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Queer X Design: 50 Years of Signs, Symbols, Banners, Logos, and Graphic Art of LGBTQ
The first-ever illustrated history of the iconic designs, symbols, and graphic art representing more than 5 decades of LGBTQ pride and activism.
Beginning with pre-liberation and the years before the Stonewall uprising, spanning across the 1970s and 1980s and through to the new millennium, Queer X Design celebrates the inventive and subversive designs that have powered the resilient and ever-evolving LGBTQ movement.
The diversity and inclusivity of these pages is as inspiring as it is important, both in terms of the objects represented as well as in the array of creators; from buttons worn to protest Anita Bryant, to the original 'The Future is Female' and 'Lavender Menace' t-shirt; from the logos of Pleasure Chest and GLAAD, to the poster for Cheryl Dunye's queer classic The Watermelon Woman ; from Gilbert Baker's iconic rainbow flag, to the quite laments of the AIDS quilt and the impassioned rage conveyed in ACT-UP and Gran Fury ephemera.
More than just an accessible history book, Queer X Design tells the story of queerness as something intangible, uplifting, and indestructible. Found among these pages is sorrow, loss, and struggle; an affective selection that queer designers and artists harnessed to bring about political and societal change. But here is joy, hope, love, and the enduring fight for free expression and representation. Queer X Design is the potent, inspiring, and colorful visual history of activism and pride.
Beginning with pre-liberation and the years before the Stonewall uprising, spanning across the 1970s and 1980s and through to the new millennium, Queer X Design celebrates the inventive and subversive designs that have powered the resilient and ever-evolving LGBTQ movement.
The diversity and inclusivity of these pages is as inspiring as it is important, both in terms of the objects represented as well as in the array of creators; from buttons worn to protest Anita Bryant, to the original 'The Future is Female' and 'Lavender Menace' t-shirt; from the logos of Pleasure Chest and GLAAD, to the poster for Cheryl Dunye's queer classic The Watermelon Woman ; from Gilbert Baker's iconic rainbow flag, to the quite laments of the AIDS quilt and the impassioned rage conveyed in ACT-UP and Gran Fury ephemera.
More than just an accessible history book, Queer X Design tells the story of queerness as something intangible, uplifting, and indestructible. Found among these pages is sorrow, loss, and struggle; an affective selection that queer designers and artists harnessed to bring about political and societal change. But here is joy, hope, love, and the enduring fight for free expression and representation. Queer X Design is the potent, inspiring, and colorful visual history of activism and pride.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2019
44 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 9, 2021
3.5
As it says on the tin, Queer X Design covers 50-ish years of queer graphic design history. It's informative in that it brought up a lot of designers, artists, campaigns, and projects I both have learned about in my time as both an art history major and a graphic design major, but I also learned about a lot of new designers and graphic art that I either hadn't known about or barely knew of. It's laid out by decade, but I think I would have preferred it to be laid out by common categories and topics instead. It does feel like it doesn't take a particularly analytical or conceptual stance, however, and instead feels more cursory and introductory in what it includes.
Overall, a quick, comprehensive look at some popular queer graphic design over the last few decades.
As it says on the tin, Queer X Design covers 50-ish years of queer graphic design history. It's informative in that it brought up a lot of designers, artists, campaigns, and projects I both have learned about in my time as both an art history major and a graphic design major, but I also learned about a lot of new designers and graphic art that I either hadn't known about or barely knew of. It's laid out by decade, but I think I would have preferred it to be laid out by common categories and topics instead. It does feel like it doesn't take a particularly analytical or conceptual stance, however, and instead feels more cursory and introductory in what it includes.
Overall, a quick, comprehensive look at some popular queer graphic design over the last few decades.
June 28, 2021
Oh my goddddd I love this book so much. Shout out to my #1 Garrett for getting this for me from Draw Down Books last year. It’s one of my favorites and when we have a real coffee table one day it’ll stay there! Queer X Design is an inclusive, comprehensive, and very well-done examination of the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ design, art, flags, typography, logos and other imagery. My favorite thing about it is that this is not your usual shallow design book of concept art that you can just flip through while waiting on someone and then put down; it’s got very real images made by and for very real groups and movements, and each image comes with an informative and well-researched blurb of historical context. It is a true example of the intersection of design, activism, and rebellion. And when I say comprehensive, I mean that it focuses on every era from pre-Stonewall to the present, and includes every one of us! You will learn about Gilbert Baker’s original Pride Flag design and its new, current versions, BLK magazine which was a magazine around for a short period in the late 80s focusing on Black LGBTQ news, the deep sentiment and pain behind the AIDS Quilt, and subversive protest art from over the decades. If you’re like me and typically repelled by history books, you will absolutely love this one and how accessible and engaging it is. Please look out for this one and try to purchase it from an independent bookseller like Draw Down if you are interested!
March 16, 2023
A treasure trove of great references!
July 19, 2024
Read this for a research paper today but wanted to share it nonetheless! So interesting and fabulous for design and not-design-people alike
May 9, 2020
If you didn't already know, graphic design is my passion~~ Spending this time expanding my love of visual communication design has been an exercise in learning that learning never stops. Queer X Design is a look into the historical imagery that has shaped our cultural movements. From the Pride Flag designed by Gilbert Baker to the new typeface designed in memory of him.
This book is a reminder to myself that graphic design isn't just about advertisement. It can change minds, express ideas, and give voice to the voiceless. Most of these iconic designs started from grassroots operations. Now they've been adopted and have come to represent so much more than their original intent.
Not only does this book lay out the history of queer design, it brings to light the struggle of visibility the LGBTQ+ community has always faced. It's also a reminder that we've come a long way and still have a ways to go. I recommend this book to not only designers but those who want to know the context behind some of the iconography capable of galvanizing passion.
June 30, 2019
A nice overview of queer graphic design - it's basically exactly what it sounds like. However, it seems at times to be scattered (maybe grouping designs by genre/topic rather than decade would have helped this), and it has so many typos as to be distracting. Hence, four stars.
August 31, 2025
A thought provoking and educational tour through the history of 20th and 21st century LGBTQ+ activism and assimilation, told through the designs that rendered a movement legible to the masses.
It's a great jumping off point for me to explore the history in more depth.
There are only a few snags in this, for me - one is that the book is entirely US-focused despite the title. Although US LGBTQ+ design is undoubtedly suffused in the international culture, I would have liked to have seen more global representation.
The other is an accessibility issue - some of the more interesting and in-depth explorations of pivotal design moments, appear in black text on a dark bold colour - a strange oversight in a book concerned with powerful messages articulated with clarity.
Overall though it's a great primer - even if it ends on an unintentionally sad note of hope having been published before the dire backlashes of the last few years. On the other hand, brief touches on divisive politics in the 80s in particular serve to remind us that the fight has always been there, the fight continues, and the fight isn't over.
It's a great jumping off point for me to explore the history in more depth.
There are only a few snags in this, for me - one is that the book is entirely US-focused despite the title. Although US LGBTQ+ design is undoubtedly suffused in the international culture, I would have liked to have seen more global representation.
The other is an accessibility issue - some of the more interesting and in-depth explorations of pivotal design moments, appear in black text on a dark bold colour - a strange oversight in a book concerned with powerful messages articulated with clarity.
Overall though it's a great primer - even if it ends on an unintentionally sad note of hope having been published before the dire backlashes of the last few years. On the other hand, brief touches on divisive politics in the 80s in particular serve to remind us that the fight has always been there, the fight continues, and the fight isn't over.
August 14, 2020
A thought-provoking look at the varied and creative ways in which LGBTQ+ people have used design to critique and shape cultural conversations about gender, sexuality, and identity. Author Andy Campbell has selected a rich, representative collection of items from the early 1900s through the present and provides brief but insightful descriptions of each. I was especially interested to learn about the development and evolution of the pride flag, which was originally designed by Gilbert Baker. If anything, I’d like to learn more about all of the items in this book, but this is a great starting point.
April 3, 2021
I the think this was a good and comprehensive collection of designs and symbols of queer history, but it did not provide an in depth analysis or review for most designs. I think it was inclusive in the designs and artists it did feature, but I felt I learned more names and tibbits of history than I did design theory and it's intersection with queer history. I think it's still an important book and am glad it was published, however, it's a mere introduction to the wonderful world of queer design.
June 1, 2023
Such an awesome deep dive forward into both prolific and less-well-known symbology and need-to-know graphics of the queer movement! As to be expected, some of the information is now a bit outdated, like every other LGBTQ+-focused book written in the 2010s and up (mainly regarding Ellen, ironically), but this is absolutely a book I’ll be keeping on my shelves. Special shout-out to a wonderful friend who knows exactly my type of book that got this for me. 🩷
July 29, 2023
This may be the first time I’ve ever fully read a coffee table-type book, but I’m so glad I did! It packs in so much queer history in a way that’s really digestible. A deeply important read.
June 20, 2022
Vibrant pictures with informative text.
December 22, 2019
I’m obsessed with this book.
🏳️🌈
🏳️🌈
December 24, 2019
An amazing book to finish 2019 with - it leaves me wondering what the major design symbols will be in the 20s.
The actual book is really thorough, without being overkill - it’s easy to dip in and out of, accessible to those who might not be LGBTQ+ themselves, and the layout is super clear.
The actual book is really thorough, without being overkill - it’s easy to dip in and out of, accessible to those who might not be LGBTQ+ themselves, and the layout is super clear.
May 21, 2021
overall i find this pretty interesting and informative.
content/trigger warnings; general discussions/mentions of homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, f slur, d slur, t slur, outdated language, hate crimes, sexual assault, murder, police violence, racism, antisemitism, aids, death, sex,
reason for four stars: pride flags are the most known, visible, and memorable queer imagery, yet the only flags that got their own specific page with histories are the rainbow, leather, bi, and trans flags. every other flag is just pictured in one chapter all together, with zero mention of who created them, when, and what they mean. (the intersex flag was explained in the intro to the pride flag chapter, and the pan flag was explained at the end of the bi flag page.) so. super disappointed about that.
content/trigger warnings; general discussions/mentions of homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, f slur, d slur, t slur, outdated language, hate crimes, sexual assault, murder, police violence, racism, antisemitism, aids, death, sex,
reason for four stars: pride flags are the most known, visible, and memorable queer imagery, yet the only flags that got their own specific page with histories are the rainbow, leather, bi, and trans flags. every other flag is just pictured in one chapter all together, with zero mention of who created them, when, and what they mean. (the intersex flag was explained in the intro to the pride flag chapter, and the pan flag was explained at the end of the bi flag page.) so. super disappointed about that.
February 18, 2021
This is a great collection of queer designs and history. It’s very America orientated in regards to the history and the designs, but it was still really interesting.
The book is separated by decades, and although it jumped from identity to identity, I’m glad that it covered more than just the LG. However, there did seem to be a few bits where certain things spilled over into different decades, for example in the 1990’s section, there were a few pieces of information from 2010’s, which sometimes felt a bit out of place.
I would love to see another book like this, maybe separated by identities so it would be easier to read up about certain identities of the community.
Overall, really enjoyed this book and I found it really interesting and insightful.
The book is separated by decades, and although it jumped from identity to identity, I’m glad that it covered more than just the LG. However, there did seem to be a few bits where certain things spilled over into different decades, for example in the 1990’s section, there were a few pieces of information from 2010’s, which sometimes felt a bit out of place.
I would love to see another book like this, maybe separated by identities so it would be easier to read up about certain identities of the community.
Overall, really enjoyed this book and I found it really interesting and insightful.
March 16, 2022
I was expecting more than the book advertised itself for, which is my problem not the book’s.
I think it would have benefited from an enhanced layout design. Set out with image credits on the page, references, dates, quotes from the designers/artists etc. (Heritage interpretation or artwork label style).
I didn’t get what I wanted from the book (which makes me want to make the book in my mind that maybe doesn’t exist?) but I enjoyed it nonetheless as an overview of queer iconography through the decades once I got over my built-up expectations.
Some of the language used is dated but I expect that happens a lot with anything as terminology adapts and changes.
I think it would have benefited from an enhanced layout design. Set out with image credits on the page, references, dates, quotes from the designers/artists etc. (Heritage interpretation or artwork label style).
I didn’t get what I wanted from the book (which makes me want to make the book in my mind that maybe doesn’t exist?) but I enjoyed it nonetheless as an overview of queer iconography through the decades once I got over my built-up expectations.
Some of the language used is dated but I expect that happens a lot with anything as terminology adapts and changes.
November 26, 2025
A good introduction to queer history and design, but ultimately wasn't as in-depth or comprehensive as I hoped it would be. Over 75% is specifically on gay and lesbian design history, and while it does acknowledge that trans issues were often glossed over during these periods, and there's a brief mention of bisexuality, it almost completely ignores any other groups. There's a few pages showing various pride flags, but no information on how those designs were made and by who, or even acknowledging that those groups have their own design histories
I recognize that you really can't have a completely comprehensive book of all queer design, but I guess I was expecting a little bit more.
I recognize that you really can't have a completely comprehensive book of all queer design, but I guess I was expecting a little bit more.
November 2, 2020
Read in bits and pieces over a couple months; it was definitely more substantive than the coffee-table-book appearance lets on but the depth of the text varies a lot between different items. Mostly what I loved here was the diversity of design within the pages - everything from protest art to corporate advertising, drag show posters to gender-neutral restroom signage, and of course a whole array of pride flags and symbols. Of course no book like this could be 100% comprehensive, but the author's effort to represent as many different expressions of queerness as he could is clear.
December 10, 2019
Overall it was really comprehensive. The language used wasn't too dry and kept things accessible to the reader. I wouldn't have minded seeing some more protest signage, however I understand why it wasn't focused on as much. Also gotta love learning about the lesbian marketing by Subaru because guess which queer woman just bought a Subaru without knowing the implications? Yep, this one.
August 23, 2020
Queer X Design provides a cursory glance at some historical Queer Design in the United States. While the collection starts off strong, it isn’t nearly long enough to go into much depth or analytical detail. It also probably works better as a coffee table book than an eBook (I borrowed the Kindle version from my public library).
November 2, 2023
Great resource of eclectic pieces of queer art throughout the 20th and 21th century. I only wish it had been more of a broad history rather than a list of examples/blurbs, but I did learn plenty about the political landscape surrounding queerness, which was very neat.
Also could've used some copy editing . . .
Also could've used some copy editing . . .
July 25, 2025
Love flipping through this every time. I wish it dove deeper sometimes. It curiously leaves out important information like the year the bi flag was designed. But there's no other book on queer design that's as thorough an introduction as this one. It catches the eye of anyone who sits on my couch, making it a great coffee table book.
August 14, 2025
This collection of queer symbols and designs offers a good introduction to the topic, though one would need to seek other sources for more in-depth discussion. The organization felt a little random at times. Great as a coffee table book to spark conversation and for anyone interested in queer history.
June 13, 2020
Informative and poignant. I would recommend this to just about anyone that wants to know more about how design speaks to its audience. I love that the author addresses the disservices that the community bring on to one another and is unafraid to call our historical revisionism.
March 12, 2021
Another book that should be required reading. Heck, I’m fairly new to the queer community (within the last 15 years) and there’s so much of this I never knew.
Basically if you’re not a white cisgender able-bodied male, your community’s history remains fringe (incrementally less so now, but still.)
Basically if you’re not a white cisgender able-bodied male, your community’s history remains fringe (incrementally less so now, but still.)
May 10, 2022
Probably a 4.5
It is intersectional and organized historically, which I really appreciated. It is definitely design based and includes both familiar and less familiar visuals. However, it is not a critical analysis, nor does it claim to be. For what I needed, I got a lot out of this.
It is intersectional and organized historically, which I really appreciated. It is definitely design based and includes both familiar and less familiar visuals. However, it is not a critical analysis, nor does it claim to be. For what I needed, I got a lot out of this.
July 12, 2022
Such a in depth dive into the many expressions and symbs of 2SLGBTQIA+ design and I love it. At first I rented at public library but after reading I am definitely going to buy. Tottally worth i tof you want to know more about queer movements from the last five decades.
August 9, 2022
From various flags to iconic symbols including the AIDS quilt to Equality statements and visual signs that strike a real chord with the LGBTQ community and their history!
I thought I knew something about Queer culture and graphic artistry in activism, but this book was definitely an eye-opener.
I thought I knew something about Queer culture and graphic artistry in activism, but this book was definitely an eye-opener.
June 15, 2023
Wonderful collection going back pre-1970. Definitely brought back memories, but great to now hear the backstory of certain logos, the history and the modifications over time. Great collection! Sitting on my coffee table.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews