Beyond Silence, Beyond Erasure: Books that Reclaim Queer and Trans Narratives in History

I've always been drawn to history – especially social history and the stories of marginalized people too often left out of the textbooks. So when I learned that California had declared August Transgender History month, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to explore recent works on trans and queer history. The following books shed light on hidden struggles, celebrate bold acts of resistance, and honor the people who refuse to be erased.  

Looking to get personalized reading recommendations from DC Public Library Staff? Fill out the form below and a curated list will be sent directly to your inbox!

Fill Out This Form

Image

Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution

This book covers American transgender history from the mid twentieth century to the present era, with each chapter looking at major movements, writings, and events. 

Image

Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History 1850-1950

This book looks at 30 histories of influential individuals - remarkable stories of romance and rebellion to mystery and murder. 

Image

So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color

This book takes interviews from 20 elders of color, and allows them to share authentic accounts of how they blazed the trail as trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and two spirit individuals. 

Image

Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender

This book looks at trans people from across the globe, whose experiences of gender have defied binary norms. From antiquity to the present, from the European Renaissance, to 17th century West Africa, to Edo Japan, this radically inclusive book seeks to chronicle expressions that were previously overlooked.