LGBTQ&A: Mombian Blogger Dana Rudolph Creates a Space for Queer and Trans Families

“I launched the Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books in early 2021 to help people find the books they are seeking in this rapidly-growing genre. The database includes reviews of LGBTQ-inclusive books for ages 0-12 and books for grown-ups about LGBTQ parenting. (I don’t review young adult books or I’d never sleep; also, my audience […]

Book Review: ‘1979’ Launches a New Mystery Series from Val McDermid

Several years ago, I dove into a genre described as ‘Tartan noir’ – mysteries set in Scotland. I did some digging into authors and found several women, including several lesbians so that was a promising start. In August 2021, Scottish author Val McDermid published her 35th novel and the launch of the first series she’s […]

Book Review: The Maisie Dobbs Mysteries

This is hands down one of my all-time favorite series of books. In fact, it was in response to a review of Book 1 in the series on NPR that I actually BOUGHT the book. I bought a hardcover book. That was huge for me. I looked up the review and it is online if […]

Why does J.K. Rowling think her queer and trans fans don’t count?

(TW: transphobia, rape) I’m trying to figure out what’s motivating J.K. Rowling to defecate on her trans and queer fans from a great height, and I’m failing miserably. I’m also at a loss to figure out why the U.K. and Ireland seem to be a nexus for trans-exclusionary bullshit. I have some theories centering around […]

Q&A with Michele Harris, a bisexual poet from Western PA about her newest book and her decision to change venues in response to allegations of sexual misconduct by a coffeehouse owner

Michele Harris Poet

A local, queer female-owned bookstore Rickert & Beagle is hosting an upcoming reading on August 16 featuring Western PA native poet, Michele Harris. Harris was originally scheduled to read at Biddle’s Escape in Regent Square, but after learning about allegations of sexual misconduct by the owner, she cancelled in solidarity with the survivors. Rickert & […]

Q&A with Creator of ‘Good Luck With The Holidays’ Queer Resilience Zine

Queer Resiliency Zine Pittsburgh

I hope the message of our zine is that safety and joy come first, and that you absolutely deserve both as an LGBTQ person. It’s not always easy to see that when the message you’re getting from your family is that you aren’t allowed to participate in holidays and family unless you censor your queerness to make others comfortable.

Is homosexuality less offensive than satanism?

Is homosexuality less offensive than satanism?

Thank you, Harry Potter!  You and your satanistic ways have surpassed “homosexual content” as a challenge to library books across the nation.  According to the American Library Association, the Harry Potter series is at the top of the list (2000-2005) of books targeted to be removed from libraries.  Recognize any of the others? 1. Harry […]