Rainbow reads: LGBTQ+ represented in literature
October 16, 2024
Photo by Kaushal Moradiya at Pexels
Toni Rowe, Jamie Aldridge and friends explore LGBTQ+ literary gems
In the rich and diverse world of literature, LGBTQ+ stories offer unique insights, perspectives and joy. Collaborating with younger, vibrant voices in our community, we’ve curated a list of exceptional rainbow reads. These books are informative, entertaining, and impactful, celebrating the diversity of our experiences. From memoirs to manga, each selection promises to inspire and delight.
Whether you’re seeking affirmation, understanding, or simply a fantastic read, books that reflect the rainbow spectrum of our community can be both a refuge and a revelation. Why don’t you delve in and discover stories that will educate, comfort and uplift you?
Toni: If you’re looking for a sweet, funny, slice of life about a teenager and his family, you should try this manga:
I THINK OUR SON IS GAY by Okura (he/him)
Photograph of book cover by Jamie
Tomoko loves her sons, and as she spends time with them, she begins to think that one of them might have a crush on another boy. Tomoko decides to let him figure it out for himself, cheering him on from the sidelines. Meanwhile, he thinks talking about relationships with his mum is the height of embarrassment.
Okura, the author and illustrator (mangaka), is a gay, Japanese man who creates stories about happy, ordinary people. He says, in interview and in his work, that gay people in fiction are often depicted as comic relief or the centre of drama. He reflects that being gay is more than that; being gay is a joyful and hopeful experience. That even if you feel discomfort with your sexuality, there are people rooting for you to be yourself.
If you’re touched by this heartfelt story, you’ll be delighted to know it’s part of a series of five, each exploring themes of queer joy and acceptance in everyday life. Check out more here.
Jamie: If you’re looking for a short but compelling memoir about transitioning, you could try:
CONUNDRUM by Jan Morris
Photo by Jamie of their treasured copy of Conundrum
Jan Morris was a Welsh historian, author and travel writer. She wrote many books on travel and history, both before and after coming out as a trans woman and beginning her transition in 1964.
Morris’ 1974 memoir Conundrum documented her transition and was a groundbreaking piece of work in a time where trans narratives were often suppressed or derided by mass media.
The opening lines of the book, printed on the cover of this copy of Conundrum, succinctly and effortlessly capture the moment of realisation that many trans people have; that their body doesn’t match up with their inner identity.
Toni: If you’re looking for YA urban fantasy/sci-fi with teen witches, high stakes, romance, and powerful family magic, try reading:
BLOOD LIKE MAGIC by Liselle Sambury (she/her)
What would you give up to protect your family?
In the Thomas family, every teenager must complete a challenge to earn their magic. Voya’s challenge is the hardest seen in generations: she must kill her first love or all her family’s magic will vanish. So now she’s on a mission: find the perfect someone, fall in love, and then put an end to them. If she’s capable of it.
The beauty of this book is that it is fully populated with queer characters. Their queerness is undeniably part of who they are, but they are complete people beyond it. The story is fast-paced, entertaining, and the characters are unique. I had so much fun reading this. You can check out more and buy this book here.
Jamie: If you want to learn more about the experience of AIDS crisis victims, you could read:
ALL THE YOUNG MEN by Ruth Coker Burks (she/her)
Photograph of book cover by Jamie
Little Rock, Arkansas, 1984. Coker Burks is visiting a friend in hospital when she notices a door covered in red tarpaulin with ‘biohazard’ branded across it. A nurse tells her the patient has ‘the gay cancer’ (now known as AIDS) and that nurses are drawing straws to decide who enters the room to treat him, as they were so scared that they too, would develop AIDS.
Shocked by the nurses’ hatred and indifference to his suffering, Coker Burks stayed with the man, caring for him until he died the following day. This interaction would spark over 30 years of advocacy work in which Coker Burks supported over 1000 people with AIDS and their loved ones.
All The Young Men documents her tireless work to get them money, housing, food and the community they needed at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Toni: If you’re looking for a YA fantasy adventure, and to be swept into a whirlwind romance, why not try:
IN DEEPER WATERS by F.T. Lukens (she/her)
Two hearts, one sea, and a journey to find where they truly belong
A sheltered prince with hidden magic is thrown into the adventure of a lifetime. And somehow, no matter where he turns, there’s a particular beautiful boy standing just out of his reach.
F.T Lukens has written a number of YA fantasy and speculative fiction stories. She has a remarkable ability to weave joyful queer narratives through any setting. Dive into In Deeper Waters and discover a tale where love and courage rise up above all. Check out more here.
Following our discussions and reviews, here are some additional captivating rainbow reads to add to your collection. These diverse and engaging titles offer unique perspectives on LGBTQ+ experiences:
- Heartstopper: A graphic novel series that explores the blossoming romance between two teenage boys.
- They Both Die At the End: A poignant story of two boys who meet on their last day alive and form a deep connection.
- The Miseducation of Cameron Post: A coming-of-age story about a girl sent to conversion therapy, now adapted into a film starring Chloë Grace Moretz.
- The works of Jeanette Winterson, Virginia Woolf, Ocean Vuong, Oscar Wilde, Juno Roche, Charlie Craggs and bell hooks: these authors offer profound and varied insights into LGBTQ+ themes through their extensive works.
Poets:
- Audre Lorde: Celebrated for her powerful and evocative exploration of identity and social justice.
- James Baldwin: Renowned for his poignant reflections on race, sexuality, and humanity.
- Walt Whitman: A pioneer in celebrating the human spirit and love in all its forms.
- Allen Ginsberg: A leading voice of the American literary subculture, the Beat Generation, who addresses themes of sexuality and counterculture.
- Frank O’Hara: Notable for his spontaneous and candid explorations of love and life.
The books reviewed here offer a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ narratives, perfect for young readers seeking to explore diverse and compelling stories about identity.
Special thanks to:
