hopef's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.0
Several of those listed are not queer. In many listings, the reader is left to their own devices to figure out how the person is iconic and/or changed the world. Also, the writing itself could have used some fine tuning, such as when a state is listed as a hometown.
viiemzee's review against another edition
3.0
Informative and cute but I had hoped it would be a bit wittier. Also there are a ton of typos. Somebody needs better proofreading...
nerdinthelibrary's review against another edition
2.0
I've read my fair share of non-fiction books in this format (one or two pages per person, an illustration of them, outline of their life/achievements) and this is unfortunately the worst by far.
The illustrations were fantastic, but that was really the only thing this had going for it. The biography-portions oftentimes felt like a condensed wikipedia article, just listing greatest hits and outlining hard childhoods. There were way too many where the person's queerness was only mentioned in a throwaway line, identified incorrectly (they refer to both Freddie Mercury and David Bowie as gay), or not mentioned at all.
There were also several people included in this who have said some pretty iffy stuff in regards to trans people, which left a bad taste in my mouth as I was reading.
The illustrations were fantastic, but that was really the only thing this had going for it. The biography-portions oftentimes felt like a condensed wikipedia article, just listing greatest hits and outlining hard childhoods. There were way too many where the person's queerness was only mentioned in a throwaway line, identified incorrectly (they refer to both Freddie Mercury and David Bowie as gay), or not mentioned at all.
There were also several people included in this who have said some pretty iffy stuff in regards to trans people, which left a bad taste in my mouth as I was reading.
whatstephreads's review against another edition
2.0
This was one of my coffee table books. I bought it at a record store in St. Pete and was really excited about it. It didn’t exactly live up to my expectations and I don’t see it sticking around on my shelves for much longer tbh.
The biggest thing that is hard for me to see past is the fact that the book features so many ‘Queer Icons’…so, not people who have a queer lived experience, but rather musicians that queer people look up to and celebrate their music. It’s essentially just highlighting allies, which is just….who asked for this? Also Morrissey…..?? Why is he in there at all?? I love the Smiths but did anyone really need to go out of their way to celebrate the guy in a book? Also, Mykki Blanco was misgendered all over the place, but that could've been because they weren't yet using their current pronouns.
I wonder if the book itself was rushed or something, and maybe that’s why it’s missing so many obvious ones, because it doesn’t even have Tegan and Sara in it who are like…THE gay musicians. It also doesn’t feature that many trans musicians, which is annoying because Arca is listed as an additional artist reference with no bio and no art, which is just a missed opportunity. That whole section feels so lazy also because it's like, if you listed them you should at least go all the way with a proper portrait and bio for them, too.
I would personally love to see an updated version with more bisexual legends and also contemporary LGBTQ favorites like Lil Nas X, SOPHIE, Orville Peck, Janelle Monae, Yves Tumor, Mina Caputo, Japanese Breakfast, Hayley Kiyoko, Laura Jane Grace, Adult Mom, Kim Petras…idk maybe I should write the next one LOL
The biggest thing that is hard for me to see past is the fact that the book features so many ‘Queer Icons’…so, not people who have a queer lived experience, but rather musicians that queer people look up to and celebrate their music. It’s essentially just highlighting allies, which is just….who asked for this? Also Morrissey…..?? Why is he in there at all?? I love the Smiths but did anyone really need to go out of their way to celebrate the guy in a book? Also, Mykki Blanco was misgendered all over the place, but that could've been because they weren't yet using their current pronouns.
I wonder if the book itself was rushed or something, and maybe that’s why it’s missing so many obvious ones, because it doesn’t even have Tegan and Sara in it who are like…THE gay musicians. It also doesn’t feature that many trans musicians, which is annoying because Arca is listed as an additional artist reference with no bio and no art, which is just a missed opportunity. That whole section feels so lazy also because it's like, if you listed them you should at least go all the way with a proper portrait and bio for them, too.
I would personally love to see an updated version with more bisexual legends and also contemporary LGBTQ favorites like Lil Nas X, SOPHIE, Orville Peck, Janelle Monae, Yves Tumor, Mina Caputo, Japanese Breakfast, Hayley Kiyoko, Laura Jane Grace, Adult Mom, Kim Petras…idk maybe I should write the next one LOL
kennethwade's review
4.0
Short, sweet, and informative. The book could definitely use a couple more rounds of editing, but I appreciate the sentiment behind it anyways, and I look forward to listening to these musicians.
Also, the illustrations are absolutely delightful!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Also, the illustrations are absolutely delightful!
4.5 out of 5 stars
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