Hyperallergic has published a Pride Month reading list featuring seven art books that highlight queer and trans artists, past and present. The selection includes a joint biography of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek, a catalog on Martin Wong's Chinatowns, Catherine Opie's portraiture, and a compendium of queer nightlife photography. Notable titles include 'Cancelled Confessions (Or Disavowals)' by Claude Cahun, 'Vaginal Davis: Magnificent Product' edited by Hendrik Folkerts, and 'The Wonderful World That Almost Was: A Life of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek' by Andrew Durbin. The article also mentions a retrospective of Vaginal Davis at MoMA PS1.
This reading list matters because it celebrates the essential political and creative contributions of LGBTQ+ artists at a time when fascist legislation targets queer and trans communities globally. By spotlighting both historical figures like Claude Cahun and contemporary artists like Vaginal Davis, the article underscores how queer and trans artists have consistently shaped visual art and culture, offering resistance and joy through their work. It provides readers with curated resources to deepen their understanding of queer art history and its ongoing relevance.