To mark Pride month, we are sharing twelve books that celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices. Spanning across poetry, memoir, fiction and non-fiction from authors with a breadth of diverse experiences and identities, these books offer an opportunity to engage with and celebrate queer literature.
A group of lovers and friends in a Midwestern university town explore their desires amidst complicated relationships. They encounter volatile individuals, leading them to question what to prioritise in life: work, love, money, dance or poetry. Is love free of harm possible, and what does genuine connection mean in uncertain times?
In 1894’s London, John finds a man who reciprocates his affections – while Henry believes his unconventional marriage brings liberty. Together, they write a revolutionary book, risking their safety and relationships. As they strive for personal freedoms, how much will they sacrifice for a new way of life?
Rachel E. Cargle shares her personal experiences and insights on the power of reimagining. She explores how this act of recreation can help us break free from oppressive structures and live in alignment with our values. Her book offers a blueprint for creating an authentic and fulfilling life.
Everyone thinks Mala Ramchandin is a murderer but, with no evidence, she’s sent to an alms house instead of prison. There, she meets Tyler, the island's only openly queer resident. Through Tyler's perspective, we learn about Mala's family history and her quest to find her missing sister, revealing a story of intergenerational trauma and enduring love.
Lux and Else team up to seek revenge on a powerful man. Lux is cunning and knows how to exploit people's expectations, while Else needs her skills. On their journey, they uncover dangerous secrets and encounter adversaries, exploring a world where women seek power through witchcraft, sexuality and performance.
Possanza expertly weaves richly imagined moments from recorded archives which celebrate who have long existed outside traditional sexuality and gender definitions. She tells stories of women who loved women, illuminating a forgotten and demonised history and showing a new way to understand love.
In A Dutiful Boy , Mohsin Zaidi recounts his struggle to reconcile his sexuality with his devout Muslim upbringing. Despite adversity, he perseveres and becomes the first person from his school to attend the University of Oxford, where he learns to live authentically. A powerful memoir about love, identity and belonging.
Hazel Mead's illustrated guide tackles the questions we're too afraid to ask, but need the answers to, about the taboos of relationships, bodies and identities. Using research and expert interviews, she demystifies and empowers readers with colourful visuals and compassionate reflections. Why Aren't We Talking About This?! is a bold invitation to embrace uniqueness and greater acceptance of ourselves and others.
100 Queer Poems showcases the work of queer poets from the past and present. Curated by poets Mary Jean Chan and Andrew McMillan, this collection spans topics from childhood to self-discovery and relationships, challenging and redefining what a ‘queer’ poem can be.
The Queens' English is a comprehensive LGBTQIA+ dictionary of lingo and colloquial phrases, documenting their evolution over time. The book includes slang, expressions and colloquialisms, providing a valuable resource for understanding queer language and its cultural significance.
In Chain-Gang All-Stars , a controversial programme from inside America’s private prison system, inmates fight for their freedom in front of live-stream audiences. Lovers and teammates Loretta Thurwar and Hamara ‘Hurricane Staxxx’ Stacker compete as Thurwar nears the end of her sentence. As the odds stack against Thurwar and protests mount, the price of victory may be too steep.
Thirty-five artists, activists and writers answer the vital question of how to create a safer world for the queer community. Through personal stories and arguments on safety, dating and community, they present a powerful call to action for change and a better future for all.
