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USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Celebrate Pride Month with one of these 10 new books, from romance to nonfiction
Celebrate Pride Month with one of these 10 new books, from romance to nonfiction Every June, readers come together to celebrate the authors transforming literature with LGBTQ+ storytelling. Some of this year's biggest releases feature LGBTQ+ stories – Taylor Jenkins Reid's 'Atmosphere' astronaut love story, Ocean Vuong's 'The Emperor of Gladness' and 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil,' the new genre-defying paranormal from 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' author V.E. Schwab. Romance author Jasmine Guillory penned "Flirting Lessons," her first sapphic romance. 'Detransition, Baby' author Torrey Peters published an enrapturing new short story collection. 10 new LGBTQ+ books to read this Pride Month Whether you're looking for swoony summer romances, a poignant social commentary or thrilling whodunnits, this list of LGBTQ+ books published in 2025 is a good starting point for every reader. 'Dream On, Ramona Riley' by Ashley Herring Blake Small-town waitress Ramona has big Hollywood dreams but is stuck in New Hampshire taking care of her younger sister after her father's car accident. A big-budget movie crew in town offers a glimmer of hope, but then Ramona runs into her first kiss, wild-child Hollywood nepo baby Dylan. 'The Lilac People' by Milo Todd Inspired by real events, this historical fiction novel follows a trans man whose work improving queer rights in Germany halts when Hitler rises to power. Fleeing from the Nazis, he and his girlfriend escape to a nearby farm and live in isolation, disguised. A decade later, when a young trans man in Holocaust prison clothes collapses on their property, the couple vows to protect him and flee together. 'Disappoint Me' by Nicola Dinan Deeply dissatisfied with tumbling (literally – the story starts as our protagonist falls down the stairs) through life, a trans woman decides to make a change. When Max starts dating slick, corporate Vincent, she thinks it's what will turn her life around. But he's hiding secrets about his true feelings and intentions. 'Disappoint Me' is a commentary on transness, race, millennial angst and relationships. 'Marsha' by Tourmaline Activist, writer and filmmaker Tourmaline pays tribute to one of the most influential figures of LGBTQ+ history, Marsha P. Johnson. In 'Marsha,' Tourmaline paints a comprehensive and engaging record of the trans woman rumored to have thrown the first brick at the Stonewall uprising of 1969 and how her legacy of liberation continues. 'Dining Out' by Erik Piepenburg 'Dining Out' is a culinary tour of restaurants as safe and celebratory spaces for the LGBTQ+ community from a New York Times journalist. Piepenburg's analysis travels from gay bars to the diners of the Stonewall generation to the intersectional eateries shaping LGBTQ+ culture now. 'Ordinary Love' by Marie Rutkoski In 'Ordinary Love,' an Upper East Side woman with the seemingly perfect marriage and family finds her life in disarray after she runs into her high school girlfriend, now a famous Olympic athlete. As her relationship with her parents and her marriage deteriorates, Emily finds herself drawn to Gen despite a rocky history and everything she stands to lose. 'Murder in the Dressing Room' by Holly Stars Can Misty Divine, a London drag queen, avenge her drag mother Lady Lady after she's been poisoned by a mysterious box of chocolates? After the murder in the dressing room, Misty and her fellow performers become prime suspects. Frustrated by the police, Misty takes matters into her own hands, racing against time before anyone else gets hurt. 'Mutual Interest' by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith 'Mutual Interest' follows a lavender marriage at the turn of the 20th century and the successful soap, perfume and candle empire the couple runs. Marrying gives both Oscar and Vivian the freedom they need to build the lives they desire, especially after Oscar falls in love with their business partner, Squire Clancey. Can they stay safe from exposure as their power builds? 'Loca' by Alejandro Heredia 'Loca' follows a year in the life of two best friends who move from the Dominican Republic to New York City. Charo is fleeing the life that's expected of her as a woman; Sal after an unspeakable tragedy. In New York, a chance encounter at a gay bar thrusts them into an intersectional queer community, giving them a shot at the lives and family they've long desired. 'Kiss Me, Maybe' by Gabriella Gamez In this romance, a librarian goes viral for a video she shares talking about being a late bloomer. Ready to get it out of the way, Angela uses her 15 minutes of fame to start a scavenger hunt, promising the winner her first kiss. But she can't pull it off alone. Will the help of a hot bartender – her unrequited crush – thwart her plans? Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Washington Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
8 LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants in D.C. to visit during WorldPride
As WorldPride revelers swarm the nation's capital for the weeks-long celebration, plenty of D.C. restaurants will be waiting with open arms. Here are eight dining destinations rolling out the red carpet for myriad LGBTQ+ festivities in the coming weeks. 1609 17th St. NW. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been a second home to the gay community since the Truman administration, plying devoted patrons with boozy drinks and 'predictable' comfort foods like fried chicken wings, seared steaks and coconut cream pie. On June 3, Georgia Katinas — the general manager at Annie's and granddaughter of original founder George Katinas — joins New York Times writer and Dining Out author Erik Piepenburg for a discussion about 'Annie's legacy.' There's no charge to attend the hour-long talk (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.), and Annie's will offer free hors d'oeuvres (and a cash bar), but RSVPs are requested. 1609 17th St. NW. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been a second home to the gay community since the Truman administration, plying devoted patrons with boozy drinks and 'predictable' comfort foods like fried chicken wings, seared steaks and coconut cream pie. On June 3, Georgia Katinas — the general manager at Annie's and granddaughter of original founder George Katinas — joins New York Times writer and Dining Out author Erik Piepenburg for a discussion about 'Annie's legacy.' There's no charge to attend the hour-long talk (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.), and Annie's will offer free hors d'oeuvres (and a cash bar), but RSVPs are requested. 900 F St. NW. This Penn Quarter brasserie is showing its Pride two ways. The first involves serving specialty cocktails ($20 a pop) honoring famous LGBTQ+ figures including writer James Baldwin (the drink features cognac, coffee liqueur and mole bitters), singer Elton John (nonalcoholic aperitif, nonalcoholic sparkling wine, lemon, juniper), and civil rights activists Harvey Milk (bourbon, toast, maple, clarified milk) and Marsha P. Johnson (tequila, rose liqueur, triple sec, sparkling rosé). And on June 2, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., will stop by at 7:30 p.m. to perform live as part of the 2025 International Choral Festival. No tickets are required to catch the show, but 15 percent of the proceeds from specialty cocktail sales that night will be donated to the Gay Men's Chorus. 900 F St. NW. This Penn Quarter brasserie is showing its Pride two ways. The first involves serving specialty cocktails ($20 a pop) honoring famous LGBTQ+ figures including writer James Baldwin (the drink features cognac, coffee liqueur and mole bitters), singer Elton John (nonalcoholic aperitif, nonalcoholic sparkling wine, lemon, juniper), and civil rights activists Harvey Milk (bourbon, toast, maple, clarified milk) and Marsha P. Johnson (tequila, rose liqueur, triple sec, sparkling rosé). And on June 2, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., will stop by at 7:30 p.m. to perform live as part of the 2025 International Choral Festival. No tickets are required to catch the show, but 15 percent of the proceeds from specialty cocktail sales that night will be donated to the Gay Men's Chorus. 555 Eighth St. NW. The Hotel Monaco's in-house playground is hosting a supersize drag brunch. The two-tiered event kicks off at 11 a.m. June 8 with scheduled appearances from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' alums Alyssa Edwards, Utica and Mercedes Iman Diamond, along with local performers. Tickets to the 21-plus show are $151 for general admission (first-come, first-served seating; buffet brunch; two drinks) and climb to $240 for the VIP package (all of the above plus a pre-show meet-and-greet with Edwards, reserved seating, and $1 donated to WorldPride and Capital Pride). 555 Eighth St. NW. The Hotel Monaco's in-house playground is hosting a supersize drag brunch. The two-tiered event kicks off at 11 a.m. June 8 with scheduled appearances from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' alums Alyssa Edwards, Utica and Mercedes Iman Diamond, along with local performers. Tickets to the 21-plus show are $151 for general admission (first-come, first-served seating; buffet brunch; two drinks) and climb to $240 for the VIP package (all of the above plus a pre-show meet-and-greet with Edwards, reserved seating, and $1 donated to WorldPride and Capital Pride). Multiple locations. The neighborhood seafood spot created by community builder Jamie Leeds — who married her wife, Tina, at her former pasta joint and is celebrating a 20-year run in Dupont Circle this May — is mixing business with pleasure during Pride by running happy hour deals every Monday in June benefiting LGBTQ+-centric nonprofits. The Dupont location is offering $8 martinis and $32 seafood platters and contributing $1 from select drinks to SMYAL; the Wharf location is offering $8 seltzers and discount bar snacks and contributing $1 from select drinks to Metro DC PFLAG; and the Alexandria location will offer $8 spritzes and discount bar snacks and is contributing $1 from select drinks to Safe Space NOVA. Hank's is also running food and drink specials complementing the 17th Street Block Party, Pride on the Pier and Alexandria's Pride Fair. Multiple locations. The neighborhood seafood spot created by community builder Jamie Leeds — who married her wife, Tina, at her former pasta joint and is celebrating a 20-year run in Dupont Circle this May — is mixing business with pleasure during Pride by running happy hour deals every Monday in June benefiting LGBTQ+-centric nonprofits. The Dupont location is offering $8 martinis and $32 seafood platters and contributing $1 from select drinks to SMYAL; the Wharf location is offering $8 seltzers and discount bar snacks and contributing $1 from select drinks to Metro DC PFLAG; and the Alexandria location will offer $8 spritzes and discount bar snacks and is contributing $1 from select drinks to Safe Space NOVA. Hank's is also running food and drink specials complementing the 17th Street Block Party, Pride on the Pier and Alexandria's Pride Fair. 2004 18th St. NW. The queer-owned successor to Adams Morgan's beloved Duplex Diner, a.k.a. 'gay Cheers,' is going hard during WorldPride. Co-owner Kelly Laczko mapped out plans for nightly happy hour deals starting at 5 p.m. — including $5 mini tater tots, $6 draft beers, $8 glasses of Greek rosé, $9 martinis and cosmos, and $10 squeezes — a 'milkshakes and musicals' night celebrating Broadway show tunes (9 p.m. June 5), a 'RuPaul's Drag Race' watch party (8 p.m. June 6), a live drag show hosted by local performers Indiana Bones and Mia Vanderbilt (10 p.m. June 6) leading right into an all-night dance party led by DJ Benny (until 4 a.m. June 7), then all-day brunch and parade-related festivities June 7 and June 8. 2004 18th St. NW. The queer-owned successor to Adams Morgan's beloved Duplex Diner, a.k.a. 'gay Cheers,' is going hard during WorldPride. Co-owner Kelly Laczko mapped out plans for nightly happy hour deals starting at 5 p.m. — including $5 mini tater tots, $6 draft beers, $8 glasses of Greek rosé, $9 martinis and cosmos, and $10 squeezes — a 'milkshakes and musicals' night celebrating Broadway show tunes (9 p.m. June 5), a 'RuPaul's Drag Race' watch party (8 p.m. June 6), a live drag show hosted by local performers Indiana Bones and Mia Vanderbilt (10 p.m. June 6) leading right into an all-night dance party led by DJ Benny (until 4 a.m. June 7), then all-day brunch and parade-related festivities June 7 and June 8. 1811 Columbia Rd. NW. A drag brunch haven for more than three decades, this Adams Morgan charmer is hosting weekly performances throughout WorldPride. The restaurant runs two shows every Sunday, with the first seating from 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 1 to 3 p.m. Brunch is $40 and includes the breakfast buffet and a show featuring local performers. Perry's is also offering a specialty cocktail (vodka, crème de violette, sparkling wine) for $14 from June 2 through 8, with half the proceeds from the featured drink sales benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit the Pride 365 Fund. 1811 Columbia Rd. NW. A drag brunch haven for more than three decades, this Adams Morgan charmer is hosting weekly performances throughout WorldPride. The restaurant runs two shows every Sunday, with the first seating from 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 1 to 3 p.m. Brunch is $40 and includes the breakfast buffet and a show featuring local performers. Perry's is also offering a specialty cocktail (vodka, crème de violette, sparkling wine) for $14 from June 2 through 8, with half the proceeds from the featured drink sales benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit the Pride 365 Fund. Multiple locations. The homegrown pizza chain fostered by pioneering D.C. chef and restaurateur Ruth Gresser is offering a rainbow of Pride-themed cocktails ($12 to $15) at its Dupont Circle and Georgetown locations in June, including negronis (red), amaretto sours (orange), limoncello-spiked margaritas (yellow) and floral spritzes (purple). There's also a specialty cupcake ($9) featuring vanilla funfetti cake crowned with rainbow buttercream. The Dupont shop is also offering a $40 meal deal (one appetizer, one small pizza, one large pizza) from May 30 to June 1, and the Hyattsville outpost is hosting drag bingo at 6:30 p.m. June 18 in conjunction with Prince George's County libraries. Multiple locations. The homegrown pizza chain fostered by pioneering D.C. chef and restaurateur Ruth Gresser is offering a rainbow of Pride-themed cocktails ($12 to $15) at its Dupont Circle and Georgetown locations in June, including negronis (red), amaretto sours (orange), limoncello-spiked margaritas (yellow) and floral spritzes (purple). There's also a specialty cupcake ($9) featuring vanilla funfetti cake crowned with rainbow buttercream. The Dupont shop is also offering a $40 meal deal (one appetizer, one small pizza, one large pizza) from May 30 to June 1, and the Hyattsville outpost is hosting drag bingo at 6:30 p.m. June 18 in conjunction with Prince George's County libraries. 1207 Ninth St. NW. This critically acclaimed Convention Center haunt has several Pride-related activities planned. The monthly drag bingo game is scheduled for May 22 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Each $60 ticket includes five bingo cards (additional cards available for $2 a pop); a buffet dinner; dessert; a show by local performers like India Larelle Houston; $10 Cantina Mule cocktails; and $15 slices of rainbow layer cake, with 100 percent of cake and cocktail sales that night benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit wayOUT. The restaurant is also donating 25 percent of sales from rainbow layer cake slices and regularly priced Cantina Mule cocktails ($14) through the end of June to wayOUT. 1207 Ninth St. NW. This critically acclaimed Convention Center haunt has several Pride-related activities planned. The monthly drag bingo game is scheduled for May 22 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Each $60 ticket includes five bingo cards (additional cards available for $2 a pop); a buffet dinner; dessert; a show by local performers like India Larelle Houston; $10 Cantina Mule cocktails; and $15 slices of rainbow layer cake, with 100 percent of cake and cocktail sales that night benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit wayOUT. The restaurant is also donating 25 percent of sales from rainbow layer cake slices and regularly priced Cantina Mule cocktails ($14) through the end of June to wayOUT.
