Cloud Atlas
By David Mitchell

Cloud Atlas (novel and movie) has six parallel stories and follows injustices that are repeated in varying ways over 1000 years time -slavery, misogyny, and homophobia. The end is terrifically hopeful, uplifting, and moving. The film is directed by the Wachowskis.

Recommended by Emil de Cou, Music Director/Principal Conductor.

Tales of the City
by Armistead Maupin

Oh, how I loved this book (and so many of its sequels)! Armistead Maupin’s tales of a group of unconventional friends in the Bay Area (which first appeared as a serial in the San Francisco Chronicle) is funny, surprising, and full of enormous heart. Each character is so relatable, that when it first came out, fans talked about the various personality traits as their own. “You are such a Mary Ann Singleton!” “I like to think of myself as a Michael ‘Mouse’ Tolliver type!”

Recommended by Gary Tucker, Director of Communications.

Something That May Shock and Discredit You
by Daniel M. Lavery

I’ve been a fan of Daniel M. Lavery since the days of The Toast (RIP) and now follow the adventures of his family and adorable dogs on Instagram. His collection of essays is about gender transition, but also: difficult family dynamics, pop culture, mythology, and for longtime fans of Lavery’s writing, some primo William Shatner content. This book is difficult to explain and even harder to put down. You gotta read it.

Recommended by Kristen Ramer Liang, Engagement Manager/Executive Assistant.

Sissy: A coming-of-gender story
by Jacob Tobia

Next up on my summer reading list: This “coming of gender story” is a memoir about Tobia’s childhood and journey through their own understanding of gender, and it promises that “you’ll never think about gender–both other people’s people’s and your own–the same way again.”

Recommended by Kristen Ramer Liang, Engagement Manager/Executive Assistant.

Written in the Stars
by Alexandria Bellefleur

A light-hearted rom com in book form with main characters named for Pride and Prejudice, Darcy and Elle. Written in the Stars has two of my favorite romantic comedy tropes: fake dating and opposites attract. Bonus: it is set in Seattle!

Recommended by Maris Antolin, Marketing Coordinator.

And Then We Danced (2019)

Set in the country of Georgia where homosexuality is considered a crime, a male dancer and his partner train for a spot in the National Georgian Ensemble. The arrival of a new dancer sparks an intense romantic desire that puts his career and life in jeopardy. An incredibly moving film that uses dance as a love language, a tool for violence, and showcase of desire. You won’t be the same after. (Suitable for ages 18+)

Recommended by Jackson Cooper, Major Gifts Officer.

The Red Shoes (1948)

Before I became a huge RuPaul’s Drag Race fan, The Red Shoes introduced me to the world of camp via its hallucinatory central ballet sequence. The Technicolor wonders of the cinematography as Victoria Page literally dances between two worlds combined with the over the top makeup and costumes proved that drag can take many forms and definitions. (Suitable for all ages)

Recommended by Jackson Cooper, Major Gifts Officer.

Paris is Burning (1990)

Paris is Burning is an all time favorite. It really gives an in depth look at queer culture specifically the ball scene. It also illuminates and explains the gay lexicon that is still used in our community as well as now in the mainstream today. (Rated R)

Recommended by Kiyon Ross, Director of Company Operations.

Parting Glances (1986)

This very low-budget film, a bittersweet romantic comedy centered around a young gay couple during their last 24 hours together before parting, still packs a punch. It features Steve Buscemi, in one of his first film roles, as a friend dying of AIDS. Sadly, the promising young writer/director, Bill Sherwood, died at the age of 37 before completing another film.

Recommended by Gary Tucker, Director of Communications.

Matthew Neenan’s Bacchus (2019)

I’m new to the dance world, so I look forward to others’ recommendations here! I will say that when I first saw it, Matthew Neenan’s Bacchus took my breath away. To see bisexuality portrayed on stage was something I didn’t even know I needed, and I loved every minute.

Recommended by Noel Pederson, Marketing Manager.