queer, non-binary, asexual vlogger and blogger also known as Queer As Cat on Tumblr and YouTube. Vesper strives to help raise awareness of the intersections of sexuality, gender and race and to increase visibility and representation for people like themselves who are in the crosshairs of such intersectionality.12
Camille Beredjick from GayWrites:13 Camille is a queer writer, blogger and vlogger known as GayWrites on Tumblr and YouTube. She’s passionate about all aspects of the LGBTQIA+ movement and especially focuses on bisexual communities, inclusive media and journalism, and LGBTQIA+ issues in politics. She lives in New York.
Emily Quinn from Intersexperiences:14 Emily is an artist and animator who used to work on Adventure Time before she came out as intersex on MTV. Now she works full time as an activist, raising awareness for intersex issues.
Riley J. Dennis:15 Riley is a content creator, public speaker, writer, and activist who runs a semi-educational YouTube channel that discusses intersectional feminism, queer issues, and a host of other topics. She is a non-binary, transfeminine lesbian who is also a huge nerd. She loves Harry Potter and Pokemon.
Pidgeon:16 Pidgeon is a mixed Latinx, queer, genderfluid intersex person, and activist, from Chicago. They are passionate about carving out a liberation space for intersex people, especially intersex people of color. You can find them on Everyday Feminism, and on their Twitter and Facebook pages.
Micah from Neutrois Nonsense:17 Micah is a writer, advocate, and educator on transgender identities. Micah’s site is a leading resource among the non-binary community. Micah presents humorously didactic workshops involving cookie metaphors, reluctantly talks to journalists, volunteers as a speaker at local schools, and is a closet idealist. Micah’s mission is to contribute positively to everyone’s experience with gender.
Beyond the efforts of its reputable editors, the book also includes personal stories from approximately 40 LGBTQIA+ people who so generously donated their time and efforts to support this project. Additionally, I’d like to thank the fantastically talented, trans artist, August Osterloh for crafting the book’s gorgeous illustrations.18
In the end, it’s important that you understand that this book is truly a massive LGBTQIA+ collaborative effort. All the information has been critically reviewed by the eyes of respected organizations, online communities of everyday LGBTQIA+ people, and myself. The editors include gay, bi, ace, aro, queer, trans, intersex, and non-binary people, as well as people of color, and the personal story contributors are even more diverse! The age range of collaborators is also fairly wide, spanning from mid-teens to mid-thirties. It’s my hope that the merging of these various individuals and perspectives will result in the creation of a well-rounded, ultra-detailed, LGBTQIA+ resource unlike any other out there.19
What is this book about?
Breaking down this book’s mission is simple: It aims to be a detailed guide of many LGBTQIA+ identities and terms with an emphasis on those that are mis- and underrepresented. This book recognizes that most identities and terms have a multitude of interpretations, and it intends to cover as many as possible. Along with in-depth, written definitions, many identities and terms will also be paired with helpful infographics, links to online videos, and even anecdotes from real people20 who claim them.
Why is this book important?
Representation of LGBTQIA+ people is grossly imbalanced. While the general public may have a basic understanding of the more common LGBTQIA+ identities like, gay and lesbian, ask a person on the street to explain something more nuanced like, maverique or genderflux21, and you will likely be met with a blank stare.
This lack of knowledge regarding sexual and gender diversity is also largely reflected in today’s media, which typically only showcases stereotyped, trite depictions of LGBTQIA+ people. Reducing us to these one-dimensional clichés is not only inaccurate, but also harmful. It perpetuates the ideas that:
People are no more than their sexuality (Example: “He’s gay, that’s all you need to really know.”)
Certain behaviors and aesthetics are to be expected from individuals based on their orientation. (Example: “Gay men are effeminate, lesbians are butch, and bi people are promiscuous. Duh.”)
Certain behaviors and aesthetics are to be expected from individuals based on their gender identity. (Example: “Trans women are feminine, trans men are masculine and gender neutral people are androgynous. Obviously.”)
As a result, LGBTQIA+ people who don’t fit these stereotypes may not feel valid in their identities. I’ve heard countless stories of youth remaining closeted and confused because they didn’t feel they “looked” or “sounded” enough like the “type” of person who was LGBTQIA+. They didn’t believe they were “allowed” to be gay22 and worried they’d face rejection from the LGBTQIA+ community. What’s more, when all we see are stereotyped depictions, allies or people less familiar with LGBTQIA+ communities are denied interesting and nuanced looks at their fellow humans. Then, they become more likely to perpetuate the same harmful stereotypes.
From personal experience, I can tell you it’s incredibly disheartening to go on a hunt for relatable, interesting LGBTQIA+ characters in TV or literature, only to find tropes such as:
“Gay best friends” constantly preoccupied with shopping23
Greasy, crude lesbians only seen in flannel24
Unfaithful bisexuals convinced that their desire to experiment is a college phase
Transgender youth isolated and rejected by their peers
Obnoxious drag performers who only exist for comic relief
Wounded queer heroes who bravely make it on their own after being disowned
The fact of the matter is, there are infinite ways a person can be LGBTQIA+. I eagerly await the day I’m surrounded by more realistic, complex, and empowering depictions of LGBTQIA+ people in mainstream media. Perhaps:
A gay scientist on the asexual spectrum
A Christian bisexual, deeply invested in his faith
A polyamorous, trans person elected as their high school’s prom king
A non-binary bodybuilder who loves drag and takes it very seriously
A fashion-knowledgeable lesbian helping their gender questioning friend explore gender nonconforming styles
A popular, mixed race, intersex25 blogger whose relationship with their father takes years of hard work and patience before any mutual love and respect is formed
Unfortunately, I fear there is a long road ahead before we see this kind of representation in mainstream media. Therefore, in an attempt to combat erasure and increase general LGBTQIA+ knowledge, this book hopes to offer visibility and a voice to identities that are usually lost and forgotten.
Who is this book for?
This book is for anyone interested in learning about sexual and gender diversity. That
