8 LGBTQIA+ Books You Need To Read This Month
8 LGBTQIA+ Books You Need To Read This Month
Happy LGBTQIA+ History Month!
It’s time to grab your reading glasses, and pull up a seat - welcome to our LGBTQIA+ book party.
This month’s a special one. It’s when we come together to promote the history, lives and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBTQ”) people.
It’s about raising awareness and educating the public on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, and promoting the welfare of LGBTQIA+ people.
And at The Book Nook, we’re proud to join in.
If you want to get involved, one great way is by reading the stories of the LGBTQ community.
Recognising their raw, honest real-life accounts.
By reading their works, we make sure that their voices are heard.
And, as you know, books are mighty powerful tools for change.
Change, so that we can all love freely.
Openly.
Without fear.
Love is SO important, as we’ve said before in our previous blog post on heart-warming reads; love is infinite.
So, to celebrate love in all its forms, here are 8 LGBTQIA+ books you should definitely need to read this month.
1. Queer Intentions: A (Personal) Journey Through LGBTQ Culture by Amelia Abraham
First up, we have Amelia Abraham who fuses fearless journalism with her own personal experience in this graceful, heartfelt book on her journey through LGBTQ culture.
Queer Intentions: A (Personal) Journey is not afraid to grapple with tough, awkward questions about LGBTQ issues. For example, is same-sex marriage and more media visibility actually as good as you think? And what’s happening in the countries where LGBTQ rights aren’t as advanced?
But it’s also funny, and full-to-the-brim with juicy travel tales. You can expect to go on Pride parades across Europe, inside the parties of Turkey’s LGBTQ club scene, and even to the world’s biggest Drag convention.
Now, that's an offer we can’t refuse.
2. Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
This is a coming-of-age story like nothing else you’ve seen before.
In Rainbow Milk, we follow nineteen-year-old Jesse McCarthy who seeks a fresh start in London in the early 2000’s. As a young, gay, black man, he’s breaking away from a broken family and oppressive religious community in the Black Country.
Grappling with his own sexual and racial identities, he turns to sex work in the city where he explores powerful notions of love, sexuality, and spirituality. This semi-autobiographical debut novel from Paul Mendez is bold and brilliant, and you don't want to miss it.
3. The Little Book of Pride: The History, the People, the Parades by Lewis Laney
Have you ever been to a Pride march? If not, here’s your very own Pride survival guide!
The Little Book of Pride has it all: the history of the parade, the key players in the movement, the best Pride parades around the world, fantastic quotes from famous LGBTQ figures, fun Pride facts and tips, and so much more.
If you’ve ever been to Pride, be sure to let us know in the comments – we'd love to hear your stories.
4. Being a Super Trans Ally!: A Creative Workbook and Journal for Young People by Phoenix Schneider & Sherry Paris
Trans issues have gained mainstream attention in the last five years. But, as you may have noticed, trans topics have also been making UK headlines in lockdown. But news headlines aside, we must remember to be kind to our trans friends.
Being a Super Trans Ally will serve as your trusty tool for being a terrific trans ally. This wonderful workbook and creative journal is full-to-the-brim with fun activities for ages 10+. It teaches you all about gender, compassion, and overall how to be a Super Trans Ally!
And for more of our favourite children's books, you check out our Children's Books blog thread here!
5. Queer: A Collection of LGBTQ Writing from Ancient Times to Yesterday by Frank Wynne
Have you ever fancied a dinner party with Oscar Wilde, Emily Dickinson, and Sappho? Don’t own a working time machine yet? Well, you’re in luck.
In Queer: A Collection, Award-winning translator Frank Wynne has dug deep into the literary archives and compiled a stunning selection of texts by LGBTQ writers for us to enjoy. It's a book capsule through the ages, from ancient times to modern day.
These terrific texts are a tour of queer love and experience, from Catullus and Sappho (memoirs of your university reading list) to Arthur Rimbaud and Anne Lister. Striking and sensual, it’s a must-have anthology.
6. Gears for Queers by Lilith Cooper & Abigail Melton
Pedals at the ready.
Firstly, how utterly great is this title? One Tears for Fears pun later, and we’re already sold.
Gears for Queers is the story of queer couple Lilith and Abigail, who embark on a cycling tour of Europe on their old bikes. It proves to be a tough test for not just their bodies, but for their relationship, too. They’ll meet new friends along the way, and deal with identity issues as a homosexual couple on their cross-country feat of long, winding roads and towering hills.
So, if you’re looking for a romantic ride, gear up for a gripping journey of love and discovery.
7. Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker
History buffs and graphic geeks, it’s your time to shine.
Queer: A Graphic History is here to take us on a visual tour through LGBTQ history. Activist
Meg-John Barker paints us a vivid portrait of queer history, philosophy, and action. You’ll not only learn a ton about gender roles, identity politics, and LGBTQ culture, but with her constant wit and charm, you’re guaranteed to be entertained all the way through.
8. In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life by Jamie Windust
Do you need a love-letter to yourself as a non-binary person? Or are you simply looking to learn about non-binary life? If so, then this is the book for you.
In Their Shoes covers non-binary life from all angles: dating, relationships, family, work, mental health, pronouns and more. Read this, and let Jamie Windust’s wisdom wash over you.
It’s so important to love yourself. As we’ve said before in our positive reads blog post, you deserve to feel fantastic. This book will do just that: As a non-binary person, it’ll teach you self-appreciation, as well as self-celebration.
What LGBTQIA+ author will you read next? For me, I can’t wait to indulge in some good, old-fashioned university nostalgia by tucking into some Sappho poetry. Classic English Lit student over here! What about you? Be sure to tell us your favourite picks from this list!
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Like what you see? Here’s how to order:
You can order any of the books above from The Book Nook - even during lockdown! You can email us at info@booknookshop.co.uk, drop us a social media message or call us on 01920 467 597 during our non-contact opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 2pm.
Orders can either be collected at the door during our non-contact opening hours or can be delivered directly to your home (additional postage and packaging charge applies).
If you’d prefer to browse and shop online, please consider using our affiliate Bookshop.org page or by clicking on the links above to specific titles.
Please note, whilst a small percentage of the book sales from Bookshop.org are donated to The Book Nook, we are two independent businesses. The Book Nook will are not involved with the ordering or delivery of your Bookshop.org purchase. We’d therefore encourage you to order directly from us where possible!