Queer (Words of Change series)

Words of Change: QUEER offers a curated collection of thought-provoking quotes and passages from the writings and speeches of activists and allies in the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on diverse and previously unheard voices.

Compiled by journalist Coco Romack, this highly giftable collection of stirring words is intended to enlighten, to prompt change, to provide encouragement, and to deepen readers' commitment to the movement. Celebrating activism, focusing on solutions, and avoiding apathy and pessimism, this book is an inspiration and a call to action. The back matter includes a brief bio for each person quoted to provide context for their life and work.


Partial proceeds to benefit The Ali Forney Center.Coco Romack is a writer and editor based in New York. Having held leading editorial roles at Out magazine and MTV News, their writing frequently examines the intersections of identity, culture, fashion, and politics; they are dedicated to elevating the voices of LGBTQ+ and marginalized creatives. They contribute to many national publications including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and VICE. Originally from Seattle, WA, Coco lives in Brooklyn, NY."When we gather, we manifest, we materialize, we rewrite history, creating an inheritance and a legacy for ourselves in real-time."--Jenna Wortham

"I suppose that a lifetime spent hiding one's erotic truth could have a cumulative renunciatory effect. Sexual shame is in itself a kind of death."--Alison Bechdel

"Our glamour is not superfluous to changing the current order, it is instrumental."--Tourmaline

"To be rendered powerless does not destroy your humanity. Your resilience is your humanity. The only people who lose their humanity are those who believe they have the right to render another human being powerless. They are the weak. To yield and not break, that is incredible strength."--Hannah Gadsby

"Believing you are unworthy of love and belonging—that who you are authentically is a sin or is wrong—is deadly. Who you are is beautiful and amazing."--Laverne Cox

"I believe in my power. I believe in your power. I believe in our power. I believe in Black trans power."--Raquel Willis

"Remember: The rules, like streets, can only take you to known places."--Ocean Vuong

"For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering."--Billy Porter