5 books recommended by LGBTQ+ Business Week Virtual Summit speakers

On Friday, December 1, we hosted our inaugural LGBTQ+ Business Week Virtual Summit. Over 30 entrepreneurs, creatives, and LGBTQ+ advocates shared their insights about the queer economy, politics, tech, and more. There were over 500 attendees, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

If you weren’t able to make it, all sessions are available for replay here. In the meantime, here are five books recommended by our panelists.

1. Your First Million by investor Arlan Hamilton

During her keynote Fireside Chat, venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton shared some tidbits from her forthcoming book Your First Million, out on January 2, 2024. Hamilton shares her incredible story of being unhoused to becoming a multimillionaire who invests in other BIPOC and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

2. Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Noble, recommended by Anni Lundy, senior marketing strategist at Lesbians Who Tech

7162Hl2w0VL AC UF1000 1000 QL80 — Cover of *Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism* by Safiya Umoja Noble

During the Tech Today for LGBTQ+ panel, marketing and tech expert Anni Lundy spoke at length about the lack of representation in AI. She recommended reading the book Algorithms of Oppression by Sophia Noble to learn more about the issue and learn about efforts to fight oppression in AI.

3. Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom by bell hooks, recommended by scholar and teacher Dr. David Johns

51MLT8VG9UL AC SR360 460 1 — Cover of *Teaching Critical Thinking* by bell hooks.

In the Politics, Policy, and Decolonizing Spaces panel, scholar and teacher Dr. David Johns talked about the importance of learning critical thinking in the current political climate. The book Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom by bell hooks, first published in 2009, still holds many lessons that are relevant in today’s political movements for LGBTQ+ rights.

4. The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Some, recommended by scholar and teacher Dr. David Johns

51EAJ50TD9L AC UF1000 1000 QL80 — Cover of *The Spirit of Intimacy* by Sobonfu Somé.

In the same panel, Dr. Johns spoke about the importance of connecting with our ancestors and communities to be our “anchor for strength.” Dr. Johns spoke about the book The Spirit of Intimacy where author Sobonfu Somé provides ancient West African insights about building relationships.

5. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears, recommended by content creator Ruba

61BWsc9eGbL AC UF1000 1000 QL80 — Cover of *The Woman in Me* by Britney Spears.

During the Creator Economy is Lucrative AF panel, content creator Ruba quotes Britney Spears’ new memoir while talking about what it takes to make it in the entertainment space. “You just gotta do it your own way,” he says, in the words of Britney Spears.