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Introduction

To celebrate Pride month, Casper and Joel have picked out the best non fiction LGBT+ books you should read! There is a wide range of genres from academic to biographies. There will be something for everyone!

Casper’s Picks

Being LGBT can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the community, or still figuring who you are. Here’s a list of the best non-fiction LGBT books you have to read! I’ve tried to cover all aspects of the community with this list, so I’ll maximise the number of people I’m helping!

1. This Book Is Gay – Juno Dawson

This book is gay is an in-depth look at what it’s like to be LGBT, along with some helpful terms that you may not know about the others within the community. All with a cracking sense of humour and helpful diagrams. Juno is my trans icon. You’ll soon understand why if you read this gem of a book.

2. Yay! You’re Gay! Now what? – Riyadh Khalaf

This book covers everything from how to come out, to online dating, to a guide for how to have sex for the first time. This is the book I wish that I read when I first came out as a gay male. I feel like I have learnt a lot more about cis gay people and how to navigate the dating world. There’s even a section for parents who are struggling to accept their child! Not one for younger readers, but certainly one for every gay teen.

3. The Trans Teen Survival Guide – Owl and Fox Fisher

Although I got this book as an adult, I have found it incredibly helpful, it covers everything there is to know about being trans and how to navigate early adulthood. Binding tips, and how to come out at school, everything! This book would be the perfect coming out gift for a trans teenager who has just come out, and honestly, it’s the book I needed when I was growing up, I’m so glad that it exists.

4. More Than Two – Eve Rickert