Welcome to our Pride Month reading guide!
We're thrilled to share this curated list that pays tribute to LGBTQIA+ relationships as portrayed in the world of books. Our intention is to celebrate diversity, support inclusivity, and embrace the full spectrum of love and connection.
In this reading guide we're showcasing stories that reflect the unique experiences, challenges, joys, and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ relationships. We have collected a variety of novels, memoirs, poetry, and essays, each with the power to open hearts, stimulate minds, and inspire dialogue about the wide range of LGBTQIA+ love stories.
These narratives, by authors who either identify within the LGBTQIA+ community or ally themselves with it, span across different cultures, eras, and genres. Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, or a passionate reader seeking to broaden your understanding of diverse relationships, we believe there's something in this guide for you.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Giovanni’s Room explores themes of identity, sexuality, and societal constraint in 1950s Paris. The story follows the David, an American expatriate, who, despite his engagement to a woman, finds himself entangled in a passionate relationship with an Italian bartender named Giovanni.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
This story navigates the intense relationship between Miri and Leah, diving into the realm of surreal as Leah, a deep-sea scientist, literally becomes a part of the ocean she studies. Armfield expertly blends reality with magical realism, creating a haunting narrative that probes the elasticity of grief and the transformative power of love.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
A bold coming-of-age novel told in verse, following the life of Michael, a mixed-race gay teenager in London. Throughout the book, Michael embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring his identity, sexuality, and the intersections of being Black and gay. When he goes to university, he finds his voice and self-expression through the liberating power of drag, ultimately embracing his individuality as 'The Black Flamingo’.
The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch
In a non-linear narrative mirroring the ebb and flow of memory and trauma, Yuknavitch unflinchingly tackles her experiences with abuse, addiction, profound loss, as well as her attraction to both men and women. This story, woven with strands of pain and resilience, underscores the complexities of bisexuality and the human capacity for rebirth amidst life's storms.
Homie by Danez Smith
A powerful collection of poems that beautifully captures the essence of friendship, love, and identity within the context of their Black, queer life. Smith's verse navigates the trials and triumphs of platonic and romantic relationships, underscoring the vitality of companionship in a world fraught with systemic oppression and personal grief.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
A work of science fiction that reimagines China’s only female emperor, Wu Zetian, in a futuristic world. The novel explores the polyamorous relationship between the protagonist Zetian, the formidable and powerful pilot Li Shimin, and the gentle but strong Gao Yizhi.
What are your favourite LGBTQIA+ reads? Let us know on Instagram at @relate_charity.