The best LGBTQ+ books to read for Global Pride Day

Pride Month is coming to an end and though we won’t be able to celebrate the way we normally would by taking to the streets to celebrate all things queer, there are still a number of ways you can carry the spirit of Pride into the rest of the year.

We reached out to some of our favourite creatives and influencers for some suggestions on the best books from queer writers about LGBTQIA+ issues and perspectives.

Whether you belong to one of these communities yourself and want to engage with literature you can relate to, or whether you’re cisgender and/or heterosexual and just want to expand your palate, there’s bound to be something you can add to your reading list.

Happy Pride!

I recently had the huge pleasure of interviewing Dustin; in preparation, I read this book and was utterly blown away by it. I have an extensive LGBTQ+ library at home but I wanted to recommend Mama’s Boy, as I am a Mama’s Girl. Even though we had such different upbringings there were real similarities and it really resonated with me. It is a beautiful, poignant and hopeful book. – Suzi Ruffell

Suzi Ruffell is an award-winning comedian. Follow her here.

This short read for bisexual or bi-curious women is absolutely hilarious, relatable, sexy and honest. It tells the (true) story of a woman who goes between sexual partners of different genders and is confused about where she sits on the LGBTQ spectrum. This feeling of not knowing where we fit in our community is unfortunately so relatable for every bisexual person. It is such a validating read and makes me feel proud to be bi. – Florence Given

Florence Given is a social activist and author of Women Don’t Owe You Pretty (Octopus Publishing Group, £12.99). Buy it here.

For any black and brown masculine-presenting people, Outside the XY is a must read. Turning each page of this anthology manages to eke out feelings of returning home and finding long-lost family. It resonated with me in so many ways when I was in a difficult place with my gender identity, and it felt so validating to see myself and my experiences reflected. Having all of our voices amplified, as trans-masculine and butch people of colour is the most affirming and welcoming experience – all in one book. – Ashton Attsz

Ashton Attsz is a London-based artist and designer. Follow them here.

For me, as a Black trans person coming into myself and my own, I continue to learn that these parts of my identities are at odds. Snorton allows me to see the power in knowing and being aware of my history, and how they intertwine. The text blew up what I thought I knew and helped me imagine something deeper. – Travis Alabanza

Travis Alabanza is a performance artist, poet and writer. Follow them here.

If Rumi teaches us the realities, muses and pains of ‘loving’, Travis teaches us the realities, muses and pains of ‘existing.’ This book is love, vulnerability and compassion. A must read, if not must own, for anyone who identifies, loves or knows a person from the LGBTQIA+ community. – Sadie Sinner

Sadie Sinner is a producer, performer and founder of the Cocoa Butter Club. Follow her here.