfelt fiction to humorous and poignant poetry about acceptance, including a beautifully illustrated local children’s picture book, these selected titles are just a few outstanding works that speak to the love, identity, joys and struggles that make up the spectrum of humanity beyond the binary.
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in June 2023
Photo: Courtesy of da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Kapaemahu
by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer
Based on the mo‘olelo of four māhū who traveled from Tahiti to Hawai‘i, Kapaemahu showcases the power of preserving Indigenous stories. The stunning artwork and writing give a glimpse of wonder into Waikīkī, a now heavily urbanized area bustling with tourists. This is a great read for parents and keiki looking to engage with Hawaiian mo‘olelo through themes of māhū (queer identity in Hawaiian culture), generosity and healing.
– Alyssa Chau, bookseller
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Nuclear Family
by Joseph Han
Joseph Han’s writing in Nuclear Family is full of humor and tenderness. His exploration of familial ties, connections to homeland and generational trauma immerse us in a world of vulnerable writing. Bringing together themes of family, memory and belonging, Han effortlessly captures some of the beautifully complex culture of local life in Hawaiʻi.
– Alyssa Chau, bookseller
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Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency
by Chen Chen
Chen Chen presents deep intimate love in poetic form through this book. Both humorous and delicate, these poems weave queerness, grief and love with a fluidity that is completely unmatched. A creation story in itself, this book allows us to follow closely behind Chen Chen in both his grieving and celebration.
– Alyssa Chau, bookseller
SEE ALSO: Asian American Pacific Islander Month: 5 Books to Broaden Your Horizons
Photo: Courtesy of da Shop: Books + Curiosities
A Place Called No Homeland
by Kai Cheng Thom
Kai Cheng Thom’s fantastic poetry explores the dichotomy between survival and hope. These poems navigate the relationships between body, land, safety and community with such tenderness and unflinching honesty. Themes of gender, race and violence are balanced with poignant yet beautiful prose in unforgettable ways. A Place Called No Homeland weaves identities with bravery that will resonate with anyone trying to bridge the experiences of the Asian diaspora and queerness.
– Blake Jones, social media coordinator
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Two Nails, One Love
by Alden M. Hayashi
There is an old Japanese proverb—deru kugi wa utareru—generally translated as, “The nail that sticks up will be hammered down.” This queer story grapples with identity within the context of filial piety and being Asian and specifically Japanese American. While the struggles of coming out to one’s family are universal, there are always nuances given cultural biases. Ethan, a gay Japanese American from Hawai‘i, struggles to reconcile his relationship with his mother, whom he feels he has disappointed. Along the way, mother and son grapple for mutual understanding and acceptance despite their generational differences and perspectives. This is a poignant portrayal of resisting the pressure to conform and finding common ground with family without compromising one’s true individuality.
– Lani Lee, book curator
Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl
