Queer Power: Icons, Activists and Game Changers from Across the Rainbow

by Dom&ink

You’re about to meet so many incredible humans. Are you ready hun?
Celebrate some of the modern-day trailblazers, champions and icons who have shaped, or are shaping our world, from well-known public figures and allies to others you will wish you had heard of earlier.


Covering topics including coming out, gender, mental health and activism, this book is packed full of empowering quotes, inspiring life lessons and helpful advice that will encourage you to embrace your story and find your power.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, History, Historical

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2021

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the diversity represented in this book, really good guide on who to follow and look up.

In being a quick who’s who guide it skates over a lot of topics that deserve more than a sentence. Using more quotes from the people featured would’ve been a better way to pass the mic and provide insight into them/ their activism.

I found it upsetting that Lady Gaga was included under an “Ally Alert”, despite having openly identified as bi for years and talked about the erasure she’s experienced. Felt uncomfortable that a book championing diversity had fed into bi-erasure.

Outside of that really good book, highlighting a lot of brilliant people. Ideal coffee table book, can see it being useful as a conversation starter for pointing people in the right direction.

[Rory · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with queer rep. An important book. But like only using one pronouns for people who uses more than one? Not good. And the word lesbian is said three times. And never to describe someone sexuality. Also a lot of space for allies? Like we care…

[vilma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3 stars because I really like the intention behind this book and how diverse it was. It was promised in the name that it was going to show people "from across the rainbow" and I think it really did that. You also got to see people from different backgrounds, with different talents, with disabilities... The illustrations were also fun and the information I received was good. I ended up checking out many of the people mentioned and introduced on these pages and this book really did its job at introducing me to more influental queer people. Things I didn't like though which is why I almost chose to give this 2 stars were that I don't understand why a few allies were given space in this book (they have a star saying Ally Alert on their pages) when this was meant to be a book to amplify queer voices. One of the "allies" was Lady Gaga who has multiple times made it clear she is bisexual which was weird. Weirdest thing for me was in the beginning of the book though. They stated that when writing this book they chose to use just one set of pronouns for everyone even if they publicly use more than one because this is a book about queer people by queer people.

[Ashleigh (ash_and_books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: mention of drug addiction

[emmalouise✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to be able to read about people doing the work right now so we can support them and be part of change alongside them.

Dom is clearly dedicated to intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community and celebrating her beautiful diversity - WE LOVE TO SEE IT!!! Although I reckon someone as humble as Dom wouldn’t want me to type this, he is a change-maker & role-model for queer people all over the world.

As a teacher, I’d love a kid-friendly version of this to use in class (and by kid-friendly I mean the removal of any swears).

Beautiful art, beautiful content, beautiful writer/illustrator!

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Please let me have one review where I don't label the sections. I refuse to label the sections in this coming review*

This is a wonderful book. I had so much fun reading about LGBTQ people and allies. The tips too… oh my god. How have I never found that in books before this?

There is so much excitement behind the stories of everyone in here. The author(s) are not ashamed to express their excitement about these icons, activist, and game changers. I felt myself getting excited about them more and more the longer I read. And that was with me being excited beforehand.

The entries were simple. They gave a short description about how and why they are awesome LGBTQIP+ figures. There wasn't an overload of information about them. This book mainly is to give a base upon which you readers can build if and when they choose to.

The art is amazing. I love how there are pride flags in different designs and that there is so much color and brightness. There are lots of rainbows. I love the trans flag hands forming hearts. That makes MY heart sing for joy. Also, the trans "rainbows" are… I don't even know what to say. As a queer (trans, nonbinary) person, I just love all the transness and overall queerness in the art.

There aren't just LGBTQ people. There are also important, out-there allies of the LGBT community. There are families who support their kids, pop icons who support LGBTQ people, and just such outstanding famous allies to us all.

The people in this book are diverse:
- bisexual
- pansexual
- unspecified sexuality
- trans
- nonbinary
- African
- intersex
- gay
- lesbian
- plus-size
- drag queens AND kings
- disabled
- Asian
- Latinx
- Muslim
- Jewish
- and more that I can't remember at the moment!
The only thing I didn't see in this book was asexual or aromatic people. I wish there were some people on those two spectrums. I do not remember any Native people.

I really like the tips. There are tips about how to be an ally to trans and nonbinary people. There is advice on how to help your mental health. There are tips on what to consider when coming out. This book includes advice on being an ally to anyone who is queer. There's also my favorite section of tips which suggests how to celebrate Pride all year round.

I have not really read much LGBTQ+ history, so this was a very good introduction for me. I was so glad to see the wealth of amazingly queer people who are making a difference and who have made a difference.

