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Non-fiction: Sexuality Stories - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

From pioneering feminists and gay icons, to tales of transition and self-discovery, these stories help us to discover, understand, and celebrate who we are. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

16 items

16 items

One of Them

One of Them

by Lal, Shaneel

Book - 2023

A courageous memoir from Young New Zealander of the year 2023 and Global Youth Leader, Shaneel Lal. Lal, a 23-year-old student, founded the Conversion Th...Show more A courageous memoir from Young New Zealander of the year 2023 and Global Youth Leader, Shaneel Lal. Lal, a 23-year-old student, founded the Conversion Therapy Action Group. This group successfully advocated for the criminalization of conversion therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the hope that others would not go through the same thing they did while growing up in Fiji and Aotearoa. Show less

A courageous memoir from Young New Zealander of the year 2023 and Global Youth Leader, Shaneel Lal. Lal, a 23-year-old student, founded the Conversion Th...Show more A courageous memoir from Young New Zealander of the year 2023 and Global Youth Leader, Shaneel Lal. Lal, a 23-year-old student, founded the Conversion Therapy Action Group. This group successfully advocated for the criminalization of conversion therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the hope that others would not go through the same thing they did while growing up in Fiji and Aotearoa. Show less

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30 Queer Lives

30 Queer Lives

Conversations With LGBTQIA+ New Zealanders

by McEvoy, Matt, 1978-

Book - 2022

Thirty interesting, honest and remarkable stories from thirty New Zealanders with diverse backgrounds, gender and sexuality. These short essays are a good introduction to reading about queer lives. Thirty interesting, honest and remarkable stories from thirty New Zealanders with diverse backgrounds, gender and sexuality. These short essays are a good introduction to reading about queer lives. Show less

Thirty interesting, honest and remarkable stories from thirty New Zealanders with diverse backgrounds, gender and sexuality. These short essays are a good introduction to reading about queer lives. Thirty interesting, honest and remarkable stories from thirty New Zealanders with diverse backgrounds, gender and sexuality. These short essays are a good introduction to reading about queer lives. Show less

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Sex Object

Sex Object

A Memoir

by Valenti, Jessica, 1978-

eBook - 2016

This very personal and rightfully angry memoir by Guardian writer and feminist, Jessica Valenti, has the writer recalling painful, embarrassing and someti...Show more This very personal and rightfully angry memoir by Guardian writer and feminist, Jessica Valenti, has the writer recalling painful, embarrassing and sometimes just plain illegal incidents of sexual harassment from her early life until the present. Valenti shows us a world in which women have to constantly navigate a path where there are assumptions and expectations in regards to how they should respond to underlying sexism, and just how serious a toll sexism takes on women in their everyday lives. Show less

This very personal and rightfully angry memoir by Guardian writer and feminist, Jessica Valenti, has the writer recalling painful, embarrassing and someti...Show more This very personal and rightfully angry memoir by Guardian writer and feminist, Jessica Valenti, has the writer recalling painful, embarrassing and sometimes just plain illegal incidents of sexual harassment from her early life until the present. Valenti shows us a world in which women have to constantly navigate a path where there are assumptions and expectations in regards to how they should respond to underlying sexism, and just how serious a toll sexism takes on women in their everyday lives. Show less

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A Round-heeled Woman

A Round-heeled Woman

My Late-life Adventures in Sex and Romance

by Juska, Jane, 1933-2017

Book - 2004

Nearing the age of 67 author Jane Juska decided to place an ad in the ‘The New York Review of Books’ stating: “Before I turn 67, next March, I would like ...Show more Nearing the age of 67 author Jane Juska decided to place an ad in the ‘The New York Review of Books’ stating: “Before I turn 67, next March, I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works for me”. Juska then took a break from her teaching job to meet and have sexual relations with some of the men who replied. What unfolds is an honest and brave memoir that explores what intimacy and sex means to her and possibly others at an older age. Show less

Nearing the age of 67 author Jane Juska decided to place an ad in the ‘The New York Review of Books’ stating: “Before I turn 67, next March, I would like ...Show more Nearing the age of 67 author Jane Juska decided to place an ad in the ‘The New York Review of Books’ stating: “Before I turn 67, next March, I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works for me”. Juska then took a break from her teaching job to meet and have sexual relations with some of the men who replied. What unfolds is an honest and brave memoir that explores what intimacy and sex means to her and possibly others at an older age. Show less

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Modern HERstory

Modern HERstory

Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History

by Imani, Blair

Downloadable Audiobook - 2018

A timely collection of inspiring stories written by social activist, Blair Imani, about women and non-binary people off all ages who have all, in some way...Show more A timely collection of inspiring stories written by social activist, Blair Imani, about women and non-binary people off all ages who have all, in some way, contributed to radical social change over the years, from the civil rights movement right up to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Some of the names are famous, such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, but many of the stories are about less recognised, but equally important people. This book attempts to redress the lack of recognition these people have not received, mainly due to them coming from backgrounds and groups traditionally ignored and marginalized in the modern world. Show less

A timely collection of inspiring stories written by social activist, Blair Imani, about women and non-binary people off all ages who have all, in some way...Show more A timely collection of inspiring stories written by social activist, Blair Imani, about women and non-binary people off all ages who have all, in some way, contributed to radical social change over the years, from the civil rights movement right up to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Some of the names are famous, such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, but many of the stories are about less recognised, but equally important people. This book attempts to redress the lack of recognition these people have not received, mainly due to them coming from backgrounds and groups traditionally ignored and marginalized in the modern world. Show less

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Pageboy

Pageboy

A Memoir

by Page, Elliot, 1987-

Book - 2023

The award-winning Canadian "Juno" actor, Elliot Page, first came out as gay and later trans. This is the intimate, honest story of his journey through Hollywood. The award-winning Canadian "Juno" actor, Elliot Page, first came out as gay and later trans. This is the intimate, honest story of his journey through Hollywood. Show less

The award-winning Canadian "Juno" actor, Elliot Page, first came out as gay and later trans. This is the intimate, honest story of his journey through Hollywood. The award-winning Canadian "Juno" actor, Elliot Page, first came out as gay and later trans. This is the intimate, honest story of his journey through Hollywood. Show less

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Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

by Winterson, Jeanette, 1959-

eBook - 2011

The compelling story of the English author’s troubled childhood, the repercussions of which she felt throughout her life, and the strength and solace she ...Show more The compelling story of the English author’s troubled childhood, the repercussions of which she felt throughout her life, and the strength and solace she found through reading and writing. Winterson’s adoptive mother was a religious zealot and treated her with shocking cruelty, until she was kicked out of home at 16. Decades later with the help of her partner, Winterson embarked on a journey to find her biological mother, and this forms the basis of the second half of the book. Winterson’s first novel, the award winning ‘Oranges are not the only Fruit’, was a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood and growing up gay in an industrial English town. The real version is still more heartbreaking and enraging. Even so, this book is infused throughout with Winterson’s sharp wit and humour, and her strength in overcoming each new obstacle in her life is inspirational. A must-read even for those unfamiliar with Winterson’s novels. Show less

The compelling story of the English author’s troubled childhood, the repercussions of which she felt throughout her life, and the strength and solace she ...Show more The compelling story of the English author’s troubled childhood, the repercussions of which she felt throughout her life, and the strength and solace she found through reading and writing. Winterson’s adoptive mother was a religious zealot and treated her with shocking cruelty, until she was kicked out of home at 16. Decades later with the help of her partner, Winterson embarked on a journey to find her biological mother, and this forms the basis of the second half of the book. Winterson’s first novel, the award winning ‘Oranges are not the only Fruit’, was a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood and growing up gay in an industrial English town. The real version is still more heartbreaking and enraging. Even so, this book is infused throughout with Winterson’s sharp wit and humour, and her strength in overcoming each new obstacle in her life is inspirational. A must-read even for those unfamiliar with Winterson’s novels. Show less

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Fun Home

Fun Home

A Family Tragicomic

by Bechdel, Alison, 1960-

Graphic Novel - 2006

Fun home is the darkly funny graphic memoir by the cult-favourite comic artist Alison Bechdel. Laboriously illustrated over a seven year period the memoir...Show more Fun home is the darkly funny graphic memoir by the cult-favourite comic artist Alison Bechdel. Laboriously illustrated over a seven year period the memoir details her childhood, in particular her fraught relationship with her distant father and coming to terms with her sexuality. The resulting book is an engaging and honest exploration of memory and loss, and is compelling enough that it can easily be read in a single sitting - although the meticulously detailed illustrations and allusions to classic literature throughout will reward a second or even third reading. Show less

Fun home is the darkly funny graphic memoir by the cult-favourite comic artist Alison Bechdel. Laboriously illustrated over a seven year period the memoir...Show more Fun home is the darkly funny graphic memoir by the cult-favourite comic artist Alison Bechdel. Laboriously illustrated over a seven year period the memoir details her childhood, in particular her fraught relationship with her distant father and coming to terms with her sexuality. The resulting book is an engaging and honest exploration of memory and loss, and is compelling enough that it can easily be read in a single sitting - although the meticulously detailed illustrations and allusions to classic literature throughout will reward a second or even third reading. Show less

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I Have Loved Me A Man

I Have Loved Me A Man

The Life & Times of Mika

by Mazer, Sharon

Book - 2018

From being one of the few Māori boys in Timaru Boys' High School, to becoming an iconic gay performance artist, this biography, lavishly illustrated with ...Show more From being one of the few Māori boys in Timaru Boys' High School, to becoming an iconic gay performance artist, this biography, lavishly illustrated with photos from throughout Mika’s unique career, sheds light on the social changes that swept New Zealand and the world through the 1960s and 1970. Mika has led a singular life, always embracing his identity and sexuality and this biography provides a fascinating look at both a remarkable man and a turbulent social history. Show less

From being one of the few Māori boys in Timaru Boys' High School, to becoming an iconic gay performance artist, this biography, lavishly illustrated with ...Show more From being one of the few Māori boys in Timaru Boys' High School, to becoming an iconic gay performance artist, this biography, lavishly illustrated with photos from throughout Mika’s unique career, sheds light on the social changes that swept New Zealand and the world through the 1960s and 1970. Mika has led a singular life, always embracing his identity and sexuality and this biography provides a fascinating look at both a remarkable man and a turbulent social history. Show less

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Sissy

Sissy

A Coming-of-gender Story

by Tobia, Jacob, 1991-

Book - 2019

Fearless, insightful and sharply funny, Tobia’s memoir thoughtfully examines a childhood assigned a gender which didn’t fit, and their journey to coming o...Show more Fearless, insightful and sharply funny, Tobia’s memoir thoughtfully examines a childhood assigned a gender which didn’t fit, and their journey to coming out and embracing being genderqueer. While telling their own story Tobia also examines the meaning of gender and society’s obsession with what should define it, and the harm this causes anyone who doesn’t neatly fit these definitions. Show less

Fearless, insightful and sharply funny, Tobia’s memoir thoughtfully examines a childhood assigned a gender which didn’t fit, and their journey to coming o...Show more Fearless, insightful and sharply funny, Tobia’s memoir thoughtfully examines a childhood assigned a gender which didn’t fit, and their journey to coming out and embracing being genderqueer. While telling their own story Tobia also examines the meaning of gender and society’s obsession with what should define it, and the harm this causes anyone who doesn’t neatly fit these definitions. Show less

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In the Dream House

In the Dream House

by Machado, Carmen Maria

Book - 2020

Machado made a name for herself in 2017 with her acclaimed collection of psychological horror stories “Her Body and Other Parties,” and in her newest book...Show more Machado made a name for herself in 2017 with her acclaimed collection of psychological horror stories “Her Body and Other Parties,” and in her newest book turns her distinctive voice to telling her own horror story, one of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-girlfriend and all the emotional complexities which go along with it. Readers of Machado’s genre-bending previous work will be unsurprised that this does not read like a regular memoir, but its dark subject matter is beautifully written and handled with tenderness and wit, and its inventive framing through the lens of various horror tropes make it one of the most memorable memoirs you will read. Show less

Machado made a name for herself in 2017 with her acclaimed collection of psychological horror stories “Her Body and Other Parties,” and in her newest book...Show more Machado made a name for herself in 2017 with her acclaimed collection of psychological horror stories “Her Body and Other Parties,” and in her newest book turns her distinctive voice to telling her own horror story, one of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-girlfriend and all the emotional complexities which go along with it. Readers of Machado’s genre-bending previous work will be unsurprised that this does not read like a regular memoir, but its dark subject matter is beautifully written and handled with tenderness and wit, and its inventive framing through the lens of various horror tropes make it one of the most memorable memoirs you will read. Show less

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Over the Top

Over the Top

My Story

by Van Ness, Jonathan, 1987-

Book - 2019

Jonathon Van Ness has won fans the world over with his effervescent personality on TV’s Queer Eye, and delighted Christchurch audiences on his promotional...Show more Jonathon Van Ness has won fans the world over with his effervescent personality on TV’s Queer Eye, and delighted Christchurch audiences on his promotional tour for his memoir. Despite his indomitable positivity his life has been full of struggles, and in this (his first book) he processes them eloquently while keeping his signature humour and one-of-a-kind voice, addressing the homophobia he has faced throughout his life and tackling the stigma of living HIV positive. Over the Top is an honest memoir which maintains a fearless optimism even when he looks at painful topics. Show less

Jonathon Van Ness has won fans the world over with his effervescent personality on TV’s Queer Eye, and delighted Christchurch audiences on his promotional...Show more Jonathon Van Ness has won fans the world over with his effervescent personality on TV’s Queer Eye, and delighted Christchurch audiences on his promotional tour for his memoir. Despite his indomitable positivity his life has been full of struggles, and in this (his first book) he processes them eloquently while keeping his signature humour and one-of-a-kind voice, addressing the homophobia he has faced throughout his life and tackling the stigma of living HIV positive. Over the Top is an honest memoir which maintains a fearless optimism even when he looks at painful topics. Show less

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There Will Be No Miracles Here

There Will Be No Miracles Here

by Gerald, Casey, 1987-

Book - 2019

Casey Gerald was raised in a difficult family situation and has nonetheless forged a successful business career, but his is far from a typical rags-to ric...Show more Casey Gerald was raised in a difficult family situation and has nonetheless forged a successful business career, but his is far from a typical rags-to riches story. From a religious childhood awaiting the rapture, a mother who disappeared and a father with substance abuse issues, Gerald also had to reconcile his sexual identity with his Christian faith, in a minority in more ways than one in an Ivy league college. Show less

Casey Gerald was raised in a difficult family situation and has nonetheless forged a successful business career, but his is far from a typical rags-to ric...Show more Casey Gerald was raised in a difficult family situation and has nonetheless forged a successful business career, but his is far from a typical rags-to riches story. From a religious childhood awaiting the rapture, a mother who disappeared and a father with substance abuse issues, Gerald also had to reconcile his sexual identity with his Christian faith, in a minority in more ways than one in an Ivy league college. Show less

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Boy Erased

Boy Erased

A Memoir

by Conley, Garrard

Book - 2016

At the age of 19 Garrard Conley, the son of a pastor in a fundmentalist Christian community, was outed to his family and forced to make a heart wrenching ...Show more At the age of 19 Garrard Conley, the son of a pastor in a fundmentalist Christian community, was outed to his family and forced to make a heart wrenching choice - lose his family and his life as he knew it, or undergo ‘conversion therapy’, intended to “cure” him of his homosexuality. Desperate and conflicted about sexuality, Conley entered the 12- step conversion program “Love in Action,” which attempted to break him and told him his sexuality was disgusting and evil, something that needed to be erased. Conley’s story is a compelling look at the harm these conversion centres do to the young people involved in them, and the emotional toll it took on his life, and ultimately of finding the strength despite it all to accept his sexuality. Show less

At the age of 19 Garrard Conley, the son of a pastor in a fundmentalist Christian community, was outed to his family and forced to make a heart wrenching ...Show more At the age of 19 Garrard Conley, the son of a pastor in a fundmentalist Christian community, was outed to his family and forced to make a heart wrenching choice - lose his family and his life as he knew it, or undergo ‘conversion therapy’, intended to “cure” him of his homosexuality. Desperate and conflicted about sexuality, Conley entered the 12- step conversion program “Love in Action,” which attempted to break him and told him his sexuality was disgusting and evil, something that needed to be erased. Conley’s story is a compelling look at the harm these conversion centres do to the young people involved in them, and the emotional toll it took on his life, and ultimately of finding the strength despite it all to accept his sexuality. Show less

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Untamed

Untamed

by Doyle, Glennon, 1976-

Book - 2020

A single moment can change your whole life, and for author and activist Glennon Doyle that moment came when she fell instantly and unexpectedly in love wi...Show more A single moment can change your whole life, and for author and activist Glennon Doyle that moment came when she fell instantly and unexpectedly in love with a woman attending one of her book events. Already a devoted wife and mother, Doyle was forced to make some tough choices, in doing so examining her own innermost desires and feelings and all the ways she had numbed those down to please other people and live the life she felt was expected of her. Untamed explores her journey to finding and embracing a way of life that was more true to herself and listening to the voice within. Show less

A single moment can change your whole life, and for author and activist Glennon Doyle that moment came when she fell instantly and unexpectedly in love wi...Show more A single moment can change your whole life, and for author and activist Glennon Doyle that moment came when she fell instantly and unexpectedly in love with a woman attending one of her book events. Already a devoted wife and mother, Doyle was forced to make some tough choices, in doing so examining her own innermost desires and feelings and all the ways she had numbed those down to please other people and live the life she felt was expected of her. Untamed explores her journey to finding and embracing a way of life that was more true to herself and listening to the voice within. Show less

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Take It as A Compliment

Take It as A Compliment

by Stoian, Maria

Book - 2016

This one breaks the mold a bit as rather than being just one person’s story this is a collective memoir, bringing together anonymous stories from men and ...Show more This one breaks the mold a bit as rather than being just one person’s story this is a collective memoir, bringing together anonymous stories from men and women around the world and their tails of sexual harassment, all told through Maria Stoian’s colourful and evocative illustrations. Heart -wrenching and infuriating, this book highlights how universal these experiences are across the world and across ages and genders, and reinforces the fact that these instances are never OK. Show less

This one breaks the mold a bit as rather than being just one person’s story this is a collective memoir, bringing together anonymous stories from men and ...Show more This one breaks the mold a bit as rather than being just one person’s story this is a collective memoir, bringing together anonymous stories from men and women around the world and their tails of sexual harassment, all told through Maria Stoian’s colourful and evocative illustrations. Heart -wrenching and infuriating, this book highlights how universal these experiences are across the world and across ages and genders, and reinforces the fact that these instances are never OK. Show less

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