Looking to learn more about LGBTQIA+ lives, stories, and struggles? This non-fiction reading list brings together powerful voices from our communities. Whether you’re starting your journey or deepening your understanding, these books offer honesty, hope, and real-world insight from people who’ve lived it.
Memoirs & Identity
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Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family – Amy Ellis Nutt
A moving story of gender identity, love, and family resilience. -
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World – Alan Downs
A deeply reflective look at the emotional struggles many gay men face. -
The Black Unicorn – Audre Lorde
A groundbreaking poetry collection by the iconic Black lesbian feminist poet. -
The Gendered Brain – Gina Rippon
A scientific exploration dismantling gender myths in brain research. -
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue – Nicholas M. Teich
A beginner-friendly introduction to transgender lives and issues.
💬 Sexuality & Relationships
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Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life – Emily Nagoski
A transformative read on sexual wellness, pleasure, and identity. -
The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Adventures – Dossie Easton & Janet Hardy
A thoughtful and practical guide to non-monogamy and sexual freedom. -
The Family Outing – Jessie Hempel
A memoir about coming out, healing, and family transformation.
📚 Queer Theory & Activism
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Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity – Judith Butler
A foundational text in queer theory challenging binary gender systems. -
The Queer Art of Failure – Jack Halberstam
A philosophical exploration of failure as a tool of queer resistance. -
Transgender Rights – Paisley Currah, Shannon Price, Susan Stryker
A political and historical overview of the transgender rights movement. -
Queer: A Graphic History – Meg-John Barker & Julia Scheele
A graphic novel that makes complex queer theory accessible and engaging.
🧒🏾 Children’s Books
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And Tango Makes Three – Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
A true story of two male penguins raising a baby together. -
Heather Has Two Mommies – Lesléa Newman
One of the first children’s books to feature a family with two moms. -
The Family Book – Todd Parr
A vibrant celebration of all kinds of families, including queer ones. -
I Am Jazz – Jazz Jennings & Jessica Herthel
A picture book about Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl, and her journey.
Download the PDF version of this list below.
