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!
May Events
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Event |
Date, Time and Location |
Description |
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Ty Hunter and Jamil Fletcher: Makeover From Within* Tuesday, May 23, 7 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
You don't want to miss this conversation led by Jamil Fletcher, the Founder of Swerv Magazine. SWERV Magazine is a national lifestyle periodical celebrating the culture and community of African American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people throughout the USA. In celebration of Black Pride Week, Swerv Magazine will bring author Ty Hunter to discuss his book Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery. Ty will also discuss his career journey working with stars like Beyonce and Bill Porter and answer a series of questions from the audience. |
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George McCalman and Emil Wilbekin: Illustrated Black History* Thursday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
The DC Public Library is excited to bring Native Son, a community created to inspire and empower Black gay and queer men, to Washington, D.C. Founder and Multimedia maverick Emil Wilbekin will sit down with the NAACP award-winning artist George MacCalmanfor a 45-minute conversation about his debut title Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and Unseen. |
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Brandon Taylor and Danielle Evans: The Late Americans* Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m. Cleveland Park Library |
The Library is excited to join Loyalty Bookstores for a conversation with author Brandon Taylor for his new book The Late Americans. Taylor will discuss his new novel about friendship and chosen family and discuss with the audience. |
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Ricky Tucker, Michael Roberson and Reginald L. Douglas: And the Category Is...* Saturday, May 27, 1 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library |
To kick off Pride season, join the Library and Loyalty Bookstores for an afternoon of rich conversation with Ricky Tucker, author of And the Category Is...: Inside New York's Vogue, House, and Ballroom Community. Joined by the House of Garcon's Michael Roberson and Reginald Douglass of Mosaic Theater, Ricky will discuss his love letter to New York's ballroom community and its abundant legacy and influence in popular culture. Following the event at 3:30 p.m., head up to Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library for And the Category Is... Community Vogue Showcase & Competition at the Mt. Pleasant Library feat. Ricky Tucker. Dance for the Gods! Hit the runway, vogue, and win prizes alongside your fabulous neighbors!
This event is for ages 13+ and supported by the Mt. Pleasant Library Friends. |
June Events
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Location |
Date & Time |
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 Pendavis: 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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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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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 Kirchik: Up With the Sun* Thursday, June 29, 7 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.
