TAKE PRIDE. Although the Valley couldn't celebrate Pride Month in person like in past years, the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild are putting together LGBTQIA+ reading lists to amplify LGBTQ voices.

In celebration of Pride Month this June, the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild is releasing a list of books by LGBTQIA+ writers. “The Guild is committed to elevating, amplifying, and centering LGBTQIA+ writers,” Guild Director B.J. Hollars said. “We can’t wait to share this work, learn from it, and continue to broaden our reading experiences throughout the year.”

I’m excited about featuring writers from all sorts of mediums, particularly YA, and about taking this opportunity to uplift queer writers by encouraging people to invest in their work.” –Katy Hackworthy, prose editor at Barstow & Grand

Katy Hackworthy, the prose editor of Barstow & Grand said she is working with Dr. Dorothy Chan, the managing editor of Barstow & Grand and assistant professor of English at UW-Eau Claire, to cultivate this list ofLGBTQIA+ writers, with an emphasis on Black, indigenous, and writers of color. “I’m excited about featuring writers from all sorts of mediums, particularly YA, and about taking this opportunity to uplift queer writers by encouraging people to invest in their work,” Hackworthy said. L.E. Phillips Memorial Library has already released their reading recommendations for Pride Month, which you can find on its website.
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