The Book of Pride

The Book of Pride compiles interviews and biographies of LGBTQ activists, leaders, and change-makers who shaped the movement for equality. The collection features both prominent figures and lesser-known heroes whose stories have not been widely told until now. Mason Funk draws from The OUTWORDS Archive to present detailed accounts of individuals like Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a transgender rights activist focused on supporting women of color. The subjects span different decades, backgrounds, and areas of influence - from legal advocates to religious leaders, artists to athletes. Each profile reveals personal struggles, triumphs, and contributions to advancing LGBTQ rights and visibility. The format allows these pioneers to share their experiences and perspectives in their own words through extensive interview excerpts. The book stands as both a historical document and a testament to the power of individuals to create social change through persistent activism and dedication to equality. Through these collected stories, broader patterns emerge about the evolution of the LGBTQ rights movement and the ongoing work toward full inclusion.

Readers appreciate the first-hand accounts and oral histories from LGBTQ+ activists, finding the personal stories compelling and authentic. Many note the value of preserving these voices and experiences for future generations. Readers liked: - Diverse representation across age, race, and geography - Raw, unfiltered interviews that capture individual voices - Historical context provided for each story - Photography that complements the narratives Readers disliked: - Some found the interview format repetitive - Several mentioned wanting more depth from certain stories - A few noted gaps in representation from certain regions/communities Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (147 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (43 ratings) "These stories need to be told and remembered," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "The format lets each person's unique voice shine through," noted a Goodreads review. Some readers suggested the book works better when read in segments rather than straight through, allowing time to absorb each individual story.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders The history of LGBTQ+ rights unfolds through the creation of the Pride flag and Harvey Milk's activism.

We Are Everywhere by Matthew Riemer, Leighton Brown A photographic documentation chronicles the LGBTQ+ rights movement from the 19th century through modern times.

When We Rise by Cleve Jones A first-hand account details the gay rights movement in San Francisco from the 1970s through the AIDS crisis.

The Gay Revolution by Lillian Faderman The comprehensive history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement spans from the 1950s to marriage equality.

Love and Resistance by Jason Baumann The photographs of Kay Tobin Lahusen and Diana Davies capture the pivotal moments of the pre-Stonewall gay rights movement.

🌈 Mason Funk founded OUTWORDS in 2016, an organization dedicated to documenting LGBTQ+ histories through interviews with elders and activists across America. 📚 The book features over 75 intimate interviews conducted across 30 states, representing one of the most comprehensive collections of first-person LGBTQ+ historical accounts. ⚖️ Several interviewees were involved in landmark legal cases, including participants from the Stonewall uprising and early marriage equality battles. 🎭 The collection includes stories from individuals born as early as the 1930s, providing rare insights into LGBTQ+ life during periods when being openly queer was illegal in most states. 🌟 Prior to writing The Book of Pride, Funk worked as a television producer for over 25 years, bringing storytelling expertise to this historical documentation project.