The Best LGBTQ+ Books to Add to Your Reading List

"Pageboy" by Elliot Page is a deeply personal and moving memoir that delves into the actor's life, from his early days in Halifax to his rise to fame in Hollywood. In its pages, Page candidly shares his journey of discovering and embracing his transgender identity. He offers a raw and honest look at the challenges and triumphs of the transgender individual's experience.

This powerful story of resilience and authenticity highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

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"The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag" by Sasha Velour is nothing like the other books in this roundup, but it's a significant LGBTQ+ book nonetheless. This vibrant exploration of the art and culture of drag was edited by the season 9 winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race." It is a combination of a personal memoir, cultural insights, and stunning visual art. Velour shares her journey into drag, highlighting its history and significance in challenging gender norms.

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and photographs, making it both an informative and visually captivating read. It's a powerful celebration of creativity and individuality, offering inspiration and empowerment to readers interested in drag and LGBTQ+ culture.

"The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World" chronicles the LGBTQ rights movement from the 1960s to today through vivid interviews with leaders, activists, and ordinary people who played crucial roles. Those featured faced personal and political battles, often without support and under threat of violence.

Author Mason Funk highlights these stories of courage and determination to honor an important chapter in history and empower young people to create positive change today. This book is a powerful testament to the bravery and resilience of those who fought for LGBTQ rights and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

"Call Me By Your Name" by André Aciman is a beautifully written romance novel that captures the intense and passionate summer romance between Elio, a young teenager, and Oliver, a visiting scholar, in 1980s Italy. The book dives into the complexities of desire, love, and longing, painting a vivid picture of first love's exhilaration and heartbreak.

You’ll appreciate Aciman’s emotional depth, which make the characters' experiences incredibly real and relatable. This immersive love story also explores the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments and personal growth and identity. The 2007 book was later made into a movie starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in 2017.

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"And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts takes a powerful look at the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. The book dives into the political failures, social stigma, and personal heartbreaks of the 1980s. Shilts tells the stories of activists, doctors, and patients fighting against government indifference and societal prejudice. This gripping and emotional read highlights the devastating effects of ignoring a public health crisis.

If you want to understand the history and impact of AIDS, this book is a must-read. Although this book was released in 1987, it continues to provide profound insights into public health crises and the importance of advocacy and awareness that many other causes and issues still face today.

More: Who Is Randy Shilts?

If you enjoy immersive stories with unique voices and relevant cultural critiques, this wild ride of a book will keep you hooked from start to finish. "Your Driver Is Waiting" by Priya Guns is an electrifying and funny novel that flips the iconic 1970s film “Taxi Driver" on its head. The story follows Damani, a ride-share driver struggling with financial insecurity, caring for her mother, and coping with her father's death. Amid city protests and personal hardships, Damani meets Jolene, an apparently perfect girlfriend. However, Jolene’s actions lead to a dramatic and explosive turn of events.

This book is a fierce social satire filled with dark comedy and sharp social commentary. It offers a unique perspective on the LGBTQ experience through the same-sex relationship between Damani and Jolene.

"Rainbow Boys" by Alex Sánchez is a heartfelt and powerful novel that explores the lives of three high school boys coming to terms with their sexual identities. The story follows Jason, Kyle, and Nelson as they navigate the challenges of friendship, love, and acceptance in a world that often feels unwelcoming of them.

Sánchez’s writing is raw and honest, capturing the struggles and triumphs of each character with sensitivity and depth. If you're looking for a compelling read that highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of friendship, "Rainbow Boys" is a great read from 2001. It's an inspiring story that resonates with anyone who's ever felt different or struggled to find their place in the world.

"The Family Outing: A Memoir" offers a powerful affirmation of living authentically and courageously. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and joys of embracing one's true self.

Written by Jessi Hempel, it's a fascinating and deeply moving exploration of one family's journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. Growing up in a seemingly perfect American family, Hempel reveals the hidden struggles and secrets each member faced. As they all eventually come out—Jessi as gay, her sister as bisexual, her father as gay, her brother as transgender, and her mother as a survivor of a traumatic experience—they begin to embrace their true identities.

If you're seeking a heartfelt, thought-provoking read about the unspoken aspects of family and self-discovery, this book is a top choice. "All the Things We Don’t Talk About" by Amy Feltman is a captivating novel that explores the intricate dynamics of family, love, and identity.

The story centers on Morgan Flowers, a nonbinary teenager navigating life with their neurodivergent mother and estranged father. As buried family secrets come to light and tensions escalate, Morgan must face the complexities of their past and present. It's a story that beautifully resonates with anyone who has grappled with understanding themselves and their loved ones.

If you're looking for an authentic, compelling narrative about the journey of self-discovery and the bohemian lifestyle, "Chelsea Girls" is a must-read. You'll appreciate its poignant, relatable exploration of the struggles and triumphs of a queer artist finding their voice.

Written by Eileen Myles, "Chelsea Girls" is a raw, evocative memoir that offers a vivid glimpse into the author's life as a young poet in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Through a series of interconnected stories, Myles explores themes of identity, sexuality, and artistic ambition with unflinching honesty in this book that came out in 1994. Its blend of prose and poetry captures the gritty yet vibrant energy of the era, and many have regarded it a work of art in itself.