These outstanding LGBT books, featuring characters who identify with one or more of the identities covered by the acronym’s rainbow, demonstrate to us that the worlds of literature can—and should—be just as strikingly diverse as our own. Everybody deserves to see their own lived experiences reflected in the stories they enjoy, but young people and others who find it difficult to fully express their identities in daily life should place a specific emphasis on this. Additionally, LGBTQ+ books are available in all genres, much like the rest of the literary canon. You can either buy a handful of them as the ideal presents for book lovers in your life or add them all to your personal TBR list.
Julie, a graphic artist, is the main heroine of The One Woman, LGBTQ romance book by Laura May. Regrettably, we know little about Julie’s life or her partnership with Mark. That is, until she meets Ann. Web developer Ann is a kind and outgoing person. It is obvious that Julie has affections for Ann. The spark is genuine as their history and present converge in Barcelona. Julie will have to choose between her love for Ann and her allegiance to Mark when catastrophe strikes. Will true love last the distance? Read in Laura May’s book.
2. Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
Mickey James III is the next in a long line of legendary NHL players, but when his teammate Jaysen Caulfield also starts to vie for the top draft place in the league, their competition heats up and gradually develops into something more. In addition to the main gay romance in this book, “Icebreaker” also includes characters that are polyamorous, bisexual, and lesbian.
3. Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman
Eve is a queer New Yorker in her 20s. Her rash decision to publish anonymous nude photos online causes her to become involved with Olivia and Nathan. The rest is anything but straightforward. Acts of Service is a brazen, perceptive, and seductive book that explores contemporary sexual dynamics with a candor I rarely see. Olivia starts to struggle with the concepts of what society tells her she should desire versus what she actually wants as she grows more and more sexually liberated. The solutions are seldom simple in this novel, as in real life.
4. Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
In Kit Mayquist’s gothic fever dream debut, Lena, a medical school dropout, gets a job working for one of Boston’s wealthiest families out of desperation despite the position’s hazy, ambiguous description. Warning: This section contains spoilers. Things take a very dark turn, especially after Lena understands the family is to blame for her father’s job loss. Stay for the developing queer romance; come for the vengeance plot.
5. We Do What We Do In The Dark by Michelle Hart
When Mallory develops an obsession with a persona known as “the woman,” she is a college freshman mourning a recent loss. A covert romance between them grows as the plot progresses. Mallory soon begins to doubt if she genuinely wants to be in a relationship with the woman or whether she only wants to change into the woman. Michelle Hart addresses issues of vulnerability, attachment, and the function that relationships serve in our increasingly solitary lives in her debut book.
6. Real Life by Brandon Taylor
Wallace is black, queer, and pursuing a biochemistry degree at a university in the Midwest. He is surrounded by people who, at times, seem just as remote from him as his family back in Alabama. Wallace is forced to face his own weakness and desire when inter-friend group attraction develops amongst a few odd possibilities.
7. The One True Me and You by Remi K. England
Kaylee Beaumont, a fanfic author, is eagerly anticipating the next small but incredibly exciting fandom gathering where she intends to meet online pals, experiment with new pronouns, dress in masculine cosplay, and have her first kiss with a girl. However, Kaylee’s intentions are completely sidetracked until she meets another contender for a beauty pageant with whom sparks immediately fly. Miss North Carolina, the bully from her community, comes up at the same hotel for a beauty pageant on the weekend of the convention.
Share your LGBTQ books suggestions with us at: aroundwellington@gmail.com
***
Diane Hayes is a writer and editor.
