The Queerest Coloring Books Imaginable

I miss the era of adult coloring books being popular. I say that as someone who never once colored because the whole process leaves me more anxious than it does relaxed, but I absolutely loved watching my friends posting pictures of their latest coloring projects and one of the few things I have from my grandmother are a handful of coloring projects she did (I framed them and they are very special pieces of art!). In a time when the world continues to be challenging and bad news is seemingly endless, I long for the joy of seeing a completed coloring sheet.

As I was perusing Etsy, I stumbled upon an utter treasure trove: queer coloring books. These coloring books feature LGBTQ+ themes and images, all packaged with joy, hope, and resistance. It is no surprise to see that, given how much small and indie presses, as well as zine culture, have always been an outlet for queer people, but it struck me as especially powerful now. In an era of big rainbow capitalism, there is something particularly valuable in highlighting individuals who are creating for others like them, with little incentive other than to connect (and make some pennies because frankly, with all of the work that goes into creating a coloring book, there’s not a price point that would make them especially profitable — and that’s the point!).