What do you think?
Rate this book
Generation Queer: Stories of Youth Organizers, Artists, and Educators
Activism. Art. Community care. Education. These are the hallmarks of the work done by the youth highlighted in this collection featuring LGBTQ+ leaders working to make our world more inclusive.
Civil Rights activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
In this collection of short biographies, readers will see the example of thirty young trailblazers representative of a generation that values intersectional, collaborative social justice and who are working to build a world that values everyone.
Meet leaders who founded organizations for their liberation as teenagers, leaders who brought Black transgender representation to people’s television screens, and leaders who successfully advocated for access to restrooms for transgender students. Meet the first transgender athlete to compete in Division I sports, and artists advocating for inclusiveness through poetry, film, fashion, and other mediums.
Whether their work involves protesting, working with policymakers for change, or just existing in the world as their creative selves, each of these young leaders shares what brings them joy and keeps them motivated to do the work they do– even when it’s hard–and their hope for better things to come.
Civil Rights activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
In this collection of short biographies, readers will see the example of thirty young trailblazers representative of a generation that values intersectional, collaborative social justice and who are working to build a world that values everyone.
Meet leaders who founded organizations for their liberation as teenagers, leaders who brought Black transgender representation to people’s television screens, and leaders who successfully advocated for access to restrooms for transgender students. Meet the first transgender athlete to compete in Division I sports, and artists advocating for inclusiveness through poetry, film, fashion, and other mediums.
Whether their work involves protesting, working with policymakers for change, or just existing in the world as their creative selves, each of these young leaders shares what brings them joy and keeps them motivated to do the work they do– even when it’s hard–and their hope for better things to come.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 27, 2025
4 people are currently reading
1878 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 26, 2025
Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours and the publisher for providing me with a stunning hardcover ARC of Generation Queer. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s rare that I pick up nonfiction, but something about the premise of this book called to me, and I am so glad it did! Generation Queer is more than just a collection of biographies. It is a vibrant, intersectional tapestry woven together with activism, joy, grief, resilience, and boundless hope. If I could rate this book higher than five stars, I would.
Kimm Topping has crafted something powerful and necessary. The language is accessible without being overly simplified, making it easy for a wide range of readers to engage with the stories. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the life of a young LGBTQ+ leader who is shaping the world around them, often while facing enormous systemic obstacles. From policy change to poetry, from community care to visual storytelling, the work these individuals are doing is nothing short of revolutionary.
What really elevated this collection for me was the inclusion of Anshika Khullar’s illustrations, which breathe even more life into these already vibrant narratives. There is an intimacy in the way the visuals and the writing work together. You feel connected not just to the activists' causes, but to their humanity. Topping and Khullar give us more than a moment in each of these lives. They give us context. The timelines and reflections included throughout the book help place each story in the broader legacy of queer resistance and celebration.
One of the most vital elements of Generation Queer is its deep and intentional focus on intersectionality. So often, queer media is centered on white, able-bodied, cisgender experiences. This book moves far beyond that, amplifying the voices of those who are often pushed to the margins even within queer spaces. It is a celebration of diverse identities, of complexity, and of the many ways that people create change in their communities.
In a time when queer youth are continually under attack and legislation threatens their safety and futures, this book feels like a much-needed light. It made me feel proud, inspired, and deeply moved. It is a testament to the power of being seen and the strength that can grow from that visibility.
Generation Queer deserves to be in classrooms, libraries, and homes. It is a reminder of what young people can do (and are already doing) when given the chance to lead.
Follow me on Instagram and on TikTok @mythicalreadsreviewer for more reviews!
April 30, 2025
Thank you HOV for a digital copy to take part in the book tour! All opinions remain my own.
Reading this, I couldn't help thinking that this felt like the real life project that Dawn was working on in another Hear Our Voices book tour book, called The Queer Girl is Going To Be Okay.
I loved how visual this was, especially in the illustrations and timelines (such as the LGBTQIA+ people in the Courts and Government and Self care and Community care examples).
Some memorable quotes id like to share:
"While those who are first, or a founder, or the face of an action are integral to the success of our movements, it's so important to to acknowledge e eryones contributions and all styles of leadership, including quiet leaders. Much like gender and sexuality, leadership is expansive, and there are so many ways to define it."
"People across the gender spectrum exist and thrive across the globe, from Two-Spirit (Indigenous North America) to hijra (South Asia) to māhū (Hawaii and Tahiti) to fa'afafine and fa'afatma (Samoa) to xochihua (Central Mexico) to muxe' (Southern Mexico) to omeggid (Panama) and manga more."
"We have to remember that, first and foremost, activism is self-defence. So if your activism is at the expense of your mental or physical health, you're doing something wrong." - Zander Moricz.
"I think that there are a lot of characters in film and television who live on he margins and rise to the top. I want to tell a younger version of myself that my story is worth something. My experience matters." - Reeves Gift.
"It's also important to recognize that many of the genital surgeries that became available to later generations of transgender people were developed by practicing on the bodies of enslaved Black women who were subjected to medical experimentation, and that these procedures were used nonconsensually on the bodies of intersex youth" - Susan Stryker, Transgender History
I adored that each activist shared a little something that brings them joy in their life. It was such a beautiful sentiment to close off their story.
Despite the little fact boxes sometimes feeling a little disjointed to what was being shared in the main body of the text, I really appreciated the emphasis on intersectionality, particularly with ethnicity and disability in relation to sexuality.
The illustrations added more personality to the testimonies and stories shared by the young activists.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Reading this, I couldn't help thinking that this felt like the real life project that Dawn was working on in another Hear Our Voices book tour book, called The Queer Girl is Going To Be Okay.
I loved how visual this was, especially in the illustrations and timelines (such as the LGBTQIA+ people in the Courts and Government and Self care and Community care examples).
Some memorable quotes id like to share:
"While those who are first, or a founder, or the face of an action are integral to the success of our movements, it's so important to to acknowledge e eryones contributions and all styles of leadership, including quiet leaders. Much like gender and sexuality, leadership is expansive, and there are so many ways to define it."
"People across the gender spectrum exist and thrive across the globe, from Two-Spirit (Indigenous North America) to hijra (South Asia) to māhū (Hawaii and Tahiti) to fa'afafine and fa'afatma (Samoa) to xochihua (Central Mexico) to muxe' (Southern Mexico) to omeggid (Panama) and manga more."
"We have to remember that, first and foremost, activism is self-defence. So if your activism is at the expense of your mental or physical health, you're doing something wrong." - Zander Moricz.
"I think that there are a lot of characters in film and television who live on he margins and rise to the top. I want to tell a younger version of myself that my story is worth something. My experience matters." - Reeves Gift.
"It's also important to recognize that many of the genital surgeries that became available to later generations of transgender people were developed by practicing on the bodies of enslaved Black women who were subjected to medical experimentation, and that these procedures were used nonconsensually on the bodies of intersex youth" - Susan Stryker, Transgender History
I adored that each activist shared a little something that brings them joy in their life. It was such a beautiful sentiment to close off their story.
Despite the little fact boxes sometimes feeling a little disjointed to what was being shared in the main body of the text, I really appreciated the emphasis on intersectionality, particularly with ethnicity and disability in relation to sexuality.
The illustrations added more personality to the testimonies and stories shared by the young activists.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
May 28, 2025
4.75 stars
I am going to start off by saying that reading this book and supporting others like it is a necessity. I don't typically urge people to read a book unless they think it's their vibe, but this book is that little beacon of hope that has helped get me through the current situations in this country. I am incredibly inspired by all of the people interviewed in the book and Kimm's insights.
The way this book is put together is SO thoughtful and respectful! I'm amazed at how it was put together and the grace that it took to share all of these stories. Young people are the future, and this book makes that point fantastically. I loved how it beldned modern examples of progress with moments in queer history. The book also encourages moments of introspection, which just adds to its value.
I also want to take a moment to discuss the gorgeous illustrations. They make all of the people interviewed in the book shine. I also really admire the limited color palette that helps with the cohesion of a book that contains so many perspectives.
The only thing I didn't find perfect about this book was the formatting. There are a lot of informative anecdotes incorporated into the book, but they will break up paragraphs and even sentences by multiple pages at times. In terms of accessibility for me, it was difficult to follow the narrative of the story when moments of history or helpful resources are literally added right in the middle of a thought. Perhaps this is just my ADHD, but I struggled to focus with said formatting.
Overall, this book is a must-read in terms of representation and empowerment. I loved seeing the stories of people from all different backgrounds, all connected by creating positive change and the desire for a safer and happier world for all LGBTQ+ individuals. From the illustrations to the thoughtful interviews to the copious external resources, this book has a ton of bang for your buck. I'm honored to have it on my shelves.
I received this book as an ARC as part of a Hear Our Voices tour. My review is honest and voluntary.
I am going to start off by saying that reading this book and supporting others like it is a necessity. I don't typically urge people to read a book unless they think it's their vibe, but this book is that little beacon of hope that has helped get me through the current situations in this country. I am incredibly inspired by all of the people interviewed in the book and Kimm's insights.
The way this book is put together is SO thoughtful and respectful! I'm amazed at how it was put together and the grace that it took to share all of these stories. Young people are the future, and this book makes that point fantastically. I loved how it beldned modern examples of progress with moments in queer history. The book also encourages moments of introspection, which just adds to its value.
I also want to take a moment to discuss the gorgeous illustrations. They make all of the people interviewed in the book shine. I also really admire the limited color palette that helps with the cohesion of a book that contains so many perspectives.
The only thing I didn't find perfect about this book was the formatting. There are a lot of informative anecdotes incorporated into the book, but they will break up paragraphs and even sentences by multiple pages at times. In terms of accessibility for me, it was difficult to follow the narrative of the story when moments of history or helpful resources are literally added right in the middle of a thought. Perhaps this is just my ADHD, but I struggled to focus with said formatting.
Overall, this book is a must-read in terms of representation and empowerment. I loved seeing the stories of people from all different backgrounds, all connected by creating positive change and the desire for a safer and happier world for all LGBTQ+ individuals. From the illustrations to the thoughtful interviews to the copious external resources, this book has a ton of bang for your buck. I'm honored to have it on my shelves.
I received this book as an ARC as part of a Hear Our Voices tour. My review is honest and voluntary.
June 10, 2025
I am so unbelievably glad this book exists!! Especially right now, when anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation are running rampant. Every school and every library across the county (and beyond) NEEDS a copy of this book.
I’m still working my way through all of the amazing information that is in this book because I want to absorb every ounce of it. Generation Queer is not just a collection of short biographies. Throughout this book you will find historical information, including timelines and maps; multiple resource lists of books on specific topics; and gorgeous illustrations. You’ll also find information about how to take action as a young person or an educator and empowering stories about 2SLGBTQIA+ young people who have made and continue to make a difference through activism, art, care, and education.
This is not just a book - it is a celebration. It is a call to action.
Generation Queer is a source of joy in the midst of turmoil. It is a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and community. It is hope for a better future. It is a reminder that together we will get through this and we will keep fighting - side by side, hand in hand, brick by brick. It is a reminder that there is nothing they can do to erase us. We have always existed and we always will.
If there is a young activist, queer, or trans person in your life - get them this book! Ask your local library to get a copy. Gift a copy to an educator. Share this book with anyone you know that is invested in LGBTQ+ activism in any way shape or form.
Together, let’s keep working toward a future that is more inclusive. Let’s build a world that is safer and better and that celebrates queer* and trans* existence in all its beautiful and diverse glory.
Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours for the copy and for inviting me to be part of this book tour!
I’m still working my way through all of the amazing information that is in this book because I want to absorb every ounce of it. Generation Queer is not just a collection of short biographies. Throughout this book you will find historical information, including timelines and maps; multiple resource lists of books on specific topics; and gorgeous illustrations. You’ll also find information about how to take action as a young person or an educator and empowering stories about 2SLGBTQIA+ young people who have made and continue to make a difference through activism, art, care, and education.
This is not just a book - it is a celebration. It is a call to action.
Generation Queer is a source of joy in the midst of turmoil. It is a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and community. It is hope for a better future. It is a reminder that together we will get through this and we will keep fighting - side by side, hand in hand, brick by brick. It is a reminder that there is nothing they can do to erase us. We have always existed and we always will.
If there is a young activist, queer, or trans person in your life - get them this book! Ask your local library to get a copy. Gift a copy to an educator. Share this book with anyone you know that is invested in LGBTQ+ activism in any way shape or form.
Together, let’s keep working toward a future that is more inclusive. Let’s build a world that is safer and better and that celebrates queer* and trans* existence in all its beautiful and diverse glory.
Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours for the copy and for inviting me to be part of this book tour!
May 28, 2025
Typically, non-fiction biographies aren’t my vibe (mostly because I don’t feel like they’re accessible), but this one called to me. Topping wrote this in a way that is accessible to anyone—anyone willing to learn a thing or two, that is. I appreciated the historical context provided at the beginning of the book, which showed that queer people have always been present.
I love that this book covers LGBTQ+ activism in various areas, but my favorite aspect is the consistent examples of intersectionality. Topping provided a clear definition and many, many living examples. Given the current political climate and the rights being stripped away from us, it’s inspiring to see young people fighting for what’s right. It was a joy to read everyone’s story, because everyone has a story—you just have to be willing to listen to them. It was also interesting to learn what brings them happiness, as constantly fighting for equity and equality can be exhausting. This book felt like the push we all need to not only support the youth in this fight but also to join them in it.
This should be in everyone’s library and classroom. If you ever felt like no one was listening, I promise we were… we are. We should be fighting for everyone’s human rights. These stories reminded me that they’re not fighting for LGBTQ+ rights; that’s just the label that is put on them to make it easier to deny those rights. Please request this from your local library or purchase from your favorite indie bookshop!
I love that this book covers LGBTQ+ activism in various areas, but my favorite aspect is the consistent examples of intersectionality. Topping provided a clear definition and many, many living examples. Given the current political climate and the rights being stripped away from us, it’s inspiring to see young people fighting for what’s right. It was a joy to read everyone’s story, because everyone has a story—you just have to be willing to listen to them. It was also interesting to learn what brings them happiness, as constantly fighting for equity and equality can be exhausting. This book felt like the push we all need to not only support the youth in this fight but also to join them in it.
This should be in everyone’s library and classroom. If you ever felt like no one was listening, I promise we were… we are. We should be fighting for everyone’s human rights. These stories reminded me that they’re not fighting for LGBTQ+ rights; that’s just the label that is put on them to make it easier to deny those rights. Please request this from your local library or purchase from your favorite indie bookshop!
March 25, 2025
Generation Queer is a beautiful, necessary read. It highlights 30 LGBTQ+ youth out here organizing, creating, educating, and existing in powerful ways. I loved how the book didn’t just focus on what these folks have accomplished, but also on what keeps them going, such as their joy, struggles, and hopes for the future. It reminded me that activism comes in so many forms, and that being yourself is a form of resistance.
This is the kind of book I wish I had growing up! It’s honest, uplifting, and shows just how powerful queer youth are. Highly recommend.
This is the kind of book I wish I had growing up! It’s honest, uplifting, and shows just how powerful queer youth are. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2025
*Read for BPL Book Queeries teen book group.
A great reader for young people. All of the activists started under the age of 25. One of the overlapping takeaways was that when anti-trans folks actually MET and talked with queer young people they realized they were not scary, weird, problematic or any of the other right wing fear-mongering ....
It has a lot of great resources and good history and definitions.
A great reader for young people. All of the activists started under the age of 25. One of the overlapping takeaways was that when anti-trans folks actually MET and talked with queer young people they realized they were not scary, weird, problematic or any of the other right wing fear-mongering ....
It has a lot of great resources and good history and definitions.
August 8, 2025
3.5, a good resource for kids looking to be inspired and start thinking about their community engagement. i liked the mention of so many historical figures paving the way as well, and inspiring the current work. good to remember as one activist in the book says that the journey matters too and that we can't always be fighting. bread & roses too.
May 30, 2025
A beautiful, impactful, insightful, and vitally necessary book. Equal parts love letter and call to action, this should be in every library and classroom.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews