What do you think?
Rate this book
Loud and Proud: LGBTQ+ speeches that empower and inspire
Loud and Proud is an inspirational collection of speeches from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies that have changed our world, and the conversation.
“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” —Jason Collins, first openly gay athlete in US pro sports
A sister volume to So Here I Am: Speeches by Great Women to Empower and Inspire, this seminal collection places the loud and proud voices of the vibrant LGBTQ+ community center stage. From equal marriage to gender definitions, bullying to parenthood, the issues covered in these speeches touch on all aspects of LGBTQ+ and reflect the diverse and multi-faceted nature of this community.
Experienced public speaker and Creative Director for Google's Creative Lab Sydney Tea Uglow introduces each speech with a concise bio of the remarkable person who delivered it. Paired with powerful illustrations, the unique personality of each speaker is brought to life. A ribbon keeps your place in the book.
We are stronger when we stand together, and this collection encourages us to do just that and to celebrate the beauty of all our rainbow hues.
The voices: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs; Robert G. Ingersoll; Theodora Ana Sprungli; Bayard Rustin; Franklin "Frank" Kameny; James Baldwin; Marsha P. Johnson; Sally Gearhart; Harvey Milk; Harry Hay; Vito Russo; Mary Fisher; Tammy Baldwin; Paul Martin; Wanda Sykes; Sally Ride; Lady Gaga; Lana Wachowski; Jason Collins; Laverne Cox; Debi Jackson; Lee Mokobe; Janet Mock.
“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” —Jason Collins, first openly gay athlete in US pro sports
A sister volume to So Here I Am: Speeches by Great Women to Empower and Inspire, this seminal collection places the loud and proud voices of the vibrant LGBTQ+ community center stage. From equal marriage to gender definitions, bullying to parenthood, the issues covered in these speeches touch on all aspects of LGBTQ+ and reflect the diverse and multi-faceted nature of this community.
Experienced public speaker and Creative Director for Google's Creative Lab Sydney Tea Uglow introduces each speech with a concise bio of the remarkable person who delivered it. Paired with powerful illustrations, the unique personality of each speaker is brought to life. A ribbon keeps your place in the book.
We are stronger when we stand together, and this collection encourages us to do just that and to celebrate the beauty of all our rainbow hues.
The voices: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs; Robert G. Ingersoll; Theodora Ana Sprungli; Bayard Rustin; Franklin "Frank" Kameny; James Baldwin; Marsha P. Johnson; Sally Gearhart; Harvey Milk; Harry Hay; Vito Russo; Mary Fisher; Tammy Baldwin; Paul Martin; Wanda Sykes; Sally Ride; Lady Gaga; Lana Wachowski; Jason Collins; Laverne Cox; Debi Jackson; Lee Mokobe; Janet Mock.
- GenresLGBTNonfiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
596 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 7, 2020
A concise anthology of LGBTQ history, told in 40 powerful speeches, from the dawn of the gay movement in 1867 to the present day. Some are by courageous members of the community, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Harvey Milk, Sally Gearing and more; some by allies like Ban Ki-Moon or Barack Obama; some are younger people speaking about their identities. The speeches are in an order that makes them snapshots, brief evocations of the struggles, dangers and advancement at that moment.
The book is brightly colored and illustrated, and the speeches are in one-page snippets (though the reader can find the full text on the internet or maybe YouTube). The concise editing, illustration, layout and bright colors might be attractive to young-adult readers, as an introductory history, an overview, of what previous generations have gone through, and theirs, now. The speeches are candid, often confrontational, angry or forthright (I found nothing prurient, though). It can be inspirational for any readers. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in hardcover edition via Amazon Vine.
The book is brightly colored and illustrated, and the speeches are in one-page snippets (though the reader can find the full text on the internet or maybe YouTube). The concise editing, illustration, layout and bright colors might be attractive to young-adult readers, as an introductory history, an overview, of what previous generations have gone through, and theirs, now. The speeches are candid, often confrontational, angry or forthright (I found nothing prurient, though). It can be inspirational for any readers. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in hardcover edition via Amazon Vine.
October 7, 2020
Loud and Proud is a beautifully illustrated and edited collection of speeches from LGBTQ activists and allies. The collection spans speeches from 1867 to today, and contains short biographies of the contributors and Jack Holland’s gorgeous artwork to accompany the speeches. Some speeches are printed in their entirety, while others are abridged to their most important portions for the sake of printing. I loved that many of the speeches are available to watch online, and Tea Uglow’s curation has indicated which are not to be missed.
It is an excellent book that would have a great home on a coffee table or in a classroom – and I look forward to donating it to a local high school’s SPECTRUM library when I am finished. In addition to its quality contents, the binding, printing, and heavy paper make this an incredibly well-made book that is built to last and be enjoyed for generations.
It is an excellent book that would have a great home on a coffee table or in a classroom – and I look forward to donating it to a local high school’s SPECTRUM library when I am finished. In addition to its quality contents, the binding, printing, and heavy paper make this an incredibly well-made book that is built to last and be enjoyed for generations.
May 15, 2020
I was given this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Loud and Proud is a highly informative collection of LGBTQ+ speeches that aims to inspire and inform individuals of LGBT history by featuring a variety of LGBT voices (from well-known activists to smaller ones), with an inclusive view of representatives and allies throughout the years 1867-2019. It proves to be a rich and in depth portrayal of outstanding figures in the LGBTQ+ community who have raised their voices, made a statement, started a change.
After beautiful introductory forewords, the text is broken into small segments, each dedicated to individuals who with their words, actions and believes have been pioneers and have cemented their existence in the eyes of the world: people that were (and are) LOUD AND PROUD, and unapologetically so. The selection is quite varied and features personalities that come from different backgrounds, a majority of which I had little to no knowledge about, much to my delight.
This collection is beautifully held together by Jack Holland’s illustrations, which help to make the tome not only an educational and enlightening reading experience but a stunning one too. Highly recommended!
Loud and Proud is a highly informative collection of LGBTQ+ speeches that aims to inspire and inform individuals of LGBT history by featuring a variety of LGBT voices (from well-known activists to smaller ones), with an inclusive view of representatives and allies throughout the years 1867-2019. It proves to be a rich and in depth portrayal of outstanding figures in the LGBTQ+ community who have raised their voices, made a statement, started a change.
After beautiful introductory forewords, the text is broken into small segments, each dedicated to individuals who with their words, actions and believes have been pioneers and have cemented their existence in the eyes of the world: people that were (and are) LOUD AND PROUD, and unapologetically so. The selection is quite varied and features personalities that come from different backgrounds, a majority of which I had little to no knowledge about, much to my delight.
This collection is beautifully held together by Jack Holland’s illustrations, which help to make the tome not only an educational and enlightening reading experience but a stunning one too. Highly recommended!
May 5, 2021
Wonderfully inspirational & a quick read.
Don't miss this one!
Don't miss this one!
September 4, 2025
This was a disappointment. A book that’s meant to be for the LGBTQ community, to inspire and lift up, should include more for the BTQ+ identities. I was sorely disappointed at the lack of representation in this book. There are speeches for all identities that have been given over time and it seems like they just didn’t want to try and find them. Definitely shows who gets to be loud and proud in this community.
March 20, 2020
Loud and Proud is a beautiful collection of speeches from the LGBTQ+ rights battle. As the author notes, LGBTQ+ activism has a history of over 150 years, and is not just post Stonewall, and these speeches are taken from different points along that timeline. The author acknowledges that the book focuses on the western narrative, but it does attempt to bring in diverse perspectives, including some speeches from people in countries outside of Europe and North America. The intro mentions that many voices are absent from the pages, for a number of different reasons, and whilst there are a lot of other people I would have liked to see in this book, the selection chosen are interesting, and talk about a number of different topics that affect LGBTQ+ people.
Amongst the more familiar faces, like Ian Mckellen, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk and Audre Lorde, there were also lesser known activists, and some allies. The intro states that this isn't a history book, but I found that it did give a lot of historical context and information before each speech. This is a good thing! I definitely learnt some new things. Each speaker has a bio before their speech, which sums up their life and their relevance to the LGBTQ+ community. This commentary, as well as providing me with new interesting facts, is helpful for understanding the older speeches, and also gives context to parts of speeches that modern readers may find problematic, offensive or outdated, without editing the original words.
The colourful pages are visually pleasing, and reminded me of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. The artwork and photos are exciting and unique. Whilst I read the ebook version of the book, I can see the hardback being a wonderful coffee table book, to dip in and out of as it takes your fancy.
Obviously, a lot of speeches are cut short in order to keep the book a reasonable length. In some cases this highlights the most powerful parts of the speech, making them hard hitting. In others, it can make them feel a little bit lacking. The author does tell the reader to go and look the speeches up in full online in some instances, because the full speech or the way that the speaker presents the speech adds to the message.
This book shows how far we have come in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and inspires us to keep fighting. Some speeches are more inspiring and radical than others, but all of them document important parts of our community's history. I won't go into detail on the content of the speeches, because honestly, they speak for themselves. I will note that my favourite in the book was Lee Mokobe's speech.
Use this book as a starting point if you are interested in LGBTQ+ history. Use it as a pick me up, to remind you how much progress we have made. And use it as an inspiration, as we continue the fight.
Amongst the more familiar faces, like Ian Mckellen, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk and Audre Lorde, there were also lesser known activists, and some allies. The intro states that this isn't a history book, but I found that it did give a lot of historical context and information before each speech. This is a good thing! I definitely learnt some new things. Each speaker has a bio before their speech, which sums up their life and their relevance to the LGBTQ+ community. This commentary, as well as providing me with new interesting facts, is helpful for understanding the older speeches, and also gives context to parts of speeches that modern readers may find problematic, offensive or outdated, without editing the original words.
The colourful pages are visually pleasing, and reminded me of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. The artwork and photos are exciting and unique. Whilst I read the ebook version of the book, I can see the hardback being a wonderful coffee table book, to dip in and out of as it takes your fancy.
Obviously, a lot of speeches are cut short in order to keep the book a reasonable length. In some cases this highlights the most powerful parts of the speech, making them hard hitting. In others, it can make them feel a little bit lacking. The author does tell the reader to go and look the speeches up in full online in some instances, because the full speech or the way that the speaker presents the speech adds to the message.
This book shows how far we have come in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and inspires us to keep fighting. Some speeches are more inspiring and radical than others, but all of them document important parts of our community's history. I won't go into detail on the content of the speeches, because honestly, they speak for themselves. I will note that my favourite in the book was Lee Mokobe's speech.
Use this book as a starting point if you are interested in LGBTQ+ history. Use it as a pick me up, to remind you how much progress we have made. And use it as an inspiration, as we continue the fight.
May 25, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, Tea Uglow, and to White Lion Publishing for my free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Loud and Proud is a collection of some of the most powerful, impactful words ever spoken on the subjects of queer life, queer liberation, and queer activism, from speakers who are now household names, to some who I, a gay man who feels passionately about queer activism and queer visibility, had not heard of.
The book is presented beautifully, with striking colour palettes for the photos of speakers, and a wonderful introduction section before each speech, detailing a little about the life of the speaker, and the context for their speech.
I have been reading a few speeches a day over the course of a week or so and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a wonderful read for anyone who has a passion or even just an interest in queer liberation and activism. A lovely, lovely book.
Loud and Proud is a collection of some of the most powerful, impactful words ever spoken on the subjects of queer life, queer liberation, and queer activism, from speakers who are now household names, to some who I, a gay man who feels passionately about queer activism and queer visibility, had not heard of.
The book is presented beautifully, with striking colour palettes for the photos of speakers, and a wonderful introduction section before each speech, detailing a little about the life of the speaker, and the context for their speech.
I have been reading a few speeches a day over the course of a week or so and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a wonderful read for anyone who has a passion or even just an interest in queer liberation and activism. A lovely, lovely book.
February 4, 2022
Finally getting through the books I acquired in December! This was a gift from my Secret Santa at Queer Bookclub and it was suitably fitting.
I loved the collection of speeches and topics raised in this book, as well as the variety of voices throughout it. Further, there was a collection of other 'inspiring voices' that was interesting to poke through.
Something I'd have loved to have seen were voices outside of the western hemisphere. I do like that the speeches in question weren't limited to those told be folk in the US (a concern I had after a few pages), but a more diverse background wouldn't have gone asrtay.
I loved the collection of speeches and topics raised in this book, as well as the variety of voices throughout it. Further, there was a collection of other 'inspiring voices' that was interesting to poke through.
Something I'd have loved to have seen were voices outside of the western hemisphere. I do like that the speeches in question weren't limited to those told be folk in the US (a concern I had after a few pages), but a more diverse background wouldn't have gone asrtay.
April 1, 2020
Empowering and deeply powerful collection of speeches from the LGBTQ community and allies. This is a great book to learn about LGBTQ history. I read this book on March 31, the Trans day of Visibility. The photos were beautiful. The book reminds us of how far we've come in the fight for LGBTQ rights. thanks to Netgalley and White Lion Publishing for the ARC.
May 18, 2020
Inspiring and informative. The kind of book that belongs in schools. LGBT+ heroes that deserve to be recognised and honoured. I wish I had this book growing up. A gorgeous book that can be used as a reference guide of everyday people that have done amazing things, the type of book that gives young people hope and hopefully inspiration.
September 11, 2021
Tea Uglow has put together a fascinating look back into the people behind the words spoken about being queer and supporting the queer community. Along with the speeches, Uglow includes some backstory and a small bio.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
June 7, 2020
This is a great collection of speeches by LGBTQ community members and those that support them. The speeches are inspiring and thought-provoking and so timely.
January 26, 2021
BEAUTIFUL book, but lacking in content. A great introduction, but I felt myself looking for more of the speeches that I will have to find elsewhere
March 10, 2023
This is a fast read but super insightful about Queer history. You walk away having learned something new and feeling inspired to make a difference.
July 3, 2024
I wish the excerpts were longer otherwise a good source of texts for readings.
August 26, 2020
Most speeches in this collection is short, getting to the point of the message. Many quotable lines, and diverse speakers too. Not all identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community but ALL are speaking for the rights of LGBTQI+ folks.
June 25, 2021
Loud and Proud is a beautifully illustrated and edited collection of speeches from LGBTQ activists and allies. The collection spans speeches from 1867 to today and contains short biographies of the contributors and Jack Holland’s gorgeous artwork to accompany the speeches. Some speeches are printed in their entirety, while others are abridged to their most important portions for the sake of printing. I loved that many of the speeches are available to watch online, and Tea Uglow’s curation has indicated which are not to be missed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews