In literature therapy there’s a lot of talk about the benefits of seeing the lives of others. While this is important, there’s also someone else you should see–yourself.
It’s important to know that we are not alone in our thoughts and experiences. What we feel is valid and has probably been experienced by someone else. Think about it. There’s over 7 billion people on this planet. You are a unique and beautiful individual, but you are not alone. There are others who have felt, seen, heard, and experienced things similar to you. No one needs to walk alone.
With this mind, in honour of Pride Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite LGBTQIA2S+ literature with the hope that everyone can see themselves between the pages of a book.
Still looking for yourself? Don’t worry, this is not an exhaustive list and unfortunately it is limited. If you know of a book that fills some of the gaps we may be missing, please tell us in the comments. We’d love to see more.
Please Note: There may be some very minor spoilers in these descriptions (nothing to spoil the plot, but some facts that you may not otherwise know going into a story). Read at you own risk.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Camino and Yahaira are sisters who have never met. When their father’s plane goes down, both girls must deal with the loss of their father while discovering at the same time that they have a sister. Told through the alternating perspectives of Camino in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira in the United States, both girls recover from their loss with the support of the women in their lives including Camino’s aunt and Yahaira’s girlfriend and mother.
Vanilla by Billy Merrell
Vanilla and Hunter have been together for as long as anyone can remember. They came out together, they’ve been dating since middle school, and now they are going to stay together forever, right? Vanilla, written in verse, depicts the complicated growth of Vanilla and Hunter and how, as they continue to learn about themselves, they are pulled further apart from each other. An insightful story, Vanilla includes characters who identify as gay, non-binary and asexual.
High School by Tegan and Sara
I know this one is a little out of place among all this Young Adult Fiction, but I couldn’t not include this memoir by Canadian music icons Tegan and Sara. A beautiful account of their high school years, Sara and Tegan honestly depict the feelings and people that led them along their journey of self-discovery.
I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver
When Ben comes out to their parents as non-binary, they are kicked out of the house. With nowhere else to go, they reconnect with their estranged sister and her husband. As Ben works through the trauma of their experiences, they meet Nathan–a bright, happy, ray of sunshine who is eager to befriend them. I Wish You All The Best feels like sipping warm tea under a cozy blanket on a rainy day. That is to say, it feels healing. Regardless of your own experiences, this book will draw you in and make you feel welcomed.
Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Ramona believes she know who she is, and part of that is knowing she’s a lesbian. But when her childhood friend returns to town, Ramona starts to have feelings for him that make her question the box she has placed herself in. A beautiful depiction of honestly following your own feelings and being open to self-discovery.
Honestly Ben by Bill Konigsberg
Ben fell in love with his best friend, but Ben isn’t gay. No, he’s just Ben. Now Ben must manage his new feelings for the new girl he starts dating and the lingering feelings he still has for his former best friend, Rafe. Honestly Ben is a sequel to Openly Straight which tells the story of how Ben first met Rafe who, despite being openly gay at his previous school, decides to step back into the closet when he transfers to an all-boys boarding school.
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzie Lee
Felicity Montague is going to become a doctor. If only the men of the 18th century would realize and allow her to study medicine. Felicity’s unrelenting determination to follow her dream takes her on wild journey with her childhood friend, Johanna, and new acquaintance, Sim. Through their adventures they learn about love, friendship and the many definitions of what it means to be a strong woman. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy is the second in a series that includes The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky: A Monty and Percy Novella, and The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks coming August 2020.
Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith
Pony is a transgender boy starting at a new high school who falls in love with the popular cheerleader. Despite pressure from friends, Pony isn’t sure if he’s ready to be out at his new school and decides to take advantage of the fresh start. Georgia is on a journey of her own and as the two come together they help others and each other learn about acceptance and being your true self.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Anxious and outed Charlie falls in love with rugby player Nick whom he assumes to be straight. But when Nick starts to have feelings of his own for Charlie, he follows his heart and discovers that he is bisexual. Heartstopper is a must read for anyone who wants to feel happy and vicariously experience one of the most awkward, adorable, and innocent love stories of all time. The first three volumes of this graphic novel are available in print now–and so is the Heartstopper Colouring Book! What could be happier than a colouring book?
Ziggy, Stardust & Me by James Brandon
Sixteen-year-old Jonathon is waiting to be cured–cured of homosexuality. The year is 1973 and Jonathon is receiving shock therapy to counter his feelings of attraction towards other boys. Feeling completely alone, Jonathon meets Web. Web, who identifies as Two-Spirit, helps Jonathon come to terms with his feelings and find beauty in what others have called an illness.
This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kacen Callender
Nate does not believe in love stories after witnessing his mother fall apart after the death of his father. His ex-girlfriend/best friend, however, has hopes that he will find someone new. That someone new might just be his childhood best friend, Oliver James, who has recently moved back into town. Nate and Oliver James have not been in touch since an awkward parting when they were young. Nate must overcome himself and allow the feelings he has always had for Oliver James to shine through.