This June, we lift up our LGBTQIA+ community as we celebrate Capital Pride with the theme Peace, Love, Revolution. This theme recognizes the queer activists and allies who fight for the right for LGBTQIA+ individuals to live their truth, love freely and share their stories.
This year, the American Library Association reported the highest number of attempted book bans since they began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The vast majority of these challenges are around titles that were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate our freedom to read and to live in peace, love and revolution.
At DC Public Library, we are gathering in community all month long to celebrate queer stories and experiences. Check out great books that delight in camp, make you fall in love and invite you into the lives of queer revolutionaries. Join us for engaging events featuring artists, authors, musicians and activists. Dive into queer history right here in the District with the People's Archive and so much more.
Events
DC Public Library is hosting a variety of can't-miss events for all-ages. See a selection of highlighted events and click on the button below to check out what is coming up at a library near you!
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Description |
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Chasten Buttigieg and Ari Shapiro: I Have Something to Tell You* Thursday, June 1, 7 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
Just in time for Pride season and Discover Summer, join the Library and Little District Books for a live, in-person event with Chasten Buttigieg and NPR's Ari Shapiro. To celebrate the release of the young adult adaptation of his memoir— I Have Something to Tell You (For Young Adults)—adults of all ages, parents, and kids are welcome at this event where Chasten will speak with NPR's Ari Shapiro about his experience coming out and his journey to finding acceptance and self-love; and how to support younger generations. Chasten’s ultimate goal is to show young people that they are not alone and to inspire them to forge their own path to acceptance. |
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The Queer Roots of Hip Hop: Lecture & Sound Salon Sunday, June 4, 1 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
You're invited to this special Hip Hop lecture by Georgetown University professor Amena Johnson and Washington Mystic's own "DJ Heat" as they connect over fifty years of music with the social and political connection to LGBTQ artists and events. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon filled with Hip Hop and pure joy at MLK Library. |
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DC Different Drummers Jazz Concert Sunday, June 4, 3:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
The DC’s Different Drummers Jazz Band is ringing in Pride month with a rainbow-themed concert. The set will feature tunes with titles representing the colors of the progress pride flag. Hear music ranging from swing to salsa, blues to funk, and more! Also featuring a performance from the improvisational jazz combo 2nd Independence. |
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Tre'vell Anderson and Rayceen Pendarvis: We See Each Other* Wednesday, June 7, 7 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
Tre'vell will discuss their book: We See Each Other: A Black Trans Journey Through TV and Film. You do not want to miss this 45-minute conversation led by the iconic, the legendary, Rayceen Pendarvis. After the talk, the audience will be allowed to ask Tre'vell questions and have an opportunity to get a copy of the book signed. |
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Memory-Making: Sharing and Preserving Queer History Saturday, June 10, Noon Mt. Pleasant Library |
Want to preserve your stories through time? We're encouraging folks to build their own archives on the queer experience. Digitize your prized photographs, letters, and other possessions with the help of The Memory Lab. Scanners and laptops will be available; staff will be providing step-by-step assistance with scanning and storing. Guests are encouraged to bring their own external drives, USBs will be available if needed. |
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Fiona Dawson and Eric C. Peterson: Are Bisexuals Just Greedy?* Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
We are excited to have Emmy award-nominated and award-winning filmmaker and author Fiona Dawson come to discuss her book: Are Bisexuals Just Greedy: Animated Answers For All People Who Simply Want To Understand The Spectrum of Being LGBTQ+. Educator, inclusion, and diversity expert Eric C. Peterson will lead this light-hearted and humorous conversation. |
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"There Exists a Need for Something More” Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. External Venue: STABLE Arts |
Over the years, a number of gathering spaces and events have helped to define Washington, DC as an important cultural center for Black queer life. The stories of these spaces are often interconnected with locally-founded Black queer publications. Such publications have and continue to serve as a record of the gatherings, the concerns, and the ideas of DC’s Black queer communities. This panel will explore the histories of some of these publications and their impact. |
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Harvey Fierstein: I Was Better Last Night, A Memoir Wednesday, June 21, 7 p.m. Virtual Event |
DC Public Library is proud to welcome actor, playwright and activist Harvey Fierstein in a virtual conversation with global LGBTQ activist Jack Harrison Quintana on Fierstein’s latest memoir I Was Better Last Night. Tune in on DC Public Library's Youtube Channel. |
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Ani Kayode Somtochukwu and Roxane Gay: And Then He Sang a Lullaby* Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
Join the Library and Loyalty Bookstores for the debut of Ani Kayode Somtochukwu's new book And Then He Sang a Lullaby. Joined by Roxane Gay, Ani will discuss his exciting new book. The inaugural title from Roxane Gay Books, And Then He Sang a Lullaby is a searingly honest and resonant debut from a 23-year-old Nigerian writer and queer liberation activist, exploring what love and freedom cost in a society steeped in homophobia. |
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Thomas Mallon and Jamie Kirchick: Up With the Sun* Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m. West End Library |
To wrap up Pride month, join the Library and Little District Books as we host DC's own Thomas Mallon for his new novel Up With the Sun. Joined by Jamie Kirchick, author of Secret City, Mallon will discuss his new historical fiction telling of the rise and fall of Broadway actor Dick Kallman. |
*A limited number of titles will be given to attendees away courtesy of the DC Public Library Foundation.
See All Upcoming Pride Month Events
Fiction Books for Adults
Nonfiction Books for Adults
Fiction Books for Teens
Nonfiction Books for Teens
Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again
Shakirah Bourne and Dana Alison Levy
Fiction Books for Kids
Nonfiction Books for Kids
Pride Month Partner Reads
Pride Month 2023 Reads with the Washington Mystics
This summer, DC Public Library is teaming up with the Washington Mystics to recommend great reads that you can check out with your library card! In honor of Pride month, we have selected some amazing autobiographies and biographies for both adults and young adults that explore the lives and careers of LGBTQIA+ athletes.
Wizards Book of the Month
DC Public Library has teamed up with the Washington Wizards to provide a recommended Book of the Month that the library and Wizards community can read together.
