LGBTQI+ Book Club: “Passing”

For February, we will be reading Passing by Nella Larsen, an iconic book from the Harlem Renaissance. Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after severing ties to her past, even hiding the truth from her racist husband. First published in 1929, Larsen’s brilliant examination of the various ways in which we all seek to “pass” is as timely as ever.

The LGBTQIA+ Book Club meets once a month throughout the academic semester. It provides a thoughtful and engaging environment where participants can delve into nuanced discussions, reflect on complex themes, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty. Our selections span various genres and topics, ensuring that each meeting presents an opportunity to broaden our understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences and narratives.