LGBTQ+ Heroes

“Now more than ever, we need to be aware of our LGBTQ+ history and celebrate it. This book is a perfect introduction for young readers to some of the most important trailblazers in our community, as well as some of the current figures leading the way. Sure to inspire all the heroes still to come.” – David Levithan, New York Times bestselling author of Boy Meets Boy and Two Boys Kissing“Coming at a time when the Trump administration has called for LGBTQ+ heroes–even LGBTQ+ existence–to be systematically banned from public education, L. V. Heston’s 51 LGBTQ+ Heroes could not be timelier or more urgently needed.” – Cati Connell, PhD. Associate Professor of Sociology and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at Boston University and author of School’s Out: Gay and Lesbian Teachers in the Classroom and A Few Good Gays “Heston has done us an invaluable service by providing this colorful, accessible, even FUN guide to 51 of our best-n-brightest that anyone of any age can enjoy. Perfectly timed to help inspire all of us to suit up and show up for these challenging times by reminding us how wonderful queer people really are.” – Riki Wilchins, trans rights activist and author of Bad Ink: How The New York Times Sold Out Transgender Teens and Queer Theory, Gender Theory: an Instant Primer“Heston presents an inclusive, interwoven, and comprehensive history of queer people’s myriad contributions to humankind that is as engaging as it is inspiring, and young readers will see themselves reflected in the heroes profiled. At its heart, though, this essential book shows that being your most authentic self, and following your dreams and interests wherever they may take you, is in itself heroic.” – Nico Medina, author of What Was Stonewall? and What Is the AIDS Crisis?“L. V. Heston takes the reader on a historical journey, celebrating LGBTQ+ heroes in an informative and entertaining way. Now, more than ever, this book is an inspiring and essential read.” – Katie Cicatelli-Kuc, author of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice and Going Viral“L. V. Heston’s LGBTQ+ Heroes is its own heroic act that in our current anti-Queer national crisis shows us how LGBTQ+ thinkers and movers have changed our culture forever. Told in accessible and moving prose with alluring illustrations, this guide will draw its readers towards hope. I can’t wait to gift copies to all the children in my life!” – Rajiv Mohabir author of Antiman: A Hybrid Memoir and Seabeast“This vibrant survey of some of history’s most impactful queer heroes offers context and connection for young readers interested in discovering self-identified LGBTQ+ figures across diverse fields.” – Billy Merrell, author of Vanilla and co-editor of The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing About Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Other Identities

L.V. HESTON is an editorial manager at Oxford University Press. They received a PhD in sociology for their study of LGBTQ+ chosen family forms from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. They currently live in Providence, Rhode Island with their dazzling wife and handsome cat.