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queerlitloft's review against another edition
4.0
Split into six sections:;
Safety
Visbility
Dating, Love and Family
Health and Social Care
Beyond the Binary
Community and Organising
with 35 unique voices all with a story or insight to share, We Can do Better Than This details deeply moving and often personal stories which seek to answer the question 'How do we shape a better world for LGBTQ+ people?'. With stories and arguments organised into the above six sections, this is a great book to dip in and out of at your leisure.
A large part of the reason I read these types of non-fiction books is to educate myself about other people's views, perspectives and experiences first hand; in particular from individuals within the LGBTQIA community with whom I interact least with in my day to day life. From the intersectionality of queer Black people, to how asexual individuals navigate invisibility within our own community, to transgender rights and the role of fashion in breaking down the gender binary to our collective safety; this book is a varied and inspiringly powerful depiction of how we might shape a better world for every letter of our queer community.
Safety
Visbility
Dating, Love and Family
Health and Social Care
Beyond the Binary
Community and Organising
with 35 unique voices all with a story or insight to share, We Can do Better Than This details deeply moving and often personal stories which seek to answer the question 'How do we shape a better world for LGBTQ+ people?'. With stories and arguments organised into the above six sections, this is a great book to dip in and out of at your leisure.
A large part of the reason I read these types of non-fiction books is to educate myself about other people's views, perspectives and experiences first hand; in particular from individuals within the LGBTQIA community with whom I interact least with in my day to day life. From the intersectionality of queer Black people, to how asexual individuals navigate invisibility within our own community, to transgender rights and the role of fashion in breaking down the gender binary to our collective safety; this book is a varied and inspiringly powerful depiction of how we might shape a better world for every letter of our queer community.
moo_remus's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
A great collection of essays- I loved the variety of people/experiences in it. I felt like a lot was uk/us centric, but especially liked hearing from those who were not from the uk/us as I feel that those stories or voices are less often heard.
itslibraryofbea's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
rosebeccs's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful collection and one of the most well rounded I've read. Sometimes anthology's can be a little narrow in their perspective but this one really considered many angled of the LGBTQ+ experience, including housing, healthcare, visiblilty, safety, gender identity, love, community and so much more. I was genuinely impressed, and it also included a wide array of people to truly represent the spectrum of identities in our community.
It felt timely and well organised. I'd particularly recommend it for allies and young LGBTQ+ people but really there's something in it for a lot of people, I really saw myself in a few pieces.
It felt timely and well organised. I'd particularly recommend it for allies and young LGBTQ+ people but really there's something in it for a lot of people, I really saw myself in a few pieces.
connorgirvan's review against another edition
4.0
4 / 5
Safety -
Tom Rasmussen, Mazharul Islam, Pabllo Vittar, Shura, and Vincent Desmond.
Prominent theme throughout this section is a lack of safety for LGBT+ individuals in every day life. While there is increasing representation for the queer community, this is not translating to blanket safety. There is a discrepancy between the image presented to the world, whether it be legally, politically, or socially compared to the everyday lived experience of queer communities.
However, as noted in Vittar's essay, it is important for high-profile politicians and figures to celebrate queer culture and encourage equality. Similarly, visible allyship from everyone within the community - queer or not - is important in creating social change and ensuring everyone feels safe.
Visibility
Beth Ditto, Holland, Mykki Blanco, Yasmin Benoit, Juliet Jacques and Shon Faye
Whilst representation for queer individuals is increasing, there is often a specific kind of individual that is given a platform. The authors within this section argue for more visibility for those living with HIV, those whose bodies don't conform to the 'norm' portrayed by mainstream media, those who identify as asexual and other minority sexualities.
Similarly there needs to be more visiblity with regards to the topics discussed. Jacqus provides an overview of the struggle trans individuals have suffered in the UK with arguing for basic rights. There has been a focus on issues such as the bathroom debate despite the fact that queer individuals suffer high levels of mental health problems, issues with employment, healthcare etc.
Dating
Naoise Dolan, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Peppermint, Andrew Gurza and Levi Hord
One of the topics spoken about revolves around ableism in the queer dating scene both online and in person. Often, queer bars are not accessible to disabled individuals and this, effectively, cuts them off from meeting other potential romantic suitors. Additionally, there is not enough awareness of different disabilities and how these affect individuals leading to ignorance and failed attempts at dating.
Similarly, there are high levels of transphobia and biphobia within the community. Bisexuality is often passed off as a phase, and often trans women find that cisgender people are less likely to date them as they may view their attraction as them being gay. Trans individuals who choose to take part in the act of pregnancy also suffer from medical ignorance and in some countries, are denied the choice due to forced sterilisation as part of their transition.
Beyond the Binary
Jonathan Anderson, Amelia Abraham, Bobbi Salvor Menuez, Kate Bornstein and Travis Alabanza
The topic of trans individuals partaking in sporting competitions is discussed here, with alternative classifications based around height and weight being offered as solutions. The harmful impacts of the current rules on both trans and cis athletes are highlighted, showcase that the current rules work for no one. Similarly, the current gender divisions leave no space for non-binary individuals to partake unless they force themselves to subscribe to a particular gender for the purpose of competing.
Bornstein discusses the Buddhist notion that there are two truths; definitive truth and arguable truth. They say that gender is an arguable truth and whatever you believe is correct, however, others are entitled to their own belief also - whatever that may be. Instead of the internal fighting within the community about gender, it is argued that everyone should accept that gender is specific to the individual and that whatever their lived reality is, is the truth to them.
Community and organising
Wolfgang Tillmans, Matthew Riemer, Riyadh Khalaf, madison moore, Leticia Opio, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah and Adam Eli.
Riyadh Khalaf provides a step-by-step guide on how to be an effective ally by educating yourself, spreading good intentions, and creating space for others to thrive (amongst other things).
The importance of community is brought up with regards to queer spaces and specifically the loss of queer spaces. When a hetereosexual space closes down, it is unfortunate but they have a multitude of alternatives waiting for them but often the queer spaces are scarce and when one shuts down it leaves the individual with very limited options. Often, gentrification is responsible for the closure of many queer spaces and erases much of queer history. Additionally, as previously discussed, many queer spaces need to work on their inclusion with PoC and disabled individuals.
Money is a key issue in community and organising of any nature. People need to be willing to help financially or offer other assistance such as time or expertise so that community spaces can be created and maintained as well as organising made possible to improve the lives of other queers.
Safety -
Tom Rasmussen, Mazharul Islam, Pabllo Vittar, Shura, and Vincent Desmond.
Prominent theme throughout this section is a lack of safety for LGBT+ individuals in every day life. While there is increasing representation for the queer community, this is not translating to blanket safety. There is a discrepancy between the image presented to the world, whether it be legally, politically, or socially compared to the everyday lived experience of queer communities.
However, as noted in Vittar's essay, it is important for high-profile politicians and figures to celebrate queer culture and encourage equality. Similarly, visible allyship from everyone within the community - queer or not - is important in creating social change and ensuring everyone feels safe.
Visibility
Beth Ditto, Holland, Mykki Blanco, Yasmin Benoit, Juliet Jacques and Shon Faye
Whilst representation for queer individuals is increasing, there is often a specific kind of individual that is given a platform. The authors within this section argue for more visibility for those living with HIV, those whose bodies don't conform to the 'norm' portrayed by mainstream media, those who identify as asexual and other minority sexualities.
Similarly there needs to be more visiblity with regards to the topics discussed. Jacqus provides an overview of the struggle trans individuals have suffered in the UK with arguing for basic rights. There has been a focus on issues such as the bathroom debate despite the fact that queer individuals suffer high levels of mental health problems, issues with employment, healthcare etc.
Dating
Naoise Dolan, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Peppermint, Andrew Gurza and Levi Hord
One of the topics spoken about revolves around ableism in the queer dating scene both online and in person. Often, queer bars are not accessible to disabled individuals and this, effectively, cuts them off from meeting other potential romantic suitors. Additionally, there is not enough awareness of different disabilities and how these affect individuals leading to ignorance and failed attempts at dating.
Similarly, there are high levels of transphobia and biphobia within the community. Bisexuality is often passed off as a phase, and often trans women find that cisgender people are less likely to date them as they may view their attraction as them being gay. Trans individuals who choose to take part in the act of pregnancy also suffer from medical ignorance and in some countries, are denied the choice due to forced sterilisation as part of their transition.
Beyond the Binary
Jonathan Anderson, Amelia Abraham, Bobbi Salvor Menuez, Kate Bornstein and Travis Alabanza
The topic of trans individuals partaking in sporting competitions is discussed here, with alternative classifications based around height and weight being offered as solutions. The harmful impacts of the current rules on both trans and cis athletes are highlighted, showcase that the current rules work for no one. Similarly, the current gender divisions leave no space for non-binary individuals to partake unless they force themselves to subscribe to a particular gender for the purpose of competing.
Bornstein discusses the Buddhist notion that there are two truths; definitive truth and arguable truth. They say that gender is an arguable truth and whatever you believe is correct, however, others are entitled to their own belief also - whatever that may be. Instead of the internal fighting within the community about gender, it is argued that everyone should accept that gender is specific to the individual and that whatever their lived reality is, is the truth to them.
Community and organising
Wolfgang Tillmans, Matthew Riemer, Riyadh Khalaf, madison moore, Leticia Opio, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah and Adam Eli.
Riyadh Khalaf provides a step-by-step guide on how to be an effective ally by educating yourself, spreading good intentions, and creating space for others to thrive (amongst other things).
The importance of community is brought up with regards to queer spaces and specifically the loss of queer spaces. When a hetereosexual space closes down, it is unfortunate but they have a multitude of alternatives waiting for them but often the queer spaces are scarce and when one shuts down it leaves the individual with very limited options. Often, gentrification is responsible for the closure of many queer spaces and erases much of queer history. Additionally, as previously discussed, many queer spaces need to work on their inclusion with PoC and disabled individuals.
Money is a key issue in community and organising of any nature. People need to be willing to help financially or offer other assistance such as time or expertise so that community spaces can be created and maintained as well as organising made possible to improve the lives of other queers.
aruarian_melody's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Really interesting collection of essays covering a wide range of topics and opinions. I hope that I can return to this in ten years and mark all the positive ways in which we ended up doing better. In the nature of things, I liked some essays more than others. At times I felt like I would have liked a bit more context and details, but for the most part the length of 5-10 pages per essay worked pretty well.
My personal favourites were:
My personal favourites were:
- Leaving Bangladesh by Mazharul Islam
- 'Acceptance' in Brazil by Pabllo Vittar
- Seen & Unseen: Living between two stigmas by Mykki Blanco
- Ace of Clubs by Yasmin Benoit
- Know Thyself, or Don't by Naoise Dolan
- Single and Fabulous by Amrou Al-Kadhi
- The End of Forced Intersex Surgeries by Hanne Gaby Odiele
- Breaking Through: Centering the Needs of Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth by Carl Siciliano
- Everyone's Trans, Now What? by Travis Alabanza
- Allyship Starts at Home by Riyadh Khalaf
mosswood's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It collated many of my most favourite LGBTQ+ voices as well introducing me to those I will now be so grateful for having encountered. It is a pretty emotional and focuses on what struggles we face as a community but by doing so it is hopeful as awareness can lead to change. The last section about community and organising is the uplifting and hopeful reassurance that the awful things described earlier can be changed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, and Transphobia
missoliviareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
An essential book for our modern world - everyone needs to read this!
laviedevantsoi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0