Queer Classics That Have Absolutely Nothing to Do With Pride That You Should Read This Pride Month
Do you prefer a picnic with a good book to partying? Do happy romance books make you feel miserably single? Would you like to read something other than The Picture of Dorian Gray or Maurice this Pride Month? Here are some more or less queer classics that might not be full of pride but are interesting to read.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Beautiful summer vibes, at least in the first half of the book. I guess this book says something about Catholicism as well. There are two adaptations: one of them is incredible while I still have nightmares about the other one. I’ll let you find out which is which.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I refuse to explain this one. If you don’t get it, it’s time for a reread.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Is it Shakespeare’s best play? No, but it’s still very entertaining. If you’re not very familiar with Shakespeare, this might change your perception of his plays. Also, if you for whatever reason do not want to be disappointed by the artificial ending, stop reading before the last act. Just kidding, the frustration is an important part of the reading experience.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Not a summer read? I remember finishing this on a beach when I was thirteen. It’s all in the mindset. Not a queer book? That too is all in the mindset (and the first four chapters).
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams
Not a hint of pride found here, just alcoholism and an unhappy marriage. It’s a great read though.
The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
The aromanticism is strong with this one. This book is upsetting in multiple ways. In addition to the uncomfortably colonialist themes, there are elements of feeling abandoned by your only friend who is getting married (which is against your values). Hey, at least for you “there still remains the cocaine-bottle”!
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Look, this one is set in Paris! It must be sooo happy and romantic! Think again. This book will not leave you gay as in happy.
Any collection of poetry by Sappho
This might be the most frustrating read out of these all. Most of the poems are fragmented, and a translation can never convey all the nuances present in the original poems. If you happen to be unemployed this summer, you might have to start learning ancient Greek.
Queer by William S. Burroughs
If you’ve seen the (relatively) new film adaptation by Luca Guadagnino, maybe it’s time to read the book as well.
