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Reviews
The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases by Chloe O. Davis
deedireads's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
“Come indulge in The Queens’ English, the dictionary for all of us, whether you’re cis or trans, masc or femme, vanilla or kink, on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or just a super-ally to the rainbow family. This language is a celebration of our queer culture and helps us explore the fluidity and complexity of human experience.”
My first exposure to The Queens’ English was a digital advanced reader’s copy provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. Within moments of opening the file, I knew I needed to own this one in print. So I immediately preordered it. And I’m so glad I did. Look at it! It’s colorful and fun and very obviously crafted with so much love.
People have raised the (good) question of who this book is truly for. After all, the people who use the language it defines probably don’t need a dictionary, and those outside the LGBTQIA+ community probably shouldn’t use most of it, because cultural appropriation. (That’s all super true.) But personally, I’ve always been a big fan of the idea of dictionaries as time capsules. Language is absolutely incredible, and it’s constantly shifting and changing however we need it to. Language is also powerful, cultural, meaningful. I love that this book exists to capture all of that for the LGBTQIA+ community at this moment in time.
It’s also packed with so much context, advocacy, history, and more. There is truly a delight on every page. Buy a copy!
audiblybooked's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you SO MUCH NetGalley for allowing me this ebook copy to review.
I will be pre-ordering the hardcover copy of The Queens' English for myself and will be gifting this to friends and family throughout the year!
The Queens' English is a glossary of words, terms, and phrases used in the LGBTQ+ community. This reference guide is as vibrant and colorful as the language itself. I love so many things about this. First, the eye catching way each page is put together, like a typical glossary with term and definition but also with information about where the term originated and often further insight into the origins and background. It offers little snippets on how the word or phrase is used and which community it originated from.
Not only was I able to learn what the queens on Rupaul's Drag Race was talking about when they use the term "boots" but I also learned the terms for different genders and sexual identities and what they mean. This information is presented in an effortless and fun way but it offers an opportunity for a better understanding of how important the lingo is. Many of these words and phrases had been used in the past to demean people in the LGBTQ+ community but have been reclaimed by them and are now used to empower. With some terms, it is still inappropriate for those outside of the LGBTQ+ community to use those words because of the painful history.
Along the way - there are longer passages discussing important facts about the LGBTQ+ community such as the History Lesson about the Ballroom Scene that gives an insightful look at where many of these terms originated.
My review cannot begin to do this wonderful book justice. I can't recommend this highly enough. Pre-order it today. Gift it to a friend.
"Tens! Tens across the board!!"
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