This book is very encouraging. Many people are standing up against hate — transphobia, homophobia, racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, you name it. There's still room for our world to improve, but this gives me hope. There are all these people and more who are fighting hatred and we can too.

The people mentioned in here don't just fight queerphobia. They also go against racism, antisemitism, islamophobia. There is so much more that we LGBTQ people go up against. We aren't just stuck confronting queerphobia of all sorts. We can address other bigotry too.

I would recommend this if you haven't really read much LGBTQ history, if you're okay with the tone of this book review, and if you aren't looking for a book about aspec history.

- Echo (they/them) ⚧️

[Isobel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great and easy read. It's a collection of queer influencers and artists, activists and writers, all put together to help you learn more about queer history and current affairs related to queer people. It's an excellent idea for a book, and the artwork inside is just beautiful. So easy on the eyes. My only criticisms are that the chapters felt a bit disjointed at points and I was hoping that the author would go more into depth about each individual but I understand there was an one page limit to each person.
Buy this book! You won't regret it.

[Max Cornish-Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an iconic book!

An absolute queer dream and an easy read. People who enjoy quick facts and looking for inspiration. This book is for you. A beautiful, diverse range of creatives on the queer spectrum including some super ally’s.

I now have added new books, films and series to my lists as well as added more queer influencers in social media. I learnt so much reading this book and it was a complete joy. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and a style iconic to Dom&Ink.

I would recommend to ALL.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a collection of short biographies of queer icons and activists who have made a difference to the world but especially the LGBTQ+ community. There are a few allies thrown in as well. Each person gets a two page spread with a vivid color portrayal and a few paragraphs summing up their contributions to the community. The book is divided into sections: out proud & visible; trans & nonbinary power; proud families; love your queer self; and pride power. Back matter includes outroduction, thank you, ways to support, helplines, resources, and sources.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a primer for contemporary queer figures. There are some historical figures mentioned, but the focus is really on the age of social media and media itself. The explanations of each figure are imbued with the author's own take on their work and significance, including consistent use of slang appraisals. This makes it a little repetitive. There is a lot of affirmation and support in this book for whoever is reading it. I appreciate the quick "how to" guides and resources for help. Lastly, the source work is lackluster and incomplete (which is a personal pet peeve).

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
This is a great introduction to queer communities and queer history. I loved that there is sections for the more marginalised groups in the LGBTQ+ community such as trans individuals and also embraces intersectionality such as those who are also disabled and/or BIPoC.

Favourite Quote:
"I think it’s really important to say here that no matter where you are on your queer journey, or who you’re with, every part of you deserves and should be accepted by a queer safe space."

[L.C. Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good insight look into the queer community and how diverse we really are. Supporting us queers has many forms and this book gives you a good collection of people that we can all learn from whether you see yourself in some of the stories or you still want to learn more about supporting diversity in the matters of LGBTQ*.

[Megan Kerrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to support queer authors and artists always and I loved this book! However, after reading the reviews, it became apparent to me that this book was definitely written for straight people as a “starter” perspective into the pop culture queer community? Lots of use of language and people that aren’t queer honouring

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick book to read. It is very much for a younger audience. It is fool of key public figures that you people may want to find on social media and some key pointers to baby queers. Overall, not a bad book but not what I expected either.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short punchy collection of essay about a collection of queer people within popular culture. Brilliant illustrations support the short essays. Really enjoyed this.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, fabulous and full of information 🏳️‍🌈

[Stephen Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative with great art work

[Katie Rankine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved learning about some absolute icons, fighting for the rights that should already be there!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌈💕Thank you💕🌈

[Dave Gilmour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully laid out! Found a lot of people to follow.

[evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Love the art @domandink!!!

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a super great book for learning more about the queer community and those that paved the way for us.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing can be a bit corny at times, but the art is AMAZING and the selection of people highlighted (skewing younger and many from the UK) is wonderful!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely inspiring collection of queer people, activists, allies and more presented in a fun engaging colourful way suited to many readers. I also enjoyed the pages filled with advice/help for ourselves as queer people and for allies too. This book is a book everyone should ready whether your queer or not to educate yourself and embrace queer culture. I did wish this book had more people especially people from history as well as charities/organisations who were doing great work for the lgbtqia+ community.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little content here, outside of profiles of people. Perhaps that’s the expectation I should have had going in, looking at the title after having read it.

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! I could not fault it. Everyone should read it. I knew a few but I was surprised at how many I didn't know. Truly extraordinary people who deserve recognition.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! I learned a lot and discovered so many new people. Highly recommend this.

[Holly Brigden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some cool people included. Most are not well known which is nice as it gives them exposure.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5