Summer 2021 is going ahead full throttle (suns out, guns out—more like no cough, mask off!), and because reading is one of our favorite beach season activities, we’re constantly looking for great book recs. So to kick-off the summer iteration of our Booze & Books series, and before Pride month officially wraps, we connected with author, playwright, and actor Brian Belovitch to get the scoop on some of his favorite LGBTQ+ reads.
We also trust Brian’s taste since we couldn’t put down his memoir, Trans Figured: My Journey From Boy to Girl to Woman to Man. The book chronicles his extraordinary life—from being the Army wife of a domineering GI in Germany to a glamorous show girl in NYC named Tish, and eventually retransitioning to live life once again as Brian. We highly recommend reading Brian’s moving story, and below are four of his favorite reads that deal with similar themes of gender fluidity, love, acceptance, addiction, and more. Check out what he has to say about each title (and then head to the beach to crack some cans and books!):
Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia
“Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story” by Jacob Tobia is a bold, brave memoir that shines a light on the often overlooked gender non-conforming and non-binary community, a triumphant story of self actualization and acceptance. Laughing out loud funny and achingly heartbreaking, it will change your heart and mind.. A breezy, summer beach read!”
Image via rockmusicrevival.com
Image via thegaurdian.com
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
“Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters is another of my recent favorites. Torrie, an openly trans woman, writes beautifully about the complicated topic of detransitioning with style and wicked wit. Unable to put this book down, it is cut to the bone in it’s smart language and insight. At times difficult to accept, but raw truth is at the heart of this novel.”
Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color by Gilbert Baker
“Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color” by Gilbert Baker is a must read not only for LGBTQ history buffs but also to understand the incredibly complicated nuances within our community. We stand on the shoulders of many giants and without Gilbert’s singular artistic vision and immense contribution we would be at a loss.”
Image via bbc.com
Image via jeremylr.medium.com
I Left It On The Mountain by Kevin Sessums
“I Left It On The Mountain” by Kevin Sessums is a follow up to his amazing NY Times bestseller, Mississippi Sissy. This memoir is powerful in it’s storytelling, equal parts scandalous and spiritual. I felt as if I were traveling right along with him every step of the way on his search for peace and self acceptance.”
Zaddy's is distributed throughout California by RNDC
