LGBTQIA+ representation continues to progress in the media and pop culture. An element of media which the audience can engage in is reading. Reading about LGBTQIA+ experiences can be a resource for LGBTQIA+ readers and also highlight experiences of a diversity of individuals for readers. This list of books has been curated to showcase characters who identify in many different ways and have a wide range of experiences.
*Content warnings have been generated based on research conducted by the writer as well as from their experiences from reading some of these books. Individual research is also suggested to learn more about these book recommendations.
Love and War
A graphic novel about romance and rivalry among teens on a competitive tug-of-war team. The rivalry in this book is not just about the team, but also the romance. The main character, Domo, is fighting to be the team captain while his heart is fighting to choose between two potential boyfriends.
Goodreads ratings: average 3.59/5
Gender Queer
A memoir about self-discovery and changing to become the person you were meant to be. The main character and author of this graphic novel, Maia, goes through a journey to discover who they are and help the people around them understand that.
(Content warning: sexually explicit content, gender dysphoria, medical trauma, transphobia)
Goodreads ratings: average 4.3/5
Cemetery Boys
A fantasy novel about finding acceptance and forming new family connections. The main character, Yadriel, is a transgender man struggling with family dynamics who uses magic in an attempt to solve his problems.
(Content warning: transphobia, drug use, child abuse, grief)
Goodreads ratings: average 4.29/5
Felix Ever After
A book with a transgender main character who goes through a journey of self-acceptance and finding love right before attending college. The main character, Felix, has to grow and learn about himself in order to realize he is worthy of love.
(Content warning: homophobia, racism, transphobia, abuse, bullying)
Goodreads ratings: average 4.27/5
Loveless
The main character goes through a journey of grappling with their lack of romantic feelings as they transition into college and exploring who they are. This book highlights the asexual community, which has less representation in the media than other identities on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
(Content warning: depictions of sexual content, homophobia, aphobia, abuse, bullying)
*Aphobia is defined as the prejudice or discrimination against asexual and aromantic people. Goodreads ratings: average 4.23/5
Paper Girls
A graphic novel about a group of teen girls who get tied up in an intergalactic war from being in the wrong place at the wrong time while out delivering newspapers. This comic series has been adapted into a television series on Amazon Prime Video that currently has one season.
(Content warning: homophobia, alcoholism, suicide)
Goodreads ratings: average 3.88/5
Suicide Notes
The main character is admitted into a hospital, in the psychiatric ward, for a 75-day stay. He is reluctant to participate in activities and therapy at first, but he ultimately forms relationships, gains valuable life experiences, and learns about himself.
(Content warning: implications of self-harm, suicide, discussions of parental abuse, homophobia, consensual and non-consensual sexual relations, eating disorders)
Goodreads ratings: average 3.82/5
All Our Hidden Gifts
This is the first book in a trilogy that follows a group of teenagers who become friends through tough times and magic. The four main characters are all vastly different but learn from each other the different perspectives of the world.
(Content warning: homophobia, hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender dysphoria, implications of self-harm, bullying, missing person, suicide)
Goodreads ratings: average 3.96/5
Girls of Paper and Fire
This book is the first of the “Girls of Paper and Fire” trilogy. This book is set in a fantasy world in which the main character is taken with other girls to the king for his “assistance.” We see rebellion, lust, and love transform some of the characters in unexpected ways.
(Content warning: consensual and non-consensual sexual relations, sexual assault, graphic depictions of violence, captivity)
Goodreads ratings: average 3.81/5
Call Me Him
This book is “a transgender coming-of-age story” in which the main character goes through change and discovery. The main character was born Willow but identifies themselves as Wylie. The author, River Braun, is transgender himself which makes this story even more personal.
(Content warning: transphobia, assault, homophobia, hate crimes based on gender and sexual orientation, gender dysphoria, abuse, trauma)
Goodreads ratings: average 4.6/5
By Kailey Wurr, Contributing Writer
Graphic by Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC