Today kicks off the start of PRIDE month, so there will be lots of rainbow stacks and rainbow posts around the book world. This year, PRIDE is even more important with the attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community and rampant transphobia occurring around the world.

I usually do a PRIDE specific TBR in June, but this year I am continuing to focus on clearing through as many of my ARCs and series as I can, so I didn’t adjust my TBR. This does not mean that I don’t have any queer books on my TBR though, just that I don’t have only queer books on my TBR.

While PRIDE has always been a protest, I’ve also always thought of PRIDE as fun. But this year it feels more like going into battle for our right to live and love as we truly are. No one should have to hide their true selves for fear of violence from others, especially their own government, just because they love or identify in a way outside of their perceived notions. The queer community has always been here, every single letter represented throughout history. This will never change, even as certain parties try to shove us all back in the closet.

I don’t have the tools to fight the big battles personally, but I will continue to use my vote and my platform to support the rights of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I am proudly Demi/Bi (demisexual & bisexual). Happy PRIDE!