Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism

Stevenson is well known for making complex concepts and historical people and events accessible to young audiences, and Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism is no exception. To ensure a thorough but manageable cross-section of LGBTQ+ historical and contemporary figures, events, places and concepts, Stevenson chooses one item to dig into for each letter of the alphabet. This sampling will whet the appetites of young readers and give them a solid point of entry into deeper discussions and more detailed examinations of history and activism.

The book begins with an introduction that explains the presence of LGBTQ+ people throughout history and across cultures geographies, and that, as long as they have existed, they have been fighting for acceptance, love, freedom, and equality. Furthermore, Stevenson takes the time to explain the power and importance of words and to prime the reader for exposure to new terms and definitions and why they matter to the people who use them.

Following this, Stevenson jumps into the first letter of the alphabet with a celebration of activism and activists, particularly those responsible for helping to bring about the rights that many LGBTQ+ people benefit from today. To quote Harvey Milk, “Burst down those closet doors once and for all, and stand up and start to fight” (p. 7). But Stevenson also emphasizes the fragility of these rights and the need for continued action in the face of complacency and resignation.

Stevenson covers other timely and important concepts such as Coming Out, Drag Culture, Pride, and Censorship. Mixed in with these concepts are historical figures such as Bayard Rustin, Ernestine Eckstein, and Marsha P. Johnson, and movements like “Gay Is Good,” “and “We Demand.” Readers are also given an introduction to new terms and definitions, including Indigiqueer, Queer, and the LGBTQ+ acronym.

The level of detail and the variety of topics is impressive on its own, but it is accentuated and made even more approachable through bold, colourful, and eye-catching illustrations from Vivian Rosas. Her work gives solid visual cues to each page, whether she is illustrating a person, a place, or a thing. The diverse imagery highlights an array of individuals, showing different genders, skin colors, and body types. The imagery will evoke different emotional responses from readers and hopefully connect them to the people and events being described on each page.

Stevenson once again brings forward LGBTQ+ history, culture, and politics through accessible prose, made even more approachable through Rosas’ incredibly bright and expressive illustrations. Queer History A to Z is a must-buy title from an accomplished veteran of LGBTQ+ children’s and YA literature.