31 Books That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, & Learn This Pride Month

Pride month is a vibrant celebration that takes place every June, dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and their journey toward equality and acceptance. Whether you're out and proud or not comfortable being out just yet, everyone can celebrate Pride. It serves as a platform for embracing diversity, promoting love, and fostering a sense of belonging for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. 

With book bans reaching frightening records, it's more important than ever to protect LGBTQ+ stories in the form of literary prose. According to the American Library Association, the number of books being contested rose from 566 in 2019 to more than 2,500 in 2022. Therefore, it's of utmost importance for both allies and the LGBTQ+ community to actively support, celebrate, and champion diversity and inclusion throughout the entire year, including during Pride month. Queer books provide a window into the myriad experiences, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing readers to develop a deeper appreciation for their stories. This Pride month, we compiled a captivating collection of 31 books that have the power to educate and deepen your capacity for empathy.

"Hijab Butch Blues" is an LGBTQ+ memoir written by Lamya H. The story follows a teenage Lamya as she explores her sexuality within the context of Muslim culture, providing readers with a unique and insightful perspective. While reading the Quran, Lamya finds connections between her own queer narrative and the stories of prominent figures in Islam's holy book. 

This memoir compellingly illustrates that LGBTQ+ individuals have a rightful place within Muslim culture. While most religions generally reject queer people, this book challenges that by drawing a clear similarity between personal discovery, such as queerness, and theological teachings. "I ... enjoyed the parallels she drew between her faith and stories from the Quran to her own life," one reviewer wrote on Goodreads.

Picture it: A lesbian bar in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1954 — we already love it! The book follows the romance of Lily and Kath, who face losing each other when Lily's father's immigration status is in jeopardy. 

"Last Night at the Telegraph Club," by Malinda Lo, skillfully weaves together historical fiction, romance, and LGBTQ+ themes, creating a captivating narrative. The book not only explores love and personal identity but also delves into the pressing issue of immigration challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. 

"I was particularly thankful for acknowledging racist microaggressions that can and do occur within predominantly white and queer spaces in showing marginalization within marginalized spaces," one reviewer praised on Goodreads.

"The Pride Atlas: 500 Iconic Destinations for Queer Travelers," by Maartje Hensen, is an educational nonfiction travel book specifically created for the LGBTQ+ community. Queer people often face unique risks and challenges when traveling, which is why this travel guide is so helpful. In many parts of the world, discriminatory laws, cultural prejudices, and lack of legal protections can make LGBTQ+ individuals more vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, and even violence.

Accompanied by vibrant photography, this book serves as a comprehensive resource, showcasing a multitude of historical landmarks significant to the LGBTQ+ community, including renowned sites like Stonewall. It also highlights safe destinations for queer individuals to explore and provides a valuable guide for those interested in understanding queer culture across the globe. Who knows, maybe romance is on the horizon for you in one of Hensen's queer-safe destinations. As one reviewer expressed on Goodreads: "I'm not much of a traveler but I thought this was a great guide and it's made me want to visit so many places for the (q)ueer history and community."

"That Could Be Enough," by Alyssa Cole, hits all the sapphic sweet spots. The story takes place in Harlem in 1820, where Mercy Alston wants nothing to do with romance or love. So when Andromeda Stiel — who is unapologetically outgoing and flirty — meets Mercy, she is forced to deal with her past in order to enjoy her future.

This compelling book celebrates the lives of two queer Black women against the backdrop of early 19th-century New York. It fearlessly delves into significant themes of race, sexism, and queerness, seamlessly weaving them into the narrative. Furthermore, the book boldly normalizes the lesbian romance between the two protagonists, presenting it as a natural and authentic love story. "I never knew I needed sapphic historical romances so much until I read this," one reviewer shared on Goodreads.

"The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football" is an emotional memoir penned by R.K. Russell, a trailblazing figure in professional football, accomplished writer, and passionate advocate. Russell made history by becoming the first openly bisexual active NFL player, a momentous event that reverberated throughout the sports realm.

Amidst the current heightened discussions on biphobia, Russell's memoir emerges as a significant representation of bisexuality, providing valuable insights into the personal journey of a bisexual man. "There are bisexual+ people who come to the queer community finally expecting acceptance and understanding. In its place though, they often are faced with biphobia — a dislike or prejudice against bisexual people," wrote Suryatapa Mukherjee in an article for Vice. Biphobia exists not only in mainstream society and masculine-dominated spaces such as sports but also within the LGBTQ+ community itself, making "The Yards Between Us" a must-read for both bisexual and non-bisexual people. 

While bisexual women are generally fetishized in society, an alarming trend of biphobia persists regarding bisexual men, who are often dismissed as merely going through a phase on the way to "full-blown homosexuality." This damaging stereotype undermines the validity and complexity of bisexual male experiences, perpetuating harmful misconceptions and erasing their identities. Actor Alan Cumming addressed this in an interview with the Advocate in 2015. "I see a worrying trend among LGBT people, that if you identify yourself in just one way, you close yourself off to other experiences. My sexuality has never been black and white; it's always been gray," he said.

"Bisexual Men Exist," by Vaneet Mehta, was written as a memoir/guidebook for the bisexual man. Mehta embarks on an empowering journey, delving into a diverse range of subjects including exploring one's sexuality, courtship, and sexual health. "You can tell Vaneet put a lot of time and effort into researching this book and backing up all his points with relevant research," one reviewer said of the book (via Goodreads).

"The Skin and Its Girl," by Sarah Cypher, is a powerful novel that immerses readers in the captivating story of Betty, a Palestinian-American woman on a transformative quest to unravel the concealed truths of her great aunt. Through this compelling narrative, the book threads a rich tapestry of a family saga, delving into profound themes of sexual identity and ancestral heritage. 

As Betty delves into her great aunt's past, she discovers startling parallels to her own life, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting the complexities that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, like that of her aunt's. "Cypher is able to weave fact and myth together in a way that is absolutely phenomenal," wrote one pleased Goodreads reviewer. "Through heartbreak and laughter, we learn the story of the [family] and their lives in both Palestine and America."

"Where We Go From Here," by Lucas Rocha, is a contemporary fictional story about Ian, Victor, and Henrique — three gay men in Brazil who are intricately weaved together as they all deal with their own HIV crises. 

As the characters navigate the complexities of their intersecting lives, Rocha's debut novel offers a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity. "Above all, it is a highly informative novel that shines light into HIV and aims to stop the stigma that surrounds it," a reviewer wrote on Goodreads, giving the book five stars.

"Dykette," by Jenny Fran Davis, is perfect for anyone looking for funny LGBTQ+ content. While many queer stories focus on the challenges of navigating life as "other" in mainstream society, it's important to remember that queerness has its successful and light-hearted stories too. 

Davis' debut novel follows a sexually adventurous young gay woman, Sasha, and her equally carnal partner, Jesse, on a 10-day trip with an older lesbian couple. Add a third couple and it's the queer melting pot we all deserve! However, after a few days of secrets and confessions, things get complicated for the three couples, and jealousy and rage ensue. "Dykette totally took me for a spin and I enjoyed every page of it!" one reviewer said (via Goodreads). "It feels written for queer readers and doesn't shy away from more nuanced aspects of queer identity and culture."

The significance of hearing original and first-person accounts from under-represented communities cannot be overstated. These narratives offer a powerful opportunity to amplify marginalized voices, granting them the agency to share their own stories, perspectives, and lived experiences. This is why we love "Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth" by Maxwell Poth.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant narratives of trans and queer youth from across the nation as they candidly share their personal experiences in their own heartfelt words. More than 70 young queer people hailing from 15 different states share their personal stories, unabridged, for the world to hear, learn, and understand. "[This book] could not have been released at a more important time," a reviewer detailed on Goodreads. "With legislation constantly being released in our country to silence and hide queer children, getting their stories out in the world and heard by as many people as possible is so important."

We love historical lesbian romances, and "The Disenchantment" by Celia Bell satiates our hunger for more. In Paris during the 1600s, two noblewomen embark on the romantic ride of their life, that ultimately comes at the price of their freedom.  

The novel explores witchcraft, female scholars, and characters who defy traditional gender norms, giving us everything to appease our desire for historical feminist stories. As stated by one Goodreads reviewer: "It's difficult to believe this is a debut, so strong is the storytelling, characterization and ambiance."

"From Here" is a queer memoir in which Luma Mufleh tirelessly advocates for refugees and chronicles her tumultuous path to reconciling her complex identity as a gay Muslim woman. Through heartfelt prose, Mufleh delves into her personal journey as a gay Jordanian woman who risked being killed for her sexuality. After being accepted into an American college, she embarked on the exhausting journey of seeking political asylum. As a result of being true to herself, Mufleh's family has severed their relationship with her. 

In this emotional memoir, Mufleh invites readers to witness her profound exploration of identity, capturing the intersectionality of her experiences and offering a powerful testament to resilience, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of authenticity. "This book was equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching," one reviewer commented (via Goodreads).

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a total page-turner. While it's not completely obvious from the hetero title, this historical fiction novel is a sapphic staple. Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Hollywood movie star in the 1960s. We know that she had seven husbands ... so why is this a lesbian chronicle? Well, when we think of people concealing their sexuality in history, they often married to deter wagging tongues from speculating. In order to keep herself safe in Hollywood, the protagonist embarks on seven marriages, each nuptial representing a specific time in the movie star's life. 

This book will make you laugh, cry, and learn, particularly regarding the trials and tribulations of navigating queer life in the 20th century. "This right here. This is why I read," said one happy Goodreads reviewer. "For the joy and privilege of coming across an exquisite story like this and being swept up in its magic."

Lizzie works at a gym and it's not just her job, it's her whole life. Not only is she a fitness fanatic but she's best friends with the owner's son, James. When James invites Lizzie to his sister Cara's wedding, she is shocked when she finds out the crying woman in the bathroom at the wedding is the bride. In this fun novel by Jennifer Dugan, we see Lizzie helping Cara on a journey of self-discovery. However, Lizzie discovers something of her own — she likes Cara. 

Will Lizzie get the girl, and will she jeopardize her job if Cara's parents find out about their association? "It's a sapphic adult romcom. It was so funny, chaotic and messy (in a good way)," according to one reviewer (via Goodreads).

"Rubyfruit Jungle," the debut novel by Rita Mae Brown, holds a significant place in literary history. Originally published in 1973, the book was notable for its unabashed depiction of lesbianism, breaking barriers, and defying societal norms of the time. A coming-of-age story, the protagonist Molly Bolt always knew she was gay, but when she's found out to be involved with her college roommate, she's sent to a psychiatric ward. Eventually, Bolt leaves the hospital and heads for New York, where her identity can fully flourish. 

"I read this book the year it was published. I was a young woman of 21, and it was during a time when it was still considered shocking, by most of mainstream straight America, to be gay," one Goodreads reviewer recalls. The book still speaks to present-day audiences too with one younger-generation reviewer writing on Goodreads: "Molly, who never accepts an answer or will be told what to do, and kicks against all her disadvantages and the bigotry facing her. ... [The book] was funny too."

Initially published in 1985, Jeanette Winterson's masterful novel, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," takes readers on a captivating journey alongside Jeanette, a young woman seemingly fated for a life of religious devotion. However, Jeanette's world transforms when she unexpectedly falls in love with another woman, leading her to make a courageous choice that challenges the foundations of her faith and family ties.

This emotional tale skillfully explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations. In a detailed examination of the novel, one reviewer on Goodreads noted how the author skillfully portrays the profound struggles women experience at the cost of societal and religious expectations. "Winterson examines how girls are socialized into submission, doubling down on the repressive nature of the church community for those who are women," they said.

After being mistakenly declared dead during battle, Viola Carroll seizes the chance to authentically live life as her true self, embracing her identity as a transgender woman. Freed from the confines of societal expectations, Viola embraces her newfound liberation but leaves behind her wealth and title.

Years later, she reconnects with her long-lost friend, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood, who is grieving the loss of Viola. But can they pick up where they left off all those years before? This historical romance novel has readers buzzing with excitement, with one reviewer calling it a "comfort read" that "brings historical queer characters to life and lets people back then accept queer family and friends so easily" (via Goodreads).

Some of you may know Dan Clay as the fabulous fashion model "Carrie Dragshaw" on Instagram, in which he effortlessly recreates Carrie Bradshaw's best fashion moments and iconic scenes from the "Sex and the City" franchise. In Clay's compelling debut novel, "Becoming a Queen," the protagonist, Mark Davis, embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery when he playfully dons a dress for a school talent show, igniting a passion for drag. However, as his relationship with his boyfriend crumbles, Mark has doubts about embracing his authentic self and wonders if his passion for drag is too much for this world ... until his brother tells him to be himself. In this stunning queer novel, we are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and facilitating an environment where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves. 

"What just happened? One second I was laughing and getting excited and smiling ... and then it was like my insides were ripped open and I'm physically and emotionally spent," one reviewer wrote on Goodreads. 

In the vibrant setting of San Antonio, Texas, Mexican-American teenager Ander Martínez finds their life deeply influenced by their rich Spanish heritage. Balancing work at their family's restaurant and aspirations for college, their world takes an unexpected turn when a charming Mexican waiter, Santiago López Alvarado, enters the scene.

As Ander and Santiago navigate their passion for each other, their journey intertwines with the harsh reality of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that threatens to deport Santiago. This emotional novel delves into profound themes of LGBTQ+ love, the complexities of immigration challenges, and the celebration of cultural diversity. "One of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful love stories that I've ever had the privilege of reading," stated a reviewer on Goodreads.

"Best Men," by Sidney Karger, is a charming romantic comedy that invites readers into the delightful world of two best men at a wedding who find themselves drawn to each other. As Paige, Max's best friend, prepares to marry Austin, Max takes on the role of her "man of honor," while Chasten, Austin's brother, takes the position of the other best man. Amidst the wedding preparations, a connection ignites between Max, a reserved introvert from the Midwest with a conservative background, and Chasten, a vivacious extrovert hailing from the bustling East Coast. Between all their difference lies a small romantic connection. But will their association with each other affect their wedding duties?

This queer rom-com is a refreshing addition to our literary collection that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. One reviewer defined this novel as a "gem of a book," describing it as "witty, whimsical (at times) and just a breeze to read with the perfect amount of detail" (via Goodreads).

"Red, White & Royal Blue," by Casey McQuiston, is the gay royal romance mainstream society needs. Although the possibility of queer love among present-day royals is controversial — because many authentic identities are hidden behind heteronormativity — history was actually ripe with LGBTQ+ stories of passion within palaces, such as the 14th-century King Edward II of England who became enthralled by the English nobleman, Piers Gaveston. "When [King Edward II] gazed upon him, he straightaway felt so much love for him that he entered into a covenant of brotherhood with him," according to a firsthand account at the time (via NBC News). However, McQuiston brings beautiful queer love to modern royals in this boy-meets-boy rom-com. 

When Alex Claremont-Diaz, the President's son, has to befriend Prince Henry of England to maintain public relations between America and Britain, neither guy is thrilled. However, eventually, their exasperation for each other turns into attraction. One reviewer comments how the book has "the best side characters, fantastic friendships, so much humor, tons of angst, a great meet cute" (via Goodreads).

Patrick adores his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. But when their mother dies and their father's health takes a turn, Patrick finds himself in an unexpected role as the kids' main caregiver. Dealing with grief, heartbreak, and career issues, Patrick learns about his own relationship with adulthood while being a parental figure. Parenting isn't about being goofy and silly all the time, he finds. There is a seriousness to it that the protagonist discovers along the way. Steven Rowley strikes a harmonious balance between the endearing gay uncle archetype and the existential dilemmas that resonate with so many readers. 

"Somehow the author managed to handle some very sensitive subjects ... without it being depressing ... in fact I laughed out loud more times [than] I can count," said one pleased reviewer (via Goodreads).

In 2013, Lori Duron captivated readers with her heartfelt and humorous memoir, "Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son." Within the pages of this book, Duron invites us into her family's world, shining a light on their experience raising their gender-creative son, C.J. With unconditional love and acceptance, the Duron family celebrates C.J.'s vibrant spirit and embraces his journey of self-discovery in a society that often fails to understand or accept gender nonconforming people. 

Through her candid storytelling, Duron sheds light on the privilege and responsibility of nurturing a gender-nonconforming child, challenging societal judgments and stereotypes along the way. As an extension of the "Raising My Rainbow" blog, this memoir serves as a testament to the power of support, celebration, and pride in creating an environment where every child can flourish authentically. "This book does a great job of showcasing the real-life journey of being a parent," one reviewer admitted, per Goodreads. "We, as readers, desperately want her to find the answers to these questions, but of course it's never that easy. Fortunately, we do get to learn from her trial and error."

In the early 1990s, Richard Westall Rogers Jr., famously referred to as "The Last Call Killer," murdered at least two LGBTQ+ men in New York City. In Elon Green's gripping true-crime narrative, the author delves into the chilling accounts of these heinous killings and the years it took to track down the killer. This book exposes the unsettling reality of how these murder cases were often ignored by the media, overshadowed by societal biases and the prevailing stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community during the height of the AIDS crisis.

"This book deserves all the stars, and it completely broke my heart because it really happened," a Goodreads reviewer highlighted. "For true crime readers, this is a must for your lists."

While many conservative groups mock "woke" culture, being well-informed and educated cannot be overstated. In Blair Imani's book "Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More," we learn exactly that! Born out of the influential "Smarter in Seconds" vlog, this book beckons readers to immerse themselves in diverse experiences that cannot be assumed but learned through active listening and genuine acknowledgment.

Through her teachings, Imani delves into topics such as race, culture, class distinctions, social justice, sexism, and disability, while also serving as a compassionate guide through the intricate landscape of LGBTQ+ issues. "I may have known about many of these topics but I found it was still knowledgeable for me to learn about them in-depth, get more comfortable with inclusive language, understand the ways we might have been causing harm [until] now and how to unlearn such things so that we can be better in the future," one Goodreads reviewer acknowledged.

In "Sex: Lessons From History," Fern Riddell writes two chapters on same-sex relationships in history — "Women Loving Women" and "Men Loving Men." In both chapters, we witness undeniable stories backed by research of LGBTQ+ passion that existed long before our time. 

Anti-LGBTQ+ groups in the 21st-century love to cling to the narrative that queerness is a relatively new fad, but queer people have always existed. Some legislators in Africa have even asserted that it is inherently anti-African to be queer, however, LGBTQ+ activists are highlighting that diverse sexual orientations are part of their history but have been deliberately written out. According to British-Nigerian gay rights activist, Bisi Alimi, the Yoruba term for "homosexual" is as old as the tribe itself (via The Guardian) — which is as old as a thousand years. In Riddell's examination of queer sex in history, readers get to acknowledge that queerness is as old as humanity itself and is simply part of the human experience.

"Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders" transcends its categorization as a children's book, offering an educational experience for readers of all ages. With mesmerizing illustrations by Cheryl Thuesday, the creators skillfully bring to life the remarkable journey of Marsha P. Johnson, an influential American LGBTQ+ activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall riots. In all, the book introduces readers to 14 essential LGBTQ+ figures, including Sylvia Rivera and Harvey Milk, who advocated for the rights of their community. "I love the historical figures that were chosen to be in this book, it's a great introduction for young audiences to learn about queer history, and to normalize that queer people are everywhere," one Goodreads reviewer expressed.

Bonus book: Prager is also the author of "Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History" — a gripping book with colorful illustrations detailing the many folks who paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community.  

Protecting trans lives is more important than ever, as anti-trans legislators in the U.S. take action against the trans community. Dangerous laws, such as the denial of gender-affirming healthcare and the bans prohibiting trans children from sports, threaten the safety of trans folks. Being a good ally to trans people means actively supporting their rights, dignity, and well-being. This also means supporting trans authors and trans stories. "Detransition, Baby," by Torrey Peters, is a fictional story about Reese and Amy, who are in a loving relationship. Life seems to be going well for Reese until Amy de-transitions and becomes Ames. 

In this emotional story, Peters fearlessly explores the complexities and stigmatization of gender and sexuality. As one Goodreads reviewer put it: "There is hardly a page that won't cause somebody, somewhere to clutch their own personal pearls. Torrey has written right into all the hardest, least comfortable, often [cruelest] parts of the culture war over gender."

"The Well of Loneliness," by Radclyffe Hall, was first published in 1928, but was banned for being lewd, smutty, and lascivious. What was this book about, you ask? Well, a lesbian romance. Of course, we know sapphic love isn't lewd, smutty, and lascivious, but in the early 20th century, the majority of society didn't talk of such things, let alone write about them in a novel — which is why we applaud Radclyffe Hall. In a letter to their publisher, Hall warned him of the book's candor. "So far as I know nothing of the kind has ever been attempted before in fiction," Hall penned, which was quoted in the biography "Radclyffe Hall: A Woman Called John," by Sally Cline (via The Marginalian). 

The story follows Stephen, an educated aristocratic woman who embarks on wars and takes part in male-dominated sports. However, it's not acceptable to be such an independent woman sure of her own faculties and desires, not to mention gay. This book is fascinating, not just because of the story itself, but because of the cultural context in which it was written. "It should be MANDATORY that everyone reads this book," one reader asserted (via Goodreads).

Anne Lister shattered societal norms and defied the prescribed expectations of womanhood during a perilous era when being her true self carried significant risks. A remarkable figure of the 18th century, Lister was a frequent globetrotter but owned land in her hometown of Shibden in Yorkshire, England — the place of her family homestead, the famous Shibden Hall. 

More importantly, in this context, she was a proud lesbian. Of course, she never said the words publicly, but some people in her inner circle were aware of her sexuality which allowed her to meet other queer women on her travels. Her captivating life story, inspired the acclaimed television series "Gentleman Jack," immortalizes her indestructible spirit. On top of all that, Lister did the historic and lesbian community a solid by documenting her day-to-day life in her diaries, which we now have to digest 200 years later. As one reader praised: "I cannot recommend these diaries enough, especially if you're a lesbian" (via Goodreads).

"A Short History of Queer Women," by Kirsty Loehr, is exactly what it says on the tin! As the book's description on Goodreads says: "Queer women have always existed — let's put them back in the history books." History classes in school are often way too focused on men and war. Women, let alone queer women, seldom make an appearance unless they're the wife, sister, daughter, or mother of a famous historical man. When women do get the spotlight on them, however, it's usually a smaller description, a footnote in comparison to men's stories. But Loehr's fun little book gives us "herstory" seasoned with "women loving women" magic. 

"Not bogged down by tedious facts, this book encourages you to venture on a pursuit of knowledge by providing the reader with a basis of information on a large array of queer women, both known and unknown, and their notable movements and personal experience," a reviewer shared on Goodreads.