Explore the history of the pride movement, or find some fiction picks ranging from rom-coms to space operas with main characters who identify all across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Queer History
2024 Releases
ThriftBooks Deals
Memoirs and Biographies
Asexual and/or Aromantic Main Characters
Bisexual and/or Pansexual Main Characters
While Pansexual and Bisexual are unique, separate labels, often books or characters will mention both, or have a character show interest in multiple genders without specifying the character's orientation, so we have included book picks for both here together.
Gay Main Characters
Lesbian Main Characters
Transgender Main Characters
LGBTQ+ Books: Discover, Learn, and Celebrate Diverse Stories
Literature has long been a powerful tool for sharing personal truths and building understanding. LGBTQ+ books open doors to voices and experiences that reflect, challenge, and celebrate queer lives. Whether you’re looking to explore LGBTQ history, understand current issues, or simply enjoy compelling stories, ThriftBooks offers a wide range of books on LGBTQ+ topics for readers of every background. Browse this collection to find books on LGBTQ+ topics that inform, inspire, and empower.
Explore the Rich History of LGBTQ+ Communities
Understanding the past helps illuminate the present. Many LGBTQ books bring to life the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the movement for equality. If you’re interested in the roots and evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and culture, consider these essential reads:
- The LGBTQ + History Book: A comprehensive overview of significant moments, people, and movements in LGBTQ+ history, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the subject.
- Queer, There, and Everywhere: 22 People Who Changed the World: Meet trailblazers from across centuries who made lasting impacts on LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.
- Queerstory: An Infographic History of the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights: Engaging visuals and infographics make key moments in LGBTQ+ activism accessible and memorable.
- We Are Everywhere: Protest, Power, and Pride in the History of Queer Liberation: A photographic journey through decades of queer activism, perfect for readers who appreciate history told through images and personal stories.
- The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle: A sweeping narrative that explores the fight for gay and lesbian rights in the United States.
- The Men With The Pink Triangle: An essential account of the persecution of gay men during the Holocaust, highlighting resilience and untold histories.
- The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government: Uncovers a hidden chapter of American history when LGBTQ+ government workers faced intense discrimination during the Cold War era.
- A Queer History of the United States: Offers a fresh perspective on American history through the lens of LGBTQ+ experiences.
- Queer America: A GLBT History of the 20th Century: Focuses on pivotal events and cultural shifts that defined LGBTQ+ life through the 1900s.
- Prejudice and Pride: LGBT Activist Stories from Manchester and Beyond: Personal accounts highlight the impact of activism in the UK and beyond.
Personal Memoirs and Stories from LGBTQ+ Voices
Memoirs and biographies offer intimate windows into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, sharing both struggles and victories. If you want to connect with personal stories or gain insight into identity, resilience, and community, these books stand out:
- When We Rise: My Life in the Movement: Cleve Jones’s firsthand account chronicles the rise of LGBTQ+ activism during the AIDS crisis.
- And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic: Investigative journalism that explores the early years of the AIDS epidemic and the community’s response.
- Female Husbands: A Trans History: Explores the stories of people assigned female at birth who lived as men and married women, expanding our understanding of trans history.
- Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality: Examines bisexual identity through personal stories, history, and scientific research, filling a vital gap in LGBTQ+ literature.
- Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity: Explores the intersection of race and trans identity, offering powerful analysis and untold narratives.
- Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community: A collective resource filled with personal essays and expert advice for and by trans people.
- Legendary Children: Connects pop culture phenomena like RuPaul’s Drag Race to a century of queer history, blending entertainment and education.
- Twenty One Years to Midnight: The inspiring personal story behind the Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage in the US.
Essential Books on LGBTQ+ Rights, Activism, and Social Change
For those eager to understand how LGBTQ+ communities have fought for justice and visibility, these books blend historical context with personal accounts of activism:
- Pride: The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A Photographic Journey: A visual celebration of pivotal marches, moments, and figures in LGBTQ+ rights history.
- The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America: Chronicles the earliest organized LGBTQ+ activism and its groundbreaking legal battles.
- Stonewall: The Uprising for Gay Rights: Brings to life the events and legacy of the Stonewall riots, a turning point in LGBTQ+ history.
- How to Survive a Plague: The Story of How Activists and Scientists Tamed AIDS: A gripping account of the activists and scientists who changed the course of the AIDS epidemic.
- Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century America: Explores the evolving experiences and communities of lesbians in the 20th century.
- Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World 1890-1940: Examines how urban life enabled the development of a vibrant gay subculture in early 20th-century New York.
- Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington, from FDR through Clinton: Sheds light on the untold stories of LGBTQ+ life and influence in America’s capital.
Understanding Identity: Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersectional Perspectives
Books on LGBTQ+ topics increasingly explore the complexities of gender identity and its intersections with race, disability, and culture. For readers interested in these nuanced stories, these selections offer guidance and deeper understanding:
- Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue: An accessible introduction to transgender identities, perfect for those looking to learn or offer support.
- Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity: Explores how race and gender converge in the histories of trans people of color.
- Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A comprehensive resource for transgender people and those who want to understand the diverse experiences within the community.
- Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman: Chronicles trans experiences throughout history, connecting past and present struggles.
- Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability: Examines the intersections of disability and queerness, broadening the conversation about inclusion and identity.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Arts, Film, and Pop Culture
For readers fascinated by how LGBTQ+ identities are reflected in the arts and media, these books shed light on representation, influence, and cultural shifts:
- The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies: A classic exploration of how LGBTQ+ characters have been portrayed in film, and why it matters.
- Legendary Children: Connects the world of drag and RuPaul’s Drag Race to a rich century of queer life and culture.
- Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag: A vibrant introduction to the creation of the rainbow flag, ideal for readers of all ages interested in LGBTQ+ symbols and history.
- And the Category Is…: Offers an inside look at New York’s ballroom scene and its vital role in LGBTQ+ self-expression and community.
LGBTQ+ Books for Education, Support, and Allyship
Whether you're seeking to better understand friends or family, looking for resources to navigate your own journey, or aiming to foster inclusivity in your community, these books offer practical guidance and support:
- Transgender 101: Demystifies trans identities and offers actionable advice for allies and advocates.
- Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A go-to handbook for self-discovery, empowerment, and community connection.
- Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality: Helps demystify bisexuality and dispel myths for people of all orientations.
Find Books on LGBTQ+ Topics for Every Interest
From landmark events to everyday stories, LGBTQ+ books span every genre and interest. Whether you’re passionate about history, inspired by memoirs, or curious about cultural movements, ThriftBooks has resources for all readers. Browse this collection to discover:
- Biographies and memoirs of LGBTQ+ icons and activists
- In-depth histories of queer communities and rights movements
- Explorations of intersectional identities and modern challenges
- Visual guides and photographic histories for a dynamic learning experience
- Resources for self-education, allyship, and community support
No matter where you are on your reading journey, you can find LGBTQ+ books that speak to your interests and expand your perspective. Shop ThriftBooks to connect with stories that matter and voices that inspire.
