Library Help Guides: United Values: LBGT+ History

Books in the library

Sensible Footwear by Kate Charlesworth
Publication Date: 2019

The story of lesbian history from the 1950s to the present day by celebrated cartoonist Kate Charlesworth, with a little help from Gilbert and Sullivan and a side of Nancy Spain.
Sexuality and equality by edited by Cara Acred
Publication Date: 2016

Many gay people suffer misunderstanding, discrimination and abuse during their lives. This book looks at issues including homophobia and discrimination, same-sex adoption, and the debate surrounding marriage and civil partnerships
A Lesbian History of Britain by Rebecca Jennings
Publication Date: 2007

Drawing on a wide range of historical sources - court records, newspaper reports, medical records, novels, oral histories and personal papers - A Lesbian History of Britain presents the extraordinary history of lesbian experience in Britain.
A Gay History of Britain by Matt Cook; Robert Mills; Randolph Trumbach; H. G. Cocks
Publication Date: 2007

Powerful, highly-readable and eye-opening history of love and desire between men in Britain.
This book is gay by James Dawson
Shelfmark: RC/DAW
Publication Date: 2014

An uncensored look at sexual orientation and gender identity. Including testimonials from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, this frank, funny, fully inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more.
Queer by David J. Getsy
Publication Date: 2016

This is the first anthology to bring together artist's writings and conversations about queer practice, describing and examining ways in which they have used the concept of queer as a site of political and institutional critique.
Out at the Movies by Stephen Paul Davies; Simon Callow (Foreword by)
Publication Date: 2016

Over the decades, gay cinema has reflected the queer community's journey from persecution to emancipation. This shift has been matched by the shift of gay films from the fringes to the mainstream. In this, the definitive guide to Gay Cinema, this history is told in all its complexity.
Trans Voices by Declan Henry
Publication Date: 2017

This honest and insightful book is a compilation of the voices of those who have decided to undergo transition - both male-to-female and female-to-male. This powerful book is an ideal introduction to those keen to understand more about contemporary trans issues as well as those questioning their own gender identity.
Gay Life and Culture: a world history by Robert Aldrich (ed)
Publication Date: 2010

This book illustrates both the commonality of love and lust, and the various ways in which such desires have been constructed through the ages.
Queer British Art by Clare Barlow
Publication Date: 2017

Queer British Art is a timely survey of the seismic shifts in gender and sexuality that took place in Britain between the 1860s and the 1960s.
Now You See It by Richard Dyer
Publication Date: 2002

Now You See It, Richard Dyer's groundbreaking study of films by and about lesbians and gay men, has been revised for a second edition, and features an introduction by Juliane Pidduck outlining developments in lesbian and gay cinema since 1990.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People (LGBT) and the Criminal Justice System by Charlotte Knight; Kath Wilson
Publication Date: 2016

This book explores the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities as victims, offenders and staff within the criminal justice system.
The Red in the Rainbow by Hannah Dee (Editor)
Publication Date: 2010

This is a remarkably hopeful account of the way women and men have made history even in the most difficult circumstances. It should be read by every activist who aspires to win a world free from oppression and to realise the unfinished dream of liberation that so many have fought for.

LGBT+ Authors, Poets and Stories

When Katie met Cassidy by Camille Perri
Publication Date: 2018

Katie Daniels has just been dumped by her fianc�e when she finds herself seated across a table from Cassidy Price, a sexy, self-assured woman wearing a man's suit. At first neither of them knows what to make of the other, but soon their undeniable connection will bring into question everything each of them thought they knew about sex and love.
Girl hearts girl by Lucy Sutcliffe
Shelfmark: RC/SUT
Publication Date: 2019

An inspiring, uplifting and sympathetic story about sexuality and self-acceptance, Lucy Sutcliffe's debut memoir is a personal and moving coming out story.
Release by Patrick Ness
Publication Date: 2017

Today will change Adam Thorn's life. Between his religious family, unpleasant boss and his ex-boyfriend, the bindings of his world are coming undone. And way across town, a ghost has risen from the lake. Is there time for Adam to find his release?
Out by Joanna Kenrick
Publication Date: 2010

'I think I'm gay' are not the words a teenage girl wants to hear when she's about to confess to her best friend that she fancies him. But Natalie's got to disguise her own feelings for Will when he tells her his secret. Can she help him as he comes out to the rest of their class at school?
Proud by Juno Dawson
Shelfmark: RC/DAW
Publication Date: 2019

This is an anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, responding to the broad theme of pride. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Adoption Papers by Jackie Kay
Publication Date: 1991

Jackie Kay tells the story of a black girl's adoption by a white Scottish couple- from three different viewpoints: the mother, the birth mother, and the daughter.
Falling by Cat Clarke
Publication Date: 2013

It's the party of the year and everyone's going to be there - the perfect opportunity for Jess to set up her newly-out best friend Tilly with the only other gay girl in school. And it'll help her keep her mind off the fact that she cheated on her perfect boyfriend Cam. But this party will change everything.
Collected Poems by W.H.Auden
ISBN: 0571108334
Publication Date: 1976
Mean Time by Carol Anne Duffy
Publication Date: 2013

In her prize-winning fourth collection, 'Mean Time', Carol Ann Duffy dramatises scenes from childhood, adolescence and adulthood, finding moments of grace or consolation in memory, love and language amid the complexities of life. These are powerful poems of loss, betrayal and desire.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Publication Date: 2003

An astounding novel of decadence, debauchery, and secrecy from one of Ireland's greatest writers.

Short videos on LGBT+ History

Useful links for teachers

Issues Online
Excellent resource for FE students and staff. It contains articles, infographics, videos, assignment ideas and eBooks on the topic of sexuality and gender. Use the search box to find resources, or browse by PSHE topic (Family and Relationships or Rights and Discrimination)

To access Issues Online, click on the Login button, under Your Home Institution Shibboleth login click on “go to the login area”. Type in Bradford College and click on “Login”, and then enter your College username and password.

The Proud Trust’s LGBT History Month Toolkit 2020
Teaching pack to give you some insights and activities on the theme of LGBT+ History Month 2020 - Poetry, Prose and Plays.
Stonewall
Stonewall was founded in 1989 in response to section 28 and has since developed to become a professional lobbying group to promote the rights of LBGT+ people around the world. Stonewall delivers training, produces resources and develops membership programmes to empower teachers and education professionals to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools and colleges.

Challenging Homophobia by Lutz Van Dijk & Barry Van Driel (Editor)
Publication Date: 2007

Challenging Homophobia brings together accounts of how educators in various national and cultural contexts are dealing with prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping and sometimes overt violence against sexual minorities--particularly lesbian and gay youth and adults.

Discover@BradfordCollege
Students can use Discover to find books and articles on LGBT+ history, literature, legal rights and more.

Films

Pride by Matthew Warchus (director)
Publication Date: 2015

Matthew Warchus directs this British drama inspired by real events during the 1984 miners' strike.
Telstar by Nick Moran (director)
Publication Date: 2009

Blackly comic, music-infused biopic about the life - and tragic death - of maverick British songwriter and record producer Joe Meek.
The Imitation Game by Morten Tyldum (director)
Publication Date: 2015

Alan Turing, a British mathematician, joins the cryptography team to decipher the German enigma code. With the help of his fellow mathematicians, he builds a machine to crack the codes.
Breakfast on Pluto by Neil Jordan
Publication Date: 2005

A Vibrant black comedy set in the '70s, Breakfast on Pluto follows the exploits of Patrick Braden, an endearing, witty, clever and deceptively tough young man, who has a penchant for dressing as a woman. Surreal and magical tale that is funny, moving and poignant.
Oranges are not the only fruit by Beeban Kidron (director)
Publication Date: 2008

Growing up isolated and insulated in the north of England in the 1970's, Jess is told she's part of a larger plan. Her small town life changes when she meets Melanie, a beautiful sixteen-year old, and she experiences love at first sight. Jess realises that she must soon decide between following her own heart or the path of life set out for her by others.

United Values: LBGT+ History

LGBT+ History Month

Books in the library

LGBT+ Authors, Poets and Stories

Short videos on LGBT+ History

Useful links for teachers

Films