The Best LGBTQ+ Books to Enjoy During Pride Month and Beyond
With the start of June comes the commencement of Pride Month.
Over the years, the publishing industry has exponentially grown with its inclusion of queer representation. Today, you can find stories about gay, bisexual and lesbian people, but there are also sagas featuring asexual and transgender people. The spectrum is wide—and you can confidently know you are seen.
Whether you are a part of the community or an ally, you can celebrate Pride Month with these books in every genre and age group. Discover our best picks below.
Romance
Unsurprisingly, the queer romance space is booming. Once upon a time, you only heard people talk about Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue or Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sampiens Agenda. There are so many more options, from sports romances to historical fiction. We've gathered a few to match your taste and also included some young adult picks.
- Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
- Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake
- Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
- Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
- Single Player by Tara Tai
- Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban
- Him by Sabrina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
- I Think They Love You by Julian Winters
Young Adult
- Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
- Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
- Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
- Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
- Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
- She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick
- Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters
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Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Famously, the sci-fi and fantasy genres have been underrepresented on all fronts. But do not fret, there are plenty of great books to choose from this Pride Month. You have short and sweet novellas, like This Is How You Lose the Time War. Or, you can opt for something cozy and fun, such as Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes or T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea.
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
- Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
- Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare
Young Adult
- Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
- Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi
- Brewed With Love by Shelly Page
Thriller, Mystery & Horror
Get ready to feel spooked. In this thriller, mystery and horror novels, you will be on the edge of your seat. Maybe, you want to experience female rage in Layne Fargo's They'll Never Learn. Or, you can solve a mystery with the drag queens of Murder in the Dressing Room. And no matter what, you can feel comfortable knowing these are trauma-free reads.
- Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars
- The Lamb by Lucy Rose
- They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
- Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon
- Rouge by Mona Award
- Stag Dance by Torrey Petters
- Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
- Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
- Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
Literary Fiction
If a book doesn't quite fit into any genre, it is probably literary fiction. These novels often focus on the character's feelings and development. As a result, they touch on multiple themes, including romance, mystery and more. Taylor Jenkins Reid's newest release, Atmosphere, sees an aspiring astronaut thwarting into space. Meanwhile, Bob the Drag Queen's Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert remixes the historical figure's journey through music.
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
- Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
- Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly
- The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
- Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth
- Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen
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Graphic Novel (YA)
Sometimes, a graphic novel is the perfect reset for your brain. They're easy to read. You don't have to wonder if you are imagining the scene correctly because it's on the page for you. Dive into these six, from iconic comic Heartstopper to hidden gem Wash Day Diaries.
- Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith
- Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
- Bloom by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau
- If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
- The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
- I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
Non-Fiction
It can be extremely inspiring to hear someone's real story. With these non-fiction books, you'll learn how they leaned into their sexuality, grappled with life's obstacles and more. We've got choices from notable names like TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, actor Elliot Page and Top Chef alum Kristen Kish.
- Paper Doll: Notes From a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney
- Cleavage: Men, Women and the Space Between Us by Jennifer Finney Boylan
- Pageboy by Elliot Page
- Slayers, Every One of Us: How One Girl in All the World Showed Us How to Hold On by Kristin Russo & Jenny Owen Youngs
- Accidentally on Purpose: A Memoir by Kristen Kish
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