The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World

by Mason Funk

Meet the leaders and activists on the front lines of the LGBTQ movement, from the 1960’s to the present, through stunning interviews and compelling black and white photographs compiled and presented by OUTWORDS, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the stories of LGBTQ people.

The 75 individuals featured in THE BOOK OF PRIDE—including marriage pioneer Evan Wolfson, trans icon Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Stonewall-era rabblerouser Mark Segal and legendary anti-DADT activist Grethe Cammermeyer—fought battles frequently under the threat of violence and persecution.

By capturing these accounts, we honor an important chapter in American history and ensure that the story of the LGBTQ community is safeguarded for generations to come. The brave and determined activists celebrated in THE BOOK OF PRIDE inspire each of us to resist all forms of oppression with ferocity, and to do so with great pride.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, History, Queer, Audiobook, Biography, Politics

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2019

About the author

Mason Funk was born in Los Angeles in 1958, graduated from Stanford University, and lived in Tacoma, Washington, Portland, Maine and Lisbon, Portugal before returning to Los Angeles and beginning his career as an award-winning writer/producer of non-fiction television programs and documentary films. His TV and film projects have covered topics ranging from Mother Teresa to the history of secret White House recordings to the long-term effects of concussions in professional football to an American teenager's quest to keep her undocumented Guatemalan mother from being deported. He has received two Emmy nominations for his work in television. In 2016, Mason launched OUTWORDS to capture the timeless, inspiring stories of LGBTQ pioneers and elders. An avid distance runner, choral singer and chef, Mason lives with his husband Jay Edwards and their French bulldog Henri in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Allie Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not to begin this review on a negative note, but some patterns and phrasings and such in this book (dropping the assigned gender and deadname of nearly every trans subject? really?) left a bad taste in my mouth. However, given the value of these interviews as records of LGBT elders, and the fact that language is one of the slipperiest and most contentious subjects in the community, I think it's best to let them go, albeit with a note to think about things critically (for example, I would really hope that cishets don't run with the 'it's cool to just call people queer(s)' train more than they already have). At the end of the day this is a compendium of LGBT history, a precious record given how much has been erased, and I can't give this book enough credit for that.

I would recommend pairing this book with the podcast Making Gay History ; the podcast features recordings of decades-old interviews with LGBT pioneers (including titans such as Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson), many of whom have since passed away. Maybe The Book of Pride could publish audio transcripts of their interviews as well, if they haven't done so already- hearing the authentic, unvarnished voices of these people who have done so much creates a connection that still brings me to tears. Either way, I'm grateful for what both these sources have brought.

[Greyson | Use Your Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me crying at 8am on my way to work on more than one occasion.

[Monica Kim | Musings of Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World” by Mason Funk is such an inspiring book that gives you new insight into the LGBTQ activists & leaders’ efforts & sacrifices for the equality & rights of LGBTQ community in our country. This book features interviews and Black & White photographs of 75 brave individuals, divided by categories — Community, Integrity, Liberation, Breaking Ground, Disrupters, Spirit, Survival, Bridges, Words, and Truth to Power. This is an important historical record and a guidebook of lessons & experiences that are important, inspiring, and relevant. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never heard of many of them before reading this book, one of the reasons why a book like this is so important. Do you have a favorite LGBTQ book you’d think I should add to my tbr list? 🤓✌️📖❤️🌈

[vanessa ♋️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring books I've ever read! If you ever feel like you are not important, or that your actions, even the smallest of them, don't matter, think twice! Always be kind. Love is love <3

[A.E. Bross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. This book.

Y'all, this is an amazing read. Yes, it's a great read for Pride month, but it is an EXCELLENT read for ANYTIME. Please, do not regulate this to a dusty "pride month TBR." The book needs to be read (or this audiobook needs to be listened to) and be shared.

Mason Funk started with the idea of gathering the history of the LGBTQIAP+ community from the people who were on the front lines. What follows is an intersectional collection of stories from members of the LGBTQIAP+ that help to further cement the hardship that the community has faced, especially those members who are BIPOC and have faced more oppression than white members of the community. It was educational and inspirational; there were literally times that I cried.

I cannot recommend this book enough. For allies and members of the LGBTQIAP+ community. For everyone. You will be doing yourself the biggest service, and you will be richer for the experience.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting and eye opening read about the many people who have fought and tirelessly advocated for the LGBT community and to be able to live as their authentic selves.
Their activism and the efforts they put in to fight against discrimination was amazing to read about.
Collecting their words and lives and putting this book together is an outstanding effort.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 75 inspiring interview-segments here representing all of the LGBTQ community, who came out when it was unsafe to do so. Back when you could lose your job, and be declared being mentally ill. But these were people with integrity and knew that Love is Love in their hearts. You can hear/feel the empathy they have for their fellow human beings and how the just KNOW right/justice will prevail.

The book started with the 'why did I write this' stuff in the prologue. Sounded a little self-centered by the author. Then all the interviews/stories started. I quickly found these lesser-known activists/allies had their own personal motivation that trumped their concerns for how society was viewing them. They took actions. You can hear how they might have started small, but community members look for these break-out leaders and support them. Their momentum picks up, and next thing you know they are grand marshals for Pride parades, educating lawyers about gender laws, providing care/food for the oppressed, and more.

A book like this can make you realize that we can all take similar small steps (at first). Everybody can help with showing the world the kindness and empathy that lies at the root of all this activism.

There are multiple people from absolutely every single letter of LGBTQQIP2SA: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirited, and asexual.

They have a website that contains all of the interviews (ones skipped for this book, as well as the unedited versions of everyone's interviews).
https://theoutwordsarchive.org/

The interviews were really just pieces, that the writer/editor chose. They felt a bit over-edited, in that the few interview-answers chosen may have been powerful, but possibly disjointed from each other a little. Since these people being interviewed are 50/60/70/80+ years old, their experiences are many.

I thought a couple of the interview statements could have been more carefully chosen. Yes - being told by a policeman as he has you in his car that if he forces you to give him a BJ that you will bite his d*ck off may be truthful, but single lines like this in a book can get it banned from school or public library shelves.

I came away feeling like I should be doing more. It is incredible what these people risked by taking the stance they did back in the latter part of last century (1940's-1999). You are sure to find inspiration(s) here.

Well-read audiobook, with multiple voices helping to simulate the variety of people interviewed.

4.5*

[Dev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss

This was such a moving book. I was basically just crying on and off all throughout reading this, but I would say in a 'good' way most of the time. Obviously everything is not perfect for LGBTQ people even today, but it's just absolutely incredible to hear some of these people's stories and what they had to go through just to be who they are and be allowed to exist in the world.

I think this is a very important book because it interviews only people who are older and were instrumental in founding many LGBTQ groups and getting laws changed that benefit us all today. I think that recently there has been kind of a feeling among young people that all 'old people' are 'the enemy' or something and this book is a great way to show how much we actually owe to the people who have come before us and that LGBTQ have always existed and aren't by any means a 'new' thing.

Also this book is part of a larger project called OUTWORDS and they have a website which includes the video copies of all the interviews featured in the book as well as many more [and I think it said transcripts and pictures as well]. Definitely a really good read if you are interested in LGBTQ history.

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful and proud. This book makes me so proud to be an openly queer woman. I listened to all of these stories from LGBTQ pioneers that made me realize the serious sacrifices that were made. It wasn’t just white people but black,Latino and Asian who paved the way for us. All of these people were born between 1925 and 1960 and they lived through discrimination everyday because who and how they chose to love.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an ally to the LGBTQ community, you should to listen to this collection of interviews. If you sit and listen to it, story after story after story, you won't be able to ignore the deep sense of sadness, loss, fear, and pain that comes through in these interviews. But you also will not be able to ignore the unstoppable spirit the community has, which keeps us moving and moving forward, I hope. All of these voices show that the LGBTQ community is not a monolith, that we have varied ideas about how to fight for equality, inclusivity, and what it even means to be queer. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community, you're going to want to take your time with this and not listen to it in one or two sittings. I found it emotionally exhausting, but worthwhile, because ultimately I think it is hopeful. I learned a lot about a lot of people I've never even heard of who did some really important things that I have heard of and this book gave me a good list of names of people and organizations I would like to learn more about. I checked out this audiobook from my school's library. Pretty proud of the fact that I could do that.

[Moonbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I listened to this on adios book and I feel like call I wish that they people who were interview were tallking in this and not a other person but also is only people livibg in usa the title is not a good chose. But I think you may love it more if you are living in USA and thinking about people that history by being how they are, you will enjoy it

[Amy Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be on my re-read list. The compilation of stories of trailblazers in the LGBTQ history is motivating, heartbreaking and poignant. A history we need to learn!

[Cyn Dunford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched and compelling stories of important people in the LGBTQIA+ community who courageously stood up and created change. I appreciate the education!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Genuine diversity is just what it is. It’s not contrived. It’s not created. It’s just an expression of authenticity, and I think at the end of the day, no matter who we are, no matter who we love, no matter what we eat, no matter who we fuck, when you put all of those things together, I think what’s most important is that we do it authentically, and that we unapologetically live our own truth. ”
- Elizabeth Coffey Williams

This is compromised of interviews from those in the LGBTQ+ community. They shared their experiences and I loved reading their stories as I thought they were interesting and I learned quite a bit.

[Reibekah]

Not rating because non fiction is weird.

This was an interesting approach to sharing some LGBT+ history. It was a bit jarring for everything to be so short, but I get the thought of trying to tell more people's stories. I still think there should have been a note of all pronouns and names used were approved because I do think that is the case but it was also weird having a person introduced by how they were at birth. There was one person the author noted he was going to use both he and she for as that was what he wanted as she is intersex if I recall.

Also some of the things talked about I'm like if we got past this back then why is it an issue again today!? There were talks of things similar to today's "don't say gay" nonsense and "oh but the children".

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an important book. So many stories that need to be told for future generations.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is an astounding collection of narratives. Hats off to the OUTWORDS team for their tremendous effort to document LGBTQI history in the United States. True to the acronym, The Book of Pride reflects the diversity in the community. The book is full of the personal accounts of not just gay and lesbian activists, but multiple bisexual and transgender people as well. There is a nod to the intersex community with Gigi Raven Wilbur’s account of his/her history (the book’s editor intentionally uses both male and female pronouns to reflect Gigi’s self-identification as both male and female). Doc Duhon’s story touches on not just bisexuality, but also polyamory, dominant and submissive relationships, and the leather community. The stories are told by people who tried to “cure” themselves by marrying and trying to live the cishet version of Americana before coming out; they are told by people who turned into activists by dint of being in the right place at the right time (such as Stonewall); they are told by people who have served in America’s military. The variety of histories included is truly marvelous and to read the words of the people who lived through the times, who led the charge, is nothing short of amazing.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book filled with stories and interviews with people who played a massive role in the LGBT+ movement back in the 70s,80s and more. Just amazing stories!

[Dlmrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the interviews were more in depth! Otherwise, a very good compilation.

[Lisa Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[meri · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful collection of amazing lgbt pioneers and elderly lgbt people at least i don’t hear about enough. this probably would have worked even better as a physical book as now the stories kind of blurred together and i obviously missed the portraits in the book when listening to an audiobook. outwords is a very imporant project and i enjoyed this collection of some of its stories.

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of 75 interviews to document the history and experience of LGBTQ pioneers across the US. While I wished there were more stories about education leaders in the book, the collection shows how nascent the Pride movement truly is and the stories are really incredible examples of resistance, power, courage, and social change. The interview with Betsy Parsons is certainly one.

65 year-old Parsons is a retired English teacher in Maine. Born in Boston and raised in rural Illinois, Betsy talked about her experience as the first Maine teacher to come out and to keep her job.

“In the mid-90s… the most prevalent form of hate language in the school was anti-gay language,” Betsy explains in the Book of Pride. “Constant ridicule and verbal harassment, coupled with physical harassment, shoving, hitting, tripping, and punching… Teachers would not typically intervene because to target LGBT people was acceptable.”

Betsy continued, “A former student, a young lesbian, came back to visit me. She told me that during her freshman year of high school, when she was my student, she had been on the brink of suicide the entire year. I thought her life was perfect. She was brainy, beautiful, and musical. When I heard about that eight years later, it was just shocking for me. I asked what I could have done to make that year less painful, less frightening. My former student said, ‘you could have been out.’ That moment… was a point of no return for me. I was going to have to either leave public school teaching or find a way to keep teaching and come out.”

Not only did Betsy come out to her English students, doing so by using literary characters to teach about the persecution of minorities, but she also founded GLSEN chapters in her school and throughout the state.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth look at some of the lesser-known pioneers of the LGBTQ liberation struggle! Radio talk show hosts, artists, scientists, historians, college professors, labor leaders, AIDS fighters, etc. An incredibly enlightening book of mini autobiographies; Funk tells a little about each person, but all interviewed tell about themselves. This is a feel good book.

My only critique? No non-binary people. I was disappointed there. Being non-binary myself, I love seeing that representation; non-binary gender long precedes any western notion of a gender system -- it isn't something "new" or "made up".

[Miles Row · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very US centric but is a great example of this type of book. It's focus on elders who were and some who still are active in many different ways means it better reflects what I have heard from my cishet parent's and their friends who lived through the 60s - 80s Britain than narratives that focus only on trauma or generational divide. It also is a very uplifting book because the interviewers were able to bring joy out as a main theme and is about wonderful lives people have lived beyond just the struggles they have faced.

[Stefani - SpelingExpirt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could have done without the deadnaming of all the trans people but overall a pretty good book.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World is an anthology of seventy-five mini-biographies of LGBTQ activist around America that has been written and collected by Mason Funk. It is a dignified tapestry of trailblazing pioneers who have contributed to the gay liberation movement.

For the most part, this collection of mini-biographies were written and researched rather well. Among the dynamic voices featured in his empowering anthology are activists, leaders, and individual contributors who represent the struggle of LGBTQ people to be heard above the perennial din of intolerance, discrimination, and hate.

Split into ten thematic sections: Community (9), Integrity (9), Liberation (7), Breaking Ground (7), Disrupters (6), Spirit (8), Survival (7), Bridges (8), Words (7), and Truth to Power (7), these seventy-five mini-biographies includes diverse voices from activists, legal, political, performance backgrounds and media, military, and ministerial affiliations. Many of these stories are highly introspective and poignant while some are humorous.

Like most anthologies there are weaker entries and The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World is not an exception. It is not so much as weaker entries, but there were some entries that I wished was delved much deeper, which is a good thing.

All in all, The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World is a significant educational and motivational tribute to dozens of social justice heroes.

[Pete Bottiglieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. It can be a little hard to follow at first since it a series of interviews. I will say it is a wonderful insight to some of the lesser known stories of the gay rights movement, as well as a nonwhite cisgender perspective. While people like Barbara Gettings, Frank Kameny and Harvey Milk are mentioned they are not the focus of the book, more how they inspired, informed and intersected the lives of the peoples stories being told
It really puts the movement into perspective, as well as how even today we still need to fight to retain the rights we've rather recently ( in the grand scheme of things) obtained.
This book also doesn't go in-depth in the stories and accounts that have been retold countless times in documentaries, dramatizations, and docuseries. These stories do appear but as with the people, but more in the context of how these people were involved or how it affected there lives.
I highly recommend reading this just for additional insight on the gay rights movement.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection. While it recognized the major names of the quest for LGBTQ+ recognition and equality, it also brought light to the stories and people we don’t know. The scope of people that Outwords - inspired by the Shoah Project - reached is amazing and while I almost wish he’d highlighted fewer and left the interviews longer, there are no stories I’d have cut so I understand his dilemma. Was especially grateful foe those who died shortly after their interviews as these stories are so crucial. Like Mark Segal said about Stonewall, tell your own story not someone else’s.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully inspiring. It was like being hugged by my chosen family the entire time I was reading it. My birth family has a lot of records of our heritage, and sadly it wasn't a very inclusive or lgbtq-friendly heritage. Sometimes I have to reach outside that genealogy to find records of the queer community, which feels more like my real family. I'm so grateful someone was wise enough to collect these stories. I gained a whole list of books stemming from these accounts and books the interviewees have written!