Pride Month is an excellent opportunity to delve into literature that celebrates and explores LGBTQIA+ experiences. The LBF Book Club have put together a list of ten must-read books that beautifully capture the diversity and richness of LGBTQIA+ lives.
1) Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
A pioneering work, Baldwin’s novel delves deep into the complexities of sexual identity and societal expectations with evocative prose and profound emotion.
2) Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
This graphic memoir combines humor and tragedy to explore themes of sexuality, family, and self-discovery through Bechdel’s journey.
3) Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
A tender and passionate love story that captures the exhilaration and heartbreak of first love, set against the sunny backdrop of the Italian countryside.
4) Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
A delightful romantic comedy that imagines the First Son of the United States falling in love with a British prince, celebrating love beyond borders and expectations.
5) The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel chronicles the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century southern United States, and her journey towards self-empowerment.
6) The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
A coming-of-age novel that addresses themes of identity, religion, and the resilience of youth navigating a conservative environment.
7) Read This to Get Smarter by Blair Imani
An inclusive guide designed for anyone eager to become more informed, compassionate, and socially conscious in today’s rapidly evolving world.
8) Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This charming young adult novel follows Simon, a high school junior, as he navigates the challenges of coming out and first love in a digital age.
9) The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle by Lillian Faderman
A comprehensive history that documents the LGBTQ+ rights movement in America, covering key events, activists, and milestones from the 1950s to the present day.
10) They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
A heartfelt speculative novel that follows two boys on their last day alive, exploring themes of mortality, love, and the urgency to live fully and authentically.
Each of these books offers a unique lens through which to view LGBTQ+ experiences, making them essential reads for Pride Month and beyond. Tag us using #LBFBookClub to share your LGBTQ+ recommendations!