When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than curling up under a blanket with a good book. If you're stuck on gift ideas for your Sapphic pal or sweetheart, try one of these:
1. Damron 2007 Women’s Traveler
Ed. by Leila Walker [p]Globe-trotting lesbians will love this essential, up-to-date guide to gay-friendly travel. With over 9,000 listings in North and South American, the Caribbean and Europe, Damron lets you know where to find the best LGBT-friendly accommodations in addition to women-owned businesses, veggie cuisine and local lesbian festivals of every kind.
2. Wearing History: T-shirts from the Gay Rights Movement
Alyson Books
Beginning in the 1970s—the early years of both the “t-shirt revolution” and the modern gay rights movement—Gdula traces our history as reflected in funny, inspiring and sometimes sad slogan tees. This cool paperback is a light and informative read for American history buffs and fashion fanatics alike.
3. My Point … And I Do Have One
Bantam Books
Ellen tackles fashion, phobias and bizarre human behavior in this classic book which was first published in 1996—before her famous coming-out. The Ellen fan in your life will love this 2007 reissue, released in September with a new introduction.
4. The Lesbian Kama Sutra
Thomas Dunne Books
This large, hardcover coffee table-type book makes a great gift for a close friend or partner. Illustrated with beautiful classical artwork and sexy modern drawings, The Lesbian Kama Sutra gives a light rundown on every aspect of lesbian life, from coming out and meeting women to the fun and dirty stuff.
5. Courting Equality: A Documentary History of the First Legal Same-Sex Marriages
Beacon Press
This gorgeous and inspiring book documents the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s groundbreaking 2003 ruling to grant equal marriage benefits to same-sex couples. Alongside explanations of the legal struggles are touching personal tales and over 100 photographs—recommended reading for both the activists and hopeless romantics on your list, as well as anyone who might be on the fence regarding the marriage issue.
6. 100 Places Every Woman Should Go
Travelers' Tales
With recommendations ranging from the Greek isle of Lesbos (Sappho’s hometown) to the best belly dance classes and sexiest lingerie shops in the world, this book is a great idea for anyone wanderlusty woman on your list, Sapphic or not. Alongside the fun and creative travel ideas is pertinent and practical safety information.
7. Queer Facts: The Greatest Gay and Lesbian Trivia Book Ever
Sanctuary Press
This informative and occasionally hilarious trivia book can give you a dozen different ways to say "butch", a complete Oscar Wilde filmography and a list of all the countries in the world where lesbian acts are illegal. If you know someone on your shopping list is queer but don’t know much more about them, this book is the perfect safe bet.
8. Ani DiFranco: Verses
Seven Stories Press
Nearly all dykes have at least one Ani enthusiast in their circle of friends. This new collection is a little window into the folksinger’s life, featuring her poetry—including some previously unpublished work—and paintings.
9. The Jane's World Series
Girl Twirl Comics
Since 1991, the prolific and hysterical Paige Braddock has been writing the Jane’s World columns, telling the story of butchy heroine Jane and her posse of friends. The latest volume, number eight, came out this October.
10. Dictionary of Homophobia: A Global History of Gay and Lesbian Experience
Arsenal Pulp Press
Seventy researchers from 15 countries collaborated in 2003 to write this ultimate encyclopedia of homosexuality and homophobia. Over 175 essays talk about gay rights, religion, pop cultural phenomena and everything in between. The scholar on your list will be thrilled to know that this essential text has finally been translated into English.
