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3 books to read before the November elections

These political reads examine the current state of facism, religion, transphobia, and more in the U.S.

Neal Broverman Apr 04, 2024

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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3 books to read before the November elections

The Top 5

‘The Librarians’: Meet the heroes fighting against conservative book bans in the South

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'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism' by Rachel Maddow

The nation is still reeling from the January 6, 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists supported and encouraged by Donald Trump. Eighty years earlier, far-right extremists also attempted to overthrow the government — a chapter in American history mostly forgotten but clearly due for a retelling. In Prequel, preeminent lesbian writer and journalist Rachel Maddow details the 21st-century near-coup that served as prologue to MAGA madness.

'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism' by Tim Alberta

Speaking of Trump, it was evangelicals who elevated him to power back in 2016, disregarding his very un-Christian life. Writer Tim Alberta, a a practicing Christian and son of an evangelical pastor, chronicles how this religious movement’s ethos went from a love of God to a hatred and fear of others — especially LGBTQ+ people — and maps out its dangerous endgame.

'He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters' by Schuyler Bailar

Tragically, it’s transgender people who find themselves most targeted and scapegoated by both evangelicals and right-wingers — especially when elections roll around. Trans activist and athlete Schuyler Bailar cuts through the smears in He/She/They, explaining why gender-affirming medical care is life-saving and how trans youth playing sports benefits all kids. Bailar’s book isn’t just for the ignorant; it also serves as a bible of trans joy.

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3 books to read before the November elections

These political reads examine the current state of facism, religion, transphobia, and more in the U.S.

'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism' by Rachel Maddow

'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism' by Tim Alberta

'He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters' by Schuyler Bailar

The Top 5

‘The Librarians’: Meet the heroes fighting against conservative book bans in the South

27 Photos of "Hermoso" Men of Dominican Republic by Ernest Montgomery

The Boys! Boys! Boys! of Brazil by Xavier Samre

33 Photos by Ruben van Schalm Find Paradise in the Naked Male Body

20 Photos of Trans Elders Who Have Survived

Discover more

'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism' by Rachel Maddow

'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism' by Tim Alberta

'He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters' by Schuyler Bailar

More For You

Tennessee whistleblower says library board chair sought private data as part of state's book purge

Most Popular

Turning Point USA's halftime lineup: All the musicians taking the stage

Turning Point USA is organizing a show headlined by Kid Rock for right-wingers upset with Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The 50 Biggest Homophobes of the Last 50 Years

The LGBT rights movement has had its share of villains. These are some of the worst.

Photos of Mostly Naked Men Who Posed for Doug Spearman

Actor, writer, producer, director, and activist Doug Spearman is very comfortable on both sides of the camera.

I watched the Kid Rock Turning Point USA halftime show so you don't have to

Opinion: "I have no problem with lip syncing, but you'd think the side that hates drag queens so much would have a little more shame about it," writes Ryan Adamczeski.

Gay Days Orlando canceled, citing sponsor losses and mounting pressures on LGBTQ+ gatherings

It was supposed to be the event's 35th anniversary in June.

24 Tips for Giving Amazing Head

Gay sex columnist Alex Cheves offers advice for better oral intercourse.

Southern states ban transgender books from YA and children's sections in libraries

'Gender Queer,' one of the most banned books in the U.S., is getting a deluxe edition

Kamala Harris reclaims the stage in Washington at defiant book talk with Kara Swisher

On a D.C. rooftop, prominent authors and activists vowed to ‘save our stories’ from book bans

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3 books to read before the November elections

These political reads examine the current state of facism, religion, transphobia, and more in the U.S.

'​Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism'​ by Rachel Maddow

'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism' by Tim Alberta

'He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters' by Schuyler Bailar

From our Sponsors

'​Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism'​ by Rachel Maddow

'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism' by Tim Alberta

'He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters' by Schuyler Bailar

More For You

Most Popular

Turning Point USA is organizing a show headlined by Kid Rock for right-wingers upset with Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The LGBT rights movement has had its share of villains. These are some of the worst.

Actor, writer, producer, director, and activist Doug Spearman is very comfortable on both sides of the camera.

Opinion: "I have no problem with lip syncing, but you'd think the side that hates drag queens so much would have a little more shame about it," writes Ryan Adamczeski.

It was supposed to be the event's 35th anniversary in June.

Gay sex columnist Alex Cheves offers advice for better oral intercourse.

'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism' by Rachel Maddow

'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism' by Rachel Maddow