Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales.
Women’s and Trans Books 1. “Nevada” by Imogen Binnie (Topside, $17.95 pb). The darkly comedic story of Maria Griffiths, a young transwoman living in New York City and trying to stay true to her punk values while working retail. 2. “Are You My Mother?” by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, $15.95 pb). From the best-selling author of “Fun Home,” Time magazine’s Book of the Year, a poignant and hilarious graphic memoir of Bechdel becoming the artist her gifted mother always wanted to be. 3. “The Summer We Got Free” by Mia McKenzie (Black Girl Dangerous Press, $14 pb). At one time a wild young girl and a brilliant artist, Ava Delaney changes dramatically after a violent event that rocks her entire family. Once loved and respected in their community and in their church, the Delaneys are ostracized by their neighbors, led by their church leader, and a 17-year feud ensues. 4. “Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag” by A.K. Summers (Soft Skull, $17.95 pb). The author explores, in graphic-novel memoir format, her adventures of being a butch/dyke and becoming pregnant, while dealing with the stereotypes and judgment of those around her. 5. “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, & So Much More” by Janet Mock (Atria, $24.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $12.99 eBook). Mock offers a bold and inspiring perspective on being young, multicultural, economically challenged and transgender in America. 6. “Living Out Islam: Voices of Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Muslims” by Scott Siraj Al Haqq Kugle (NYU, $25 pb, $16.19 eBook). Documents the rarely heard voices of Muslims who live in secular democratic countries and who are gay, lesbian and transgender. 7. “Blue Is the Warmest Color” by Julie Maroh (Arsenal Pulp, $19.95 pb; $19.95 DVD). The original graphic novel that was adapted into the film of the same name, winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. 8. “My New Gender Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving World Peace Through Gender Anarchy and Sex Positivity” by Kate Bornstein (Routledge, $39.95 pb, $31.99 eBook). Using a unique, deceptively simple and always entertaining workbook format, complete with quizzes, exercises and puzzles, Bornstein gently but firmly guides readers toward discovering their own unique gender identity. 9. “Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue” by Leslie Feinberg (Beacon, $16 pb). A collection of speeches on trans liberation and its essential connection to the liberation of all people.
Women’s and Trans DVD 1. “Mr. Angel,” directed by Dan Hunt (2013, $24.99). The incredible true story of transgender porn star Buck Angel, his arduous struggle with addiction and homelessness and his emergence as a respected advocate in the LGBT community. 2. “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” directed by Abdellatif Kechiche (2003, 179 min., $19.95). This passionate lesbian romance (and the film’s legendary explicit six-minute sex scene) is an epic and absolute must-see movie. 3. “Cloudburst,” directed by Thom Fitzgerald (2011, 93 min., $24.95). A crackerjack lesbian couple on the run from a nursing home. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry. 4. “Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement,” directed by Greta Olafsdottie and Susan Muska (61 min., $24.95). Documentary of the couple whose case overturned DOMA. 5. “Itty Bitty Titty Committee,” directed by Jamie Babbit (2007, 87 min., $14.95). A smart script, rockin’ soundtrack and terrific ensemble cast that includes sexy young Melonie Diaz as the new dyke on the block who falls in with a great gang of feminist troublemakers called Clits in Action.
Men’s Books 1. “The Days of Anna Madrigal” by Armistead Maupin (Harper, $26.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store, and $14.99 eBook). The ninth and final novel in Maupin’s classic “Tales of the City” series, “The Days of Anna Madrigal” is the triumphant resolution to a saga of urban family life that has enchanted and enlightened readers around the world since 1976. 2. “Blowing Off Class: Gay College Erotica,” edited by Winston Gieseke (Gmuender, $17.99 pb, $12.99 eBook). Steamy tales of students hitting the sheets as often as they hit the books. 3. “A Warning in Blood” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, $18 pb, $6.99 eBook). Step into the shadows with the first of a series that blends deduction with suspense … and blood. 4. “In Bed with Gore Vidal” by Tim Teeman (Magnus, $19.99 pb, $9.99 eBook). Vidal claimed there was no such thing as “gay,” only gay sexual acts. But what was the truth about his sex life and sexuality — and how did it affect and influence his writing and public life? 5. “Murder on Camac” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, $20 pb, $3.99 eBook). Gunned down in the street, author Helmut Brandt’s life ebbs away and puts P.I. Marco Fontana on a collision course with the church and local community. 6. “The Music Teacher” by Bob Sennett (Lethe, $20 pb). A young Irishman enlists in the British Army, only to be swept into the First World War, with its emotional and physical chaos. 7. “Popcorn” by Mioki (Gmuender, $19.99 hb). Do you call a book that tells its story through cartoons a graphic novel? We didn’t used to. This local author is very talented in depicting his handsome heroes. 8. “The Heavens Rise” by Christopher Rice (Gallery, $26 hb, $12.99 eBook). Conjures the shadowed terrors of the Louisiana Bayou — where three friends confront a deadly, ancient evil rising to the surface — in this intense and atmospheric new supernatural thriller. 9. “The City of Palaces” by Michael Nava (U. of Wisconsin, $26.98 hb). One of our favorite novelists tells a story set before and during the Mexican Revolution and includes a secondary “sodomite.”
Men’s DVDs 1. “Leather,” directed by Patrick McGuinn (2013, 101 min., $24.99). Birch captivates Andrew and Kyle, bringing back old feelings and complicating their relationship. 2. “Geography Club,” directed by Gary Entin (2013, 80 min., $24.99). Sixteen-year-old Russell is going on dates with girls while nurturing a secret relationship with star quarterback Kevin, who will do anything to prevent his teammates from finding out. 3. “Capital Games,” directed by Ilo Orleans (2013, 97 min., $24.99). Will love or hate prevail in this relationship? 4. “The Passenger,” directed by Tor Iben (2013, 70 min., $24.95). Sexual and moral boundaries are put to the test when a handsome stranger begins to infiltrate the lives of two artists. German with subtitles. 5. “Pit Stop,” directed by Yen Tan (2013, 80 min., $24.95). Openly gay Ernesto and closeted Gabe grapple with the sad tribulations of being gay in a small, working-class Texas town.