Like so many other artistic mediums, literature too has played an incredibly important role in documenting stories about the LGBTQ+ community.
This Pride Month, Talking Teesside has collaborated with members of the University’s LGBTQ+ Focus Group to bring you a list of 6 LGBTQ+ books to add to your reading list.
1. The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes
This book documents the fascinating life of Ewan Forbes, a Scottish transgender doctor whose troubling treatment by the British political and legal systems still has far-reaching effects on trans rights today.
2. To My Trans Sisters
A wonderful, uplifting compilation of letters from a variety of different trans women and femmes, imparting their own life lessons and collected wisdom to their community. A brilliant read for anyone wanting a bit of inspiration!
3. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
This book follows a secret coven of witches from their 90s adolescence in Hebden Bridge to present-day civil unrest in the witching community. It wonderfully weaves together themes of gender identity, friendship, and the corrupting nature of power. It’s part of a trilogy.
4. Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
This powerful coming-of-age novel was a gripping read. It centres around the character Jesse as he navigates his racial and sexual identities amidst his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing and the enduring legacy of the Windrush generation.
5. Hunger by Roxane Gay
This is an extraordinary and intimate memoir that explores the emotional and psychological struggles with desire, denial, food, and body image.
6. My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
Set in 1950s Brighton, this book portrays an intricate romantic triangle, and we loved its movie adaptation too.
7. Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood
This book captures the decadence and repression of 1930s Berlin at the tense dawn of the Second World War.
8. Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale
Our final book group pick is an anthology that features the experiences of 19 trans, non-binary, agender, gender-fluid and intersex writers.
They share their personal perspectives on Gender Euphoria – a feeling of elation, confidence, pride, and freedom that emerges from coming out.
What else should we be reading? Drop your book recommendations in the comments…