Must-Read Books for Every LGBTQ+ Ally
Maybe it’s a rainy weekend morning and it’s time to find a great read that you just can’t put down.
Or maybe it’s a good time to continue your DEI education journey to learn more about the world around you.
Either way we’ve got you covered with a list of 15 great LGBTQ+ reads!
Best Fiction LGBTQ+ Books
"Call Me By Your Name" by André Aciman is an evocative exploration of passion, lust, and first love as experienced by the novel's protagonist, Elio, a precocious 17-year-old.
Set in a sun-dappled villa nestled within a small town in Italy, the narrative immerses readers in a sensual journey of discovery as Elio grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Oliver, a charming American scholar spending the summer at his family's home.
Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" is a compelling epistolary novel that unflinchingly portrays the harsh realities faced by black women in the early 20th century South.
Walker masterfully weaves a narrative of Celie, a young, abused girl who finds her strength and self-worth over time, navigating the world's cruelty through faith, sisterhood, and love, ultimately highlighting themes of female empowerment and liberation against a backdrop of racism and sexism.
"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong elegantly transcribes the poignant and often painful nuances of love, loss, and identity through a series of letters from the novel's protagonist, a young Vietnamese-American man, to his mother, who cannot read.
This narrative offers a heartfelt exploration of the enduring marks of trauma and the haunting beauty of human connection, told through the lens of their shared past, interwoven with themes of race, class, and sexuality.
"Red, White, & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a bold and humorous romance novel that tells the tale of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, who finds himself entangled in a secret romantic relationship with Prince Henry of Wales.
The novel is filled with political intrigue, scandal, witty banter, and touching moments of self-discovery, all against the backdrop of an alternative political reality that offers a refreshing perspective on power and love.
"Old Enough" by Haley Jakobson explores the tumultuous journey of a young woman grappling with mental illness, interweaving themes of heartbreak, self-love, and resilience.
Jakobson's unflinching portrayal of anxiety and depression in the everyday life of a modern woman is narrated in a raw, authentic voice, offering a beacon of hope for those navigating their own mental health struggles.
Imogen Binnie's "Nevada" is a riveting narrative that delves into the life of Maria, a punk trans woman living in New York City, struggling to make sense of her identity amidst the chaos of her daily life.
Binnie takes readers on a cross-country journey of self-discovery that explores themes of authenticity, dysphoria, and the complexity of finding oneself amidst societal expectations and personal desires.
"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is a beautiful reimagining of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus.
This narrative, told from Patroclus' perspective, humanizes the legend of Achilles, drawing readers into a world of gods and heroes, love and war, while deftly exploring themes of destiny, honor, and the enduring power of love.
"Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" by Andrea Lawlor is a shape-shifting narrative that explores gender and identity fluidity through its unique protagonist, Paul, who has the ability to alter his body at will.
Set against the backdrop of the '90s queer culture, this story is a bold, humorous, and empathetic examination of desire, authenticity, and the limitless possibilities of self-expression.
For a deeper dive, check out CultureAlly’s LGTBTQ+ training for your workplace!
Best Non-Fiction LGBTQ+ Books
"Boy Erased" by Garrard Conley is a gripping memoir that presents a heartrending depiction of the author’s upbringing in a fundamentalist Arkansas family, and his subsequent placement in conversion therapy.
Conley’s poignant story of survival and self-discovery underscores the power of self-acceptance, the importance of truth, and the tragic consequences of intolerance.
"Seeing Gender" by Iris Gottlieb is a visually compelling and educational exploration of gender's broad spectrum.
Gottlieb illustrates complex concepts and personal stories with empathy, offering readers an understanding of how societal norms and expectations can shape, and often limit, our understanding of identity, paving the way for more inclusive conversations about gender diversity.
"We Have Always Been Here" by Samra Habib is a courageous memoir recounting Habib's journey as a queer Muslim woman seeking her true identity amidst the complexities of societal expectations and religious beliefs.
Habib's narrative is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of authenticity, offering a unique perspective on the intersectionality of religion, culture, and sexuality.
"The Pink Line: Journeys Across the World’s Queer Frontiers" by Mark Gevisser is an extensive exploration of contemporary LGBTQ+ rights and experiences worldwide.
Gevisser masterfully integrates personal narratives into a broader political and sociological context, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of how the global understanding of sexuality and gender identity is continuously evolving and being challenged.
"The Stonewall Reader" by New York Public Library is an engaging collection of first-person accounts, diaries, periodic literature, and articles from LGBTQ+ activists, compiled from the library's archives.
The anthology offers a rare glimpse into the years leading up to and following the Stonewall riots, capturing the courage, determination, and spirit of the movement for queer liberation.
"ACE: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex" by Angela Chen is a thoughtful exploration of asexuality in a sex-focused society.
Using personal experiences, expert interviews, and thorough research, Chen illuminates the often misunderstood spectrum of asexuality, challenging societal norms about desire, and offering a broader understanding of identity and intimacy.
"All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson is a candid memoir-manifesto that chronicles the author's experiences growing up at the intersection of blackness, gender, and queerness.
Johnson's narrative presents a raw, honest examination of societal expectations and prejudices, offering a powerful call for recognition, acceptance, and equality within and beyond the black community.
