The Queer Bible by Jack Guinness

The Queer Bible, by Jack Guinness, is a collection of inspiring essays celebrating stories from the queer community of past generations. The authors are influential LGBTQ+ representatives, who speak openly about their own experiences and the queer people who have influenced their lives and personal development. As Jack Guinness puts it, it’s “a physical holy text that shows you, not only are you seen and loved are enough, but that anything is possible, not in spite of who you are, but because of it.”

Living in a society that has historically disapproved of their identity, queer people have often been in a search of support and guidance. Without visible individuals like themselves in culture and media, they were deprived of role models, and sometimes even a sense of self-worth, being forced to measure themselves according to unattainable standards. “It places the power in the embodiment of everything that you aren’t” (Munroe Bergdorf).

Many of the publication’s texts are saturated with the trauma left after the AIDS epidemic, which ruined so many lives in the 80s. The dreams of a whole generation of young human beings who found the courage to open to the world in anticipation of acceptance and freedom were shattered by relentless grief. This time in LGBTQ+ history is forever associated with pain and loss.

Nowadays the community’s hard-won rights are still constantly under a threat. With every step forward, humanity takes one step back, and the struggle is far from over. But the authors feel grateful for what has already been achieved: “I am excited about the world my sons are growing up in,” writes David Furnish in his essay Sylvester. “I am excited about how differently they think. They don’t judge.”

The Queer Bible is delivered with impressive design showcasing the creativity and richness of the community. Illustrations for the printed edition were made by more than 20 artists from around the world, among them those who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies.

This incredible book teaches us all to be truthful to ourselves and have the courage to live the life we ​​want. It shows the value of intergenerational bonds and the connections with one another. Among the contributors are Elton John, Munroe Bergdorf, Graham Norton, Paris Lees, Tan France, Lady Phyll, and many others. All these brave and inspiring voices join in one powerful message: “You are not alone. You are not the first to walk this path.”

Elizaveta Kolesova

The Queer Bible is published by HarperCollins at the hardback price of £20.00, and is available in the UK on 17^th June 2021. For further information visit here.