Plot Synopsis

THE BOOK OF QUEER is a five-episode docuseries that highlights some of history's most world changing heroes, whose stories and contributions have been erased, marginalized or straight-washed throughout the years. The series pulls back the curtain and take a deep dive telling the LGBTQ+ story of the past, through interviews with revered queer historians and experts who are as colorful as the rainbow flag. The series blends comedy with social impact, using witty recreations and original music videos to bring each of the stories to life with a modern tone. The narratives are curated by award-winning historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dr. Eric Cervini and other experts. THE BOOK OF QUEER celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions throughout history, while educating and entertaining along the way. The series is narrated by LGBTQ+ icons including Margaret Cho, Dominique Jackson, Leslie Jordan, Ross Mathews and Alex Newell. Capping off each episode, an original song and music video will be performed by queer artists including Betty Who, VINCINT, Shawnee Kish, Mila Jam and Kaleena Zanders. Other appearances by:

Performers: Miss Vanjie, GOTTMIK, Kim, Chi, Chris Olsen, Tell Williams, Rob Anderson, Riley Westling, Alejandra Cejudo, Bennie Oldham, Donzell Lewis, Nikcoma Lee Mahkewa, Griffin Kelly, Jasmine Raphael, Dennis Renard, Nate Timmerman, Jill Bennett, Ryan Symantel, Gracie Cartier, Bri Giger, Marval Rex, Marlon Meikle, Ashlei Shyne, Sayrie, Juliana Joel, Lina Green, Sheena Georges and Eliza Blair

Historians: Prof. Susan Stryker, Prof. Lillian Faderman, Prof. Jenn Jackson, Blair Imani, Prof. Michael Young, Prof. Stephanie Larson, Kevin Quin, Miriam Kamil, LZ Granderson, Prof. Mar Hicks, Prof. Kara Cooney, Souksavanh Keovorabouth, Dr. Christine Axen, Prof. Thomas Balcerski, Prof. Gary Ferguson, Prof. David Green

The first episode of THE BOOK OF QUEER debuts on Thursday, June 2, 2022 on discovery+, with a new episode dropping each Thursday through June 30:

"Kings & Queens" (premieres June 2, 2022), featuring stories about Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Akhenaten and Bayard Rustin. Narrated by Alex Newell.

"Sashay It Forward" (premieres June 9, 2022), featuring stories about Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Ma Rainey, Alan Turing, Sally Ride and Lynn Conway. Narrated by Margaret Cho.

"Queens' Work Makes the Team Work" (premieres June 16, 2022), featuring stories about The Sacred Band of Thebes, Alexander the Great, Glenn Burke, the Rainbow Flag, Gilbert Baker, Harvey Milk and Jose Sarria. Narrated by Ross Mathews.

"Gay to Z" (premieres June 23, 2022), featuring stories about King James, Sappho, We'Wha and Harry Allen. Narrated by Leslie Jordan.

"Pride or Die" (premieres June 30, 2022) featuring stories about Josephine Baker, Joan of Arc, Storme DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. Narrated by Dominique Jackson.