ALT Ekat’s Reading Recommendations If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho (2002) (translated by Anne Carson) Sappho of Lesbos (l. c. 620-570 BCE) is known for her lyrical poetry, which explores themes of love, desire, and the beauty of the natural world. Her work has been celebrated for centuries, making her the O.G. lesbian. Carson's translation brings Sappho's words to life in a way that is both accessible and faithful to the original, making this collection a true treasure for anyone who loves great literature (& lesbians). Love as a Hollow: Merleau-Ponty’s Promise of Queer Love (2017) by Megan Burke Burke's essay is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the concept of love, drawing on the work of philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty to offer a new perspective on queer love. Her paper is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy, feminism, and queer theory.

ALT Ekat’s Reading Recommendations (continued) Queer Phenomenology (2006) by Sara Ahmed A groundbreaking work that challenges traditional ways of thinking about sexuality and identity, Sara Ahmed explores how our experiences are shaped by our sexuality, and how this orientation can be both limiting and liberating, and by social norms and expectations, which can be challenged and subverted through queer phenomenology. Ahmed drawing on her own experiences as a queer woman to illustrate her arguments, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of sexuality, identity, and phenomenology, and a testament to the power of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Notable Mentions: Tender Buttons (1914) by Gertrude Stein Tendencies (1993) by Eve Sedgwick The Price of Salt (1952) by Patricia Highsmith Nightwood (1936) by Djuna Barnes Zami: A New Spelling of My Name (1982) by Audre Lorde and the poetry of Sophia Parnok, Elizabeth Bishop, & Emily Dickinson.

ALT Music Recommendations Artists from Ekat: Zemfira & t.A.T.u “Zemfira walked so girl in red could run” (I don’t care they’re “fake lesbians. Sorry not sorry!) Songs from Andrea Sweet Diana by Willowbrook She by Dodie The One I Love by Ellen Krauss Space Girl by Frances Forever Girls by girl in red

ALT Queer Media: CHASI Staff picks Every week in June a couple of our research assistants are going to share their queer media recommendations! These recommendations may be based on personal impact or, as an ally, anything that has been impactful throughout their ongoing learning about the queer community and queer experience. This week our recommendations come from Ekat and Andrea!

ALT Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) Recommended by Ekat Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a masterpiece of cinema that is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful portrayal of female desire and its use of the female gaze. The film tells the story of a young painter named Marianne who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a young woman named Héloïse, who is about to be married off to a wealthy nobleman. As Marianne spends time with Héloïse, the two women begin to develop a deep and intense connection that leads to a (bittersweet) romance. What really sets this film apart is its exploration of love, desire, and the power dynamics that exist between men and women. The film is a powerful feminist statement, showing how women can find strength and agency in their relationships with each other, even in a world that seeks to control and oppress them. Overall, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a stunning achievement in cinema that deserves to be seen and celebrated. It is a film that will stay w

ALT Andrea’s Book Recommendations Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017) by Taylor Jenkins Reid One of my favourite books of the past couple of years; I read it in two sittings, never wanting to put the book down. This book is an interesting look at the queer experience in Hollywood in the 1950s. Bisexuality is represented and validated throughout this story. Evelyn Hugo at one point remarks; “I'm bisexual. Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box.” We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir (2019) by Samra Habib Samra Habib shares their incredible story of growing up as an Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan, arriving in Canada with their family as a refugee, and then facing racism, bullying, and a looming arranged marriage, all as a closeted queer person. Their journey through faith and identity makes for an incredible, thought-provoking read. One Last Stop (2021) by Casey McQuiston This sapphic romantic comedy with a touch of magic fulfilled my desire for a queer book where the

ALT Anne of Green Gables (1908) Book Recommended By Andrea Although Anne Shirley was not written as a queer character, not surprisingly considering it was published in 1908, Anne is clearly in love with her "bosom friend" Diana Barry. Their passionate and romantic friendship is just as intense and real as her later romance with Gilbert Blythe, making Anne the bisexual icon we all need. This novel, along with the seven others that complete the series, also feature a number of other queer-coded characters. One of my favourites being Miss Lavender, the "old maid" who Anne and Diana befriend in book two: Anne of Avonlea. “Indeed I will,” sobbed Diana, “and I’ll never have another bosom friend—I don’t want to have. I couldn’t love anybody as I love you.” “Oh, Diana,” cried Anne, clasping her hands, “do you love me?” “Why, of course I do. Didn’t you know that?” “No.” Anne drew a long breath. “I thought you liked me of course but I never hoped you loved me. Why, Diana, I didn’t think any