It’s officially Pride Month – the time of year when the world celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its incredible artists, writers, designers, and creators. While it’s essential to support and recognise these talented individuals year-round, the increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in June highlights not only its diversity but also the breadth of experiences that shape it.
Books play a vital role in amplifying these voices. They offer powerful tools for education, enlightenment, and empowerment, providing both a sense of belonging and affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond that, queer literature has historically been a space for resistance, breaking boundaries that have long been restricted by censorship. In today’s world, especially with the rise of transphobic rhetoric, literature remains a vital tool for advocating for trans rights and inclusivity.
“Reading queer literature allows readers to learn about histories and experiences that have been marginalized, and that they might not encounter otherwise,” says Isabel Waidner. “Even more importantly, queer literature helps readers imagine effective modes of resistance and different ways of being toward better futures for all.”
Literature is a life-changing tool, helping us connect with ourselves and others in ways that can shape our understanding and empathy. This round-up of the best LQBTQ+ books promises something for everyone - a curated list of fiction and non-fiction books to read this Pride Month and beyond.
Happy Pride Month, and happy reading!
A LGBTQ+ book list has to start with Audre Lorde. The American author's words centre on her experience as a black, lesbian feminist. If you haven’t read any Lorde yet, this is where to begin. Sister Outsider includes some of the best of Lorde’s essays and speeches.
A compelling and sensual debut, Mrs. S is a tale of queer love set in an elite English boarding school. When a young Australian woman takes on the role of matron, she finds herself drawn into a world of privilege, power, and desire. As the summer heat intensifies, so does her connection with Mrs. S, the headmaster’s wife—leading to a relationship that will change both women forever.
Mrs. S is a beautifully written exploration of identity, desire, and the complexities of societal expectations. Whether you’re sapphic or an ally, this is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Born in Glasgow, in a hyper-masculine world; Protestant Mungo and Catholic James should be sworn enemies, but cannot help falling in love. A gripping story on the pull of family and the violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
A collection of stories following characters who are forced to lie and perform before revealing their queer identity to the wider world. While deception is the core theme, it reveals that the lies we tell ourselves are the most hurtful.
Another personal favorite, Disobedience follows Ronit, a 32-year-old career woman living in New York who has left behind her orthodox Jewish upbringing. Now a cigarette-smoking, wise-cracking woman, Ronit’s world is turned upside down when she returns to London after her father’s death. Back in the tight-knit, conservative community of Hendon, Ronit’s provocative lifestyle clashes with the expectations of her past.
A powerful exploration of love, identity, and religious boundaries, Disobedience was adapted into a film, starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, bringing this gripping story to the screen with a deep and emotional portrayal of forbidden love. Whether you’re reading for the first time or revisiting the novel, it’s a poignant read that stays with you long after the final page.
This part guide, part memoir has been called essential reading for a new generation of South Asian women. The topics cover sexual identity, mental health and beauty standards.
Rainbow Milk is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about Jesse, a 19-year-old man raised in a strict religious cult. As he grapples with his sexuality and identity, he must also confront the generational and cultural divides of the Windrush Generation. Paul Mendes’ debut novel explores themes of faith, sexuality, and belonging with sensitivity and depth, offering a powerful narrative of self-discovery and resilience.
A beautifully reimagined retelling of Homer’s Iliad, The Song of Achilles follows the deep and tragic love between Achilles and Patroclus. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, this lyrical and emotional novel explores love, friendship, and the costs of destiny. A timeless story of passion and loss that will resonate long after the final page.
A haunting debut about a young woman who embarks on a forbidden affair with her older, married mentor. We Do What We Do in the Dark explores the emotional complexity of desire, obsession, and secrecy, leaving readers reflecting on love, guilt, and self-discovery. A beautifully written, provocative read that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Isabel Waidner's second novel follows an unnamed narrator in a world where nothing is normal. It interrogates the queer migrant experience and the concept of national belonging.
Jamie Windust eloquently explains that there is no one way to be non-binary. His writing features sweet anecdotes and wise conclusions, including everything from mental health to fashion.
Set in the Italian Riviera in the 1980's; seventeen year old Elio finds himself falling in love with an older man, as he goes through his sexual awakening.
A pioneering novel in LGBTQ+ literature, The Well of Loneliness follows Stephen Gordon, a woman who struggles with her identity and love for other women in early 20th-century England. Bold and controversial for its time, Hall’s novel explores themes of isolation, love, and the search for acceptance in a society that rejects queer identities.
A groundbreaking romance, The Price of Salt (also known as Carol) tells the story of Therese, a young set designer, and Carol, a sophisticated married woman. Set in 1950s New York, their love affair unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and prejudice. With a hopeful ending, this novel was ahead of its time, offering a powerful portrayal of forbidden love and the courage to follow one’s heart.
It may be over 90-years-old but Olivia is still considered a classic of lesbian literature. A story of first love, Olivia follows a teenage girl infatuated with her headmistress, set in a nineteenth century Parisian boarding school.
James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room follows the life of a gay man in Paris, exploring the intersection between homosexuality and race.
If you loved the Netflix series, then you will adore the books as teenage boys navigate love and school.
A powerful and emotional masterpiece, The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century who overcomes immense hardship to find her voice and strength. Through letters to God, Celie navigates a life marked by trauma, love, and transformation. Walker’s vivid writing brings to life a deeply moving narrative about identity, resilience, and the power of self-discovery.
Detransition, Baby is a witty and insightful exploration of identity, relationships, and gender. The novel follows Reese, a trans woman, who finds her life complicated when her ex, who has detransitioned, comes back into her life with a surprising proposal. With humor and depth, Peters delves into the complexities of trans experiences, parenthood, and the search for belonging. A compelling and thought-provoking read about love, regret, and reinvention.
In Orlando, Virginia Woolf tells the story of a character who changes gender over several centuries, experiencing life as both a man and a woman. A witty, genre-defying novel, Woolf explores the fluidity of gender and the ways society shapes identity. Orlando is an insightful and groundbreaking work that challenges traditional views on gender and time, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.
If you're looking for more LGBTQ+ literature to explore, don’t miss the return of Aesop’s Queer Library in Soho, London, from July 3-6. This year, the library celebrates the liberating possibilities of LGBTQIA+ self-expression, with a special focus on trans and non-binary voices. Visit Aesop Soho to select a complimentary title and immerse yourself in the world of queer literature.
For those who love reading on the go, a Kindle is the perfect companion to keep all your favourite books in one place. Whether you're diving into LGBTQ+ literature for Pride or exploring new genres throughout the year, having easy access to a vast library can make reading more convenient and enjoyable, wherever you are.
