Pride Week at the LSESU is finally here! To mark LGBT+ history month, we have planned an inclusive, action-packed week of events putting a spotlight on our wonderful LGBTQ+ students at LSE and the issues that face the community worldwide. If you haven’t already, check out our brilliant line up of events here. 

From playlists to podcasts, we’ve compiled some of your top cultural rec’s and go-to educational resources. If you want to learn more about the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, or are simply in need of some new tunes - this blog’s for you! 

Books/Articles

Want to dig deeper into issues facing the LGBTQ+ community or become a better ally? 

Judith Butler’s hugely influential 'Gender Trouble' and 'Undoing Gender' are a must for anyone interested in queer theory or contemporary gender relations. We also love Audre Lorde’s beautiful autobiographical novel, 'Zami', and the iconic 'To My Trans Sisters' by Charlie Craggs. Walt Odet’s 'Out of the Shadows' is another classic, exploring everything from survival to self-acceptance. 

For more inspiration, check out the Penguin Random House List. 

Music and Playlists

As a rare safe space, LGBTQ+ history is deeply intertwined with music. In pop and dance music especially, LGBTQ+ artists contribute some of the most creative and original sounds of our time. Check out pulse radio’s LGBTQ+ history month recommendations, which includes the incredibly talented Tygapaw, Yves Tumor and Arca. 

Album Society has also made a playlist of its favourite LGBTQ+ artists - remember to join in their listening party on Thursday! 

Podcasts

If it’s podcasts that are getting you through lockdown, there’s plenty of great content by and for the LGBTQ+ community, or anyone else who fancies learning more. Described as “a podcast by a gay for the gays but more importantly for their allies", One gay at a time by Mycah Taylor is a great starting point for educating yourself about LGBTQ+ issues. For frank conversations about the queer experience, tune into Nancy by Kathy Tu and Tobin Low, or if you fancy some funny chats about serious topics we suggest I Weigh by the fabulous Jameela Jamil. On LGBTQ&A, Jeffrey Masters interviews a fantastic line-up of guests, including Laverne Cox and Roxanne Gay. Les Be Gay by Nate Garner and Emme Perkins is also a great addition to your week, featuring lively discussions about all things representation and culture. 

And saving the best till last, make sure you listen to your amazing LGBT+ officer, Thiago, on The Beaver Sound! 

Instagram Accounts

To finish, here’s a roundup of our favourite instagram accounts to follow: 

• ALOK (@alokvmenon)
• Ericka Hart (@ihartericka)
• LGBT History (@lgbt_history)
• Riyadh Khalaf (@riyadhk)
• AC Dumlao (@mx.acdumlao)
• Charlie Craggs (@charlie_craggs)
• Radam Ridwan (@radamridwan)
• Jamie Windust (@jamie_windust)
• Char (@ellessechar)

For guidance on how LSE can support LGBTQ+ students and advice for taking care of your mental, physical and sexual health, make sure you read Thiago's, your LGBT+ officer, LGBTQ+ student guide.