I’ve been thinking about LGBTQ+ stories lately, as by chance I’ve been reading a lot of books that are either written by LGBTQ+ authors, feature these characters, or both. I’ve found these voices to be not only important representation of this group of people, but also of the human condition in general. People’s reactions to a friend or family member coming out tends to show who they really are, and also what their experiences have taught them to think of it. I would like to think we’re in a better place than we were when I was a kid, but honestly I’m not sure. People from the LGBTQ+ community are still disproportionately vulnerable, more likely to suffer abuse, more likely to be isolated and more likely to experience prejudice and, potentially, violence. They’re more likely to have to deal with daily microaggressions and more likely to have their relationships and identities questioned or denied.
I very much want to live in a world in which youth who belong to this community can figure out their identity openly, have adults surrounding them who will be open to their questions, who will encourage their search for an accurate description of who they are, and who can grow up assured that their identities and relationships will be honoured, respected and supported. I hate that something as irrevocable as your eye colour – and that you have as little control over – can make life so immeasurably hard. For my part, I am always grateful to LGBTQ+ people who choose to share their stories, thoughts, experiences and positive moments. I think this is vital for today’s youth, and also for adults who are still struggling to accept this as something that is not threatening or shameful, but a beautiful part of the tapestry of humanity. I want to share some of the stories I’ve read that have meant the most to me, and that I’d like to share with other readers. Love is love, after all. So here are some of the best!
Memoirs
Fiction
Other writings
Books I haven’t finished yet, but have heard wonderful things about
Obviously this is much more than ten books, but is still very far from being even the full list of books I have in my head or on my TBR. You can see a longer list that I put together a while ago here, and there are tons of newer books that aren’t on there too!
I’d love to hear from you guys. Have you read any of these? Do you have any favourites, either amongst these or that I didn’t include?
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly link-up feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. Every week TTT has a different topic, and everyone who links up has to create a link of ten items that fit that topic. To see past and upcoming topics, go here.
I really enjoyed Gender Queer and Jonny Appleseed! I’m still hoping to finish Girl, Woman, Other but it’s been super popular at the library so I’m waiting on the holds list
I need to get my hands on Gender Queer! Johnny Appleseed was difficult at times, but a brilliant book too. Girl, Woman, Other was one of those books that I was not sure I’d be able to get into, but totally couldn’t put down. It also switched perspectives which normally leaves some voices I struggle to get through and others I prefer – but I don’t remember that happening in this book. I loved it when I read it, but it also did that rare thing where it stuck with me and rose in my estimation after finishing it. I hope you get a chance to read it soon – I’d definitely recommend it!
Such a great and important topic! I completely agree. I’ve read several of these and several others are on my tbr. I adore Heartstopper, especially. I still need to catch up on the series. I recently picked up High School by Tegan and Sara. I enjoyed the adaptation, which prompted me to get the book. Now I just need to read it!
I also loved Heartstopper. It’s wonderful to read about a group of young people who are so diverse, so open and so welcoming. When I was a teen we didn’t even have things like non-binary, and though I’m sure there were LGBTQ+ kids around, none of them were open about it. Heartstopper gives me hope for a future where it’s possible for kids to be who they really are. I know we’re not there yet, and even in the series there’s backlash, but it’s a bit of hope, if that makes sense. I haven’t really engaged with Tegan and Sara much, aside from knowing who they are (I am Canadian, after all), but I also need to check them out. I hope you get to the book and enjoy it as much as the adaptation!
What a great list! I’ve been wanting to read more LGBTQ+ books so this is a great place for me to start. I’ve read a couple of these – Legends & Lattes and The House in the Cerulean Sea. I’ve tried reading Hench too but couldn’t get into it at the time, I might try again. So many of these sound really good!
I also loved Legends & Lattes and The House in the Cerulean Sea – I hear there’s a sequel to the latter coming out later this year and I cannot wait! I had a hard time getting into Hench as well. I ended up listening to it on audiobook sped up significantly while I was doing other stuff, and did eventually get into it – but I’d say if it isn’t one you feel very excited about and if you had trouble with it, just skip it. It was interesting, but not like the best book I’ve read in the past year or anything!
I could really feel the emotion in this post! 🙂
I feel like maybe this comment was meant for my Wednesday post…. but I’m not sure so I’m leaving it where it is!
What a great list with lots of different choices! I thought Irby’s book was an interesting read.
Thanks! Yes, I have read two of her books – very similar, just different stories. I like her forthright narrative style and (though at times it’s a little much) her willingness to talk about EVERYTHING.
I’ve heard about a lot of these books, but I haven’t read any of them. Thanks for making me more aware of them.
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Happy to help extend that ol’ TBR! Lol!
This is a great topic! Thank you for stopping by earlier.
Thank you!
I haven’t read many of these but I loved Sandi Toksvig’s memoir.
Me too! I love her – her sense of humour is exactly what I find most amusing!