this photographic celebration of queer love and excellence gathers fourteen LGBTQ+ power couples, offering a glimpse into the journeys that led to their meaningful relationships and thriving careers. from designer debbie millman’s ardent courtship of writer roxane gay to the romantic and creative relationship forged between perfume genius bandmates mike hadreas and alan wyffels on stage during their first world tour, this beautiful book offers a closer look into the lives of fourteen inspiring LGBTQ+ couples and the meet-cutes, success stories, and personal reflections that made them the role models they are today. these icons come from a range of backgrounds—they are trailblazers who lead research labs, kitchens, and news organizations; create life-giving art and music; and tell queer stories in award-winning books, films, and television shows.

real queer america: lgbt stories from red states is a road trip memoir through the bible belt, deep south, and beyond — where queer joy and resistance bloom in the least expected places. journalist samantha allen sets out with her motto “something gay every day,” capturing powerful stories of lgbt life in communities often overlooked, yet full of pride, love, and grit.

paperback. may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and show mild signs of shelfwear.

sex talk shows how opening up discussions on bodies, sexuality and pleasure can lead to much, much better sex and self-esteem, by the eminent french feminist pornographer olympe de ge and feminist writer stephanie estournet.

sex talk has a clear mission – breaking the taboo of taboos – by opening up the discussion of sex and desire in a clear, engaging and motivational way. the book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery through nine chapters, discussing everything from self-stimulation, exploring sexual orientation, communicating wants and desires with a partner, staying safe online when sexting, exploring erotica and porn and creating private content – but at the core is the pervading importance of owning your sexual self.

shaking the gates of hell: a search for family and truth is a deeply personal and powerful account of reckoning with silence, faith, and the legacy of the civil rights movement. growing up in alabama, journalist john archibald reflects on his father’s quiet pulpit during a time of southern unrest and racial injustice. why didn’t his father, a methodist minister, speak out more forcefully against the wrongs surrounding them?

this affecting memoir explores the weight of inherited silence, the cost of complicity, and the journey toward truth and accountability—both personal and collective.

paperback
published by vintage
this title may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.

she votes is a vibrant, intersectional story of the women who fought for suffrage and those who continue to raise their voices for equality. from the first female principal chief of the cherokee nation to the first woman to wear pants on the senate floor, author bridget quinn shines a spotlight on the trailblazers who broke down barriers. this deluxe edition also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the nineteenth amendment, featuring illustrations by 100 women artists.

• a colorful, intersectional account of the struggle for women’s rights in the u.s.
• heart-pounding scenes and keenly observed portraits of groundbreaking women from elizabeth cady stanton to audre lorde.
• beautifully illustrated by 100 women artists, making it a visual as well as a historical treasure.

she votes is a refreshing, illuminating read for feminists of all kinds—celebrating the voices that fought and continue to fight for equality.

cold war: simple history series zine #10: in this zine, j. gerlach covers the cold war, an era of paranoia, nuclear threats, and global tensions. spanning major events like the bay of pigs, perestroika, and post-war reconstruction in europe and asia, gerlach explores how the cold war was marked by a series of dangerous “what-ifs” and pivotal moments that shaped the modern world. written in an engaging and accessible style, this zine offers a clear overview of the cold war’s key conflicts and consequences.

published by microcosm!
zine / pamphlet

100 years of modern iran: simple history series zine #6 is a concise and compelling overview of a century of political upheaval, revolution, and transformation in iran. covering the years 1891–1991, this zine explores the fall of the monarchy, foreign coups, and the rise of the world’s first islamic theocracy.

part of the simple history series by j. gerlach and published by microcosm, it offers sharp insight into how iran’s modern history connects with the judeo-christian west’s ongoing tensions with the islamic world.

a fast, thoughtful read for curious minds.

zine / pamphlet
published by microcosm

by emma yau, raina lampkins-fielder, rebecca bray

a wide-ranging survey of black art in the american south, from thornton dial and nellie mae rowe to the quilters of gee's bend

for generations, black artists from the american south have forged a unique art tradition. working in near isolation from established practices, they have created masterpieces in clay, driftwood, roots, soil, and recycled and cast-off objects that articulate america's painful past--the inhuman practice of enslavement, the cruel segregationist policies of the jim crow era and institutionalized racism. their works respond to issues ranging from economic inequality, oppression and social marginalization to sexuality, the influence of place and ancestral memory.
among the sculptures, paintings, reliefs and drawings included here--the majority from the souls grown deep foundation in atlanta--are works by thornton dial, lonnie holley, ronald lockett, hawkins bolden, bessie harvey, charles williams, mary t. smith, purvis young, mose tolliver, nellie nae rowe, mary lee bendolph, marlene bennett jones, martha jane pettway, loretta pettway and henry and georgia speller. also featured are the celebrated quiltmakers of gee's bend, alabama, and work from the neighboring communities of rehoboth and alberta.

*hardcover

the good fight (paperback): shirley chisholm made history as the first black woman elected to congress in 1972, and the first to campaign for president. in this autobiographical account, she shares the challenges and triumphs of her groundbreaking run for office—despite knowing the country wasn’t ready for her. her voice shines through as she reflects on the democratic party, her complicated relationship with the black community, and her unwavering commitment to justice. a powerful read from a true trailblazer. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

the offbeat sari celebrates these innovations in sari design, with photography of pieces by leading contemporary designers. commissioned essays by notable indian writers such as pragya agarwal and sonia faleiro explore ideas such as gender fluidity, politics, sustainability, female empowerment and the self-image of india, alongside interviews with the designers whose work illustrates each theme.

the origins of the civil rights movement: the story of rosa parks refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man is well-known, but the factors behind her and the civil rights movement that her refusal ignited have rarely been so thoroughly documented. author aldon d. morris traces the role that black community organizations played in the civil rights movement. using interviews from dozens of leaders, as well as original documents of the time, the dynamics of social change are recorded in this benchmark study. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

threadbare: clothes, sex, & trafficking is a powerful graphic novel that uncovers the hidden connections between the global garment industry, the sex trade, and human trafficking. through beautifully illustrated comics and sharp storytelling, author anne elizabeth moore unravels the threads of gender, labor, and exploitation in a globalized economy.

both eye-opening and deeply engaging, this book challenges readers to rethink who makes our clothes, under what conditions, and at what cost.

paperback / graphic novel
published by microcosm

transgender history: the roots of today's revolution: an essential primer on the rise of transgender activism in the u.s., this book traces the movement from post-wwii organizing to today’s ongoing fight for justice and recognition. covering pivotal events, evolving language, and the individuals who’ve shaped the discourse, it explores how identity, politics, and community have intersected over the decades. whether you're new to the topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this accessible and powerful read offers a solid foundation in trans history and the path ahead.

uncomfortable conversations with a black man: in this book, emmanuel acho expands on his widely popular video series, tackling the uncomfortable yet necessary questions many white americans have about race, and providing honest answers to questions that are often avoided. through heartfelt and clear discussions, acho covers topics like white privilege, systemic racism, and cultural appropriation. with openness and compassion, he helps foster understanding and encourages readers to take part in the important conversation of antiracism. this book is a compelling guide for anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of race in america.

(this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)