Full Spectrum Resistance, Aric McBay

In this far-reaching foray into LGBTQ+ history, activists and academics McNeill, Valentine, and Buchanan fill every day of the year with factoids highlighting people and moments that have shaped the fight for queer liberation. Running from January 1 to December 31, each day features the anniversary of at least one historical event related to LGBTQ+ rights, described in varying lengths from one sentence to one page. The events traverse centuries, from a 1365 Italian man tortured to death for homosexuality to the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislative activity in the first quarter of 2025. They include snippets on births and deaths of queer activists and famous people rumored to be queer, passage and repeal of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and publications of notable works of queer theory. Despite the “do crime” title, crimes committed against LGBTQ+ people end up more frequently represented. The nature of the historical record of queer lives makes this likely unavoidable, but the effect is nonetheless enervating, especially as the calendar structure loses any arc of progress or connection these queer narratives might otherwise create. Still, readers will find this engrossing enough for periodic perusal or daily reflection.

Make it one of those tear-off calendars.