Something to Declare: Good Lesbian Travel Writing

Something to Declare is a wonderful collection of travel stories written to share a unique experience, traveling while lesbian. These stories bring a solid voice to the forefront for queer travel writing, showing the world that travel is indeed colored by the lens of being a lesbian. It lets readers know they no longer have to accept a straight perspective, and allows them to identify with the authors and the places in a way that has not been previously accessible through traditional travel writing anthologies.

Something to Declare has stories of travel from around the world and around the corner. They are stories of love, loss, and self discovery through adventure, mishap, and distance. My favorite story was “What happens after this day” by Hannah Tennent-Moore, which is about a young woman who sorts out her complicated love life while also leaving it behind and studying at an ashram in India. The descriptions of place and emotion and how we tie the to two together are so perfectly written; it is as if you are right alongside the author on her journey of self discovery.

Another standout story is Sandra Gail Lambert's “Looking for the V,” a short story written about a group of friends—two lesbian couples and one single woman in a wheelchair—who embark on a weekend kayaking trip. This story describes the peace that comes with being single, traveling down a wide stretch of river, and learning how to appreciate what you have. It shows how living in the moment brings much joy to the heart.

The stories in Something to Declare span the width and breadth of women’s experiences during travel. The diversity within the stories and authors makes is easily accessible, as well as a very enjoyable read for any lesbian who wants to travel, but is unable to at the moment. This book is the perfect item to squash your travel bug or awaken the adventurer within.

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