The article discusses the enduring significance of coming-out memoirs in shaping LGBTQ+ rights and understanding, from Edmund White's "A Boy’s Own Story" (1982) to Jeanette Winterson's "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" (1985) and Paris Lees' "What It Feels Like for a Girl" (2021). These works, rooted in specific times and places, offer candid insights into sexuality, class, and the search for identity, highlighting both progress and the fragility of LGBTQ+ rights.
The Guardian view on coming-out tales: from A Boy’s Own Story to What It Feels Like for a Girl
LGBTQ+ rightsEdmund WhiteJeanette WintersonBooksCultureStage
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The article discusses the enduring significance of coming-out memoirs in shaping LGBTQ+ rights and understanding, from Edmund White's "A Boy’s Own Story" (1982) to Jeanette Winterson's "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" (1985) and Paris Lees' "What It Feels Like for a Girl" (2021). These works, rooted in specific times and places, offer candid insights into sexuality, class, and the search for identity, highlighting both progress and the fragility of LGBTQ+ rights.
Trending- 1 1950s: Edmund White's adolescence in Chicago.
- 2 1970s: Jeanette Winterson's childhood in Lancashire.
- 3 1982: "A Boy’s Own Story" published.
- 4 1985: "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" published.
- 5 1988: "The Beautiful Room is Empty" published.
- 6 1990: BBC's adaptation of "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" aired.
- 7 1998: "The Farewell Symphony" published.
- 8 2000: Madonna song "What It Feels Like for a Girl" released.
- 9 2021: Paris Lees' memoir "What It Feels Like for a Girl" published.
- 10 January (2025): Edmund White's last book "The Loves of My Life" published.
- 11 Last week (prior to June 8, 2025): Edmund White died.
- 12 Currently: BBC adaptation of "What It Feels Like for a Girl" airing.
- 13 Next year (2026): RSC musical version of "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" planned.
- Shaped the history of LGBTQ+ rights and understanding.
- Increased visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Sparked cultural conversations and influenced adaptations in other media (TV, stage).
- Served as reminders of the fragility of progress in LGBTQ+ rights amidst ongoing intolerance.
What: A discussion and review of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ coming-out memoirs and their cultural impact, focusing on works by Edmund White, Jeanette Winterson, and Paris Lees.
When: Edmund White died last week (prior to June 8, 2025). 'A Boy’s Own Story' was published in 1982. 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' was published in 1985, with a BBC adaptation in 1990 and an RSC musical planned for next year (2026). Paris Lees' memoir 'What It Feels Like for a Girl' was published in 2021, and its BBC adaptation is currently airing.
Where: The narratives are rooted in specific locations: 1950s Chicago (White), 1970s Lancashire (Winterson), and the Midlands in the noughties (Lees). The broader context includes the US and UK.
Why: To explore how personal narratives contribute to the understanding and advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, and to reflect on the enduring themes of youth, identity, and societal challenges, particularly in the context of evolving social attitudes and digital age impacts.
How: The article analyzes specific literary works and their adaptations, examining their historical context, thematic content (sexuality, class, loneliness, desire, escape), and cultural reception, demonstrating how they have shaped public discourse and LGBTQ+ visibility.