by Victoria Bromley and Charlie Fabre
While we support queer authors all year round, as it’s Pride month there is even more reason to celebrate LGBTQ+ writers. Here are some book recs to add to your Pride TBR.
Pride month is a time to celebrate queer art and creativity, so here are our favourite queer authors and the books we recommend you check out. From classics writer James Baldwin to Booker prize winner Douglas Stuart, there is breadth and different literary tastes on this list.
Adam Silvera
Yes, I am one of those people who read and loved They both die at the end before the hype. Ever since, I’ve become obsessed with Silvera’s YA love stories, from Rufus and Mateo to Ben and Arthur in What if it’s us (co written with Love, Simon author Becky Albertalli). There’s something so pure and heart wrenching about how Silvera writes gay relationships, it’s impossible not to be instantly infatuated with his characters.
Douglas Stuart
Booker prize winner Douglas Stuart needs no introduction, author of Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo. Recently, Dua Lipa has voiced her devotion for Shuggie Bain, creating Servie95, a literary newsletter of book recommendations as well as raising awareness for under the radar worldly issues. She has interviewed Stuart on how his childhood influenced his debut novel. Set in Glasgow, Shuggie battles with his identity and sexuality while living in poverty, surrounded by abuse and alcoholism, trying to break free into a world of safety and acceptance.
Nicola Ninan
Ninan’s debut novel Bellies is an honest and gut wrenching literary tale of transitioning and the consequences this has on existing romantic relationships and mental health. Set in London, Tom and Ming meet at a drag event and fall into an effortless relationship. But when Ming begins to make changes to her body, shaving facial hair which leads to laser hair removal, she realises that she is in the wrong body, and decides to transition. Being a playwriter, she channels her creative frustrations and inner battles into a play which reenacts her and Tom’s relationship.
James Baldwin
A classic and one of the most famous queer authors on this list, James Baldwin is a staple of LGBTQIA+ literature and an absolute hero. He was an openly gay man back in an era where the community was not welcomed with open arms, but he was unabashed about his sexuality. Baldwin is a master of literature and the stories he tells, each drawm from various aspects of his life, and he is an infinitely influential author in both queer and black spaces. There probably isn’t a queer black author today who hasn’t taken a page from Baldwin’s book at some point. If you want to get started with his work, I recommend the classic Giovanni’s Room.
Ocean Vuong
Incredibly touching and raw, Ocean Vuong is a rare poet who speaks directly from the heart with both absolute clarity and beautiful style. I first read On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Vuong which was my introduction to his work and that book is a punch to the gut. The nuances he is able to create while discussing his gay, immigrant, and American-Vietnamese identities makes for some truly incredible reading and sets him apart from the pack. His poetry is just as gorgeous as his prose, and it paints a very tender and real image of his life.
What are you reading this Pride month? We’d love to hear from you.
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