Books by gay authors
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What results is a touching story turning away from the places that wronged you, examining where you came from, and stepping into your own power.
'Housemates' by Emma Copley Eisenberg
Housemates is like a contemporary, queerer take on the American dream. He's a shapeshifter who's sometimes Paul, sometimes Polly, and only his best friend Jane knows.
Detransition, Baby
Author: Torrey Peters
Release Date: January 12, 2021
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The conflict and emotional tension between each of these characters and with themselves is masterful.
Aside from humorous essays about his family and his experience living in France with his partner, Sedaris silently confirmed to me that being gay didn't have to mean living a life of shame – a message I certainly wasn't getting otherwise. Even at 5, it was obvious) and yet I found myself grappling with the same age-old questions of identity and community.
It was also so affirming to see a bisexual main character whose community didn't question her sexuality.
22. The Death of Vivek Oji
Author: Akwaeke Emezi
Release Date: August 4th, 2020
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The Death of Vivek Oji is a book about a Nigerian named Vivek and the people around him.
In the book, two 17 year old boys decide to break the world record for kissing. Skye Falling
Author: Mia McKenzie
Release Date: June 22, 2021
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I cannot get over how much I loved this book. This Love
Author: Lotte Jeffs
Release Date: January 14th, 2025
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One of the most amazing parts of queerness is friendship.
That’s exactly what happened in Wild Things by Laura Kay. As part of her attempt to do more wild things, a woman moves out of the city, goes on dates with women, and maybe (with luck) will tell her best friend she’s in love with her.
29.
In celebration of Pride Month, these are the books that raised us as LGBTQ+ journalists. Framed as a letter from Little Dog to his mother, he reflects on their complicated relationship, her and her mother’s immigrant story, and his journey discovering his sexuality. I found so much comfort in Sav’s journey. We Deserve Monuments
Author: Jas Hammonds
Release Date: November 29th, 2022
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This high school story of inter-generational trauma and coming of age hit me right where it hurt.
The two sisters used to be snakes, and now they’re immortal human beings drifting in and out of each other’s lives. Rainbow Rainbow
Author: Lydia Conklin
Release Date: May 1st, 2022
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I am genuinely obsessed with this queer short story collection.
Nonetheless, the writing was hauntingly beautiful and I couldn’t stop reading once I began.
10. The only time I put the book down was when I physically needed a break because of how gut wrenchingly sad and well-written the story was. This book works both as an introduction to butch/femme dynamics and as a powerful and earnest story for people who are already deeply familiar.
That being said, there is something for everyone on this list, and I tried my best to make it as comprehensive as possible!
Below are my 40 favorite queer books, out of the 76 total I’ve read.
I will continue to update the list each year with all of the new stories I’ve read. His sense of humor seamlessly translates to his book, Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America, which features essays on reclaiming his identity and ultimately finding self-acceptance.