The Queer Bible is a gorgeous, powerful, and poignant celebration of the queer icons who inspired our own queer icons — those whose names deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Here are contemporary queer celebrities and writers sharing their stories of the people who encouraged them — through written word, through film, through song — to be wholly and unapologetically themselves.

I had an e-ARC audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Some of the contributors read their own essays — such as Graham Norton, who takes us on a whirlwind journey to San Francisco as he pays tribute to Armistead Maupin. Other essays are narrated by the editor of this collection, Jack Guinness, who brings his own flair to each piece.

I was particularly moved by Paul Flynn’s remembrance of George Michael, and Munroe Bergdorf’s essay about the 1990 documentary “Paris is Burning”. Listening to the latter, my hands stilled in their task as I heard her say, “All countries are transphobic”. This is something that, intellectually, I knew — but hearing it aloud, spoken by someone who is directly affected by this very statement… That hit me hard in the heart.

Not all the essays here are sad — some are joyful, excited, inspiring, and bold. Others are challenging, when hearing the intolerance, hatred, and misunderstanding that are faced by LGBTQIA+ people. The book is separated into four distinct sections — Words to Dance To, Words of Joy, Words to Inspire Change, and Words of Wisdom. All have their brilliance and importance. Not one essay is worth skipping, in my opinion. All these voices — remembering voices of icons gone by — are worthy of being heard and witnessed.

This is an important book in the ongoing education and empowerment around LGBTQIA+. If you are part of the rainbow community, then you will find nourishment and companionship here. If you are not, then here is a perfect place to start learning more — and a perfect book to inspire you to act, to become a better ally. I thoroughly enjoyed my listen to this book, and I will be picking up my hardcopy soon. Brilliant.

I received an e-ARC audiobook from the publisher, HQ, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.