Dom - Queer Power - Icons, Activists and Game Changers from Across the Rainbow

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First published by HarperCollinsPublishers 2021

FIRST EDITION

Dominic Evans 2021

Cover design HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2021

Cover illustrations Dominic Evans 2021

A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library

Dominic Evans asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

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Source ISBN: 9780008434168

Ebook Edition May 2021 ISBN: 9780008434175

Version 2021-05-05

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• Page numbers taken from the following print edition: ISBN 9780008434168

When I was growing up, I really struggled to see myself in that many, if any, characters, anywhere. Where was my feminine homo, the lanky-legged queeroe of dreams that I could aspire to be? There were only so many years I could pretend to be Cheetara from ThunderCats or Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park (Laura Dern, if you read this, I always look at a pink shirt and cream cargo-short combo and think of you fondly). And heres the thing: Im a basic bitch white cis gay man. If I struggled in my teen years for representation, I cannot imagine what it must have been, and still be, like for all those who didnt feel seen or represented. Thats what drove me to put together Queer Power. I wanted to create something for the community, for the allies and for the next generation of queer youth. A book celebrating modern-day trailblazers, activists and icons who have shaped our world and will continue to do so.

I could have gone in a number of different directions. There are a variety of amazing books out there that feature inspiring historical LGBTQ+ figures and I felt they do it so well that I didnt want to take up that space. I really could have pushed more celebrity into Queer Power if I wanted to, but I didnt. This book is a mix of hugely well-known public figures and some people you may not recognise. Thats the charm. The people in these pages are the ones whose voices should be amplified, whose stories and journeys should be in front of you. These are people that I look up to and am inspired by. People that I have genuinely learnt from. And hope that you will too. I couldnt fit in everyone I wanted as there are so many incredible humans out there doing the work for the LGBTQ+ community. So once youve finished the book, and re-read it, and lent it to your Aunty Carol, you can get out there and research other voices that need to be heard!

So, no matter where you are on your journey in life, I hope reading about these inspirational icons helps you. This book is a safe space for you, a place to lose yourself in its artwork and remind you to always live your authentically queer truth. Im here for you.

For me, Queer Power isnt just a book full of idols; its my own love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. I love you.

PRONOUNS

All pronouns (she/her, he/him, they/them) in this book are the primary pronouns the icon uses.

Its our first chapter and youre about to meet so many incredible humans. Are you ready, hun? These next few pages are looking at people who are out there and visibly representing not just the LGBTQ+ community but others too. I dont think you can finish reading this without feeling proud of them and what they stand for!

Anick Soni

Youve heard the phrase, I wear my heart on my sleeve, well, I kinda wear my penis on mine

@anickians

The intersex community are massively underrepresented and their voices and stories need to be heard. In 2020 alone, there was a huge call to end unnecessary surgery on intersex children without their consent: the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago was the first hospital to apologise for performing such surgeries in the past.

Anick Soni is at the forefront of intersex campaigning and activism. His many achievements include receiving the GAY TIMES Honour for British Community Trailblazer Award in 2019. Yes, Anick! Having helped to organise UK Black Pride, Pride in London AND the first intersex march, Anick is taking huge steps in advocating for the intersex community.

His visibility and words have been a huge contributor to helping representation and he openly encourages conversations around intersex people, especially in the media. This is mirrored in Anicks FANTASTIC documentary for BBC Radio 1, The Intersex Diaries, which charts his own journey to surgery and is powerful, beautiful and informative. I encourage anyone who reads this to watch it straight away. Like, right now, please.

Blair Imani

Queer muslims are valid

@blairimani

Blair Imani is a queer Muslim, historian, author and activist. I think Blair plays a very important part in the queer community and the push for social justice. She came out in June 2017, whilst on Tucker Carlsons Fox News show talking about safe spaces for Muslims in the United States. This was a real turning point and a massive moment of visibility for the Muslim members of the LGBTQ+ community. There is a common misconception that many Muslim people are homophobic. This outdated stereotype completely erases the idea that you can be queer and Muslim, not to mention the experiences of many queer Muslim people who very much exist!

Following the programme, she also wrote a blog post about her coming out and the importance of representation of queer Muslims in mainstream media. This led to an outpouring of messages of support, with many people thankful that they finally felt seen and heard. Reflecting on Instagram, she wrote: Sure, since coming out Ive been ostracised and lost opportunities but Alhamdulillah being an out and proud Muslim is a blessing that every closeted person of faith deserves to experience. Blair uses online platforms to further educate her audience on a number of issues surrounding anti-racism, LGBTQ+ and feminism. Her Smarter In Seconds video series is the highlight of my week and I can guarantee after fifteen seconds, you will have learnt not just something, but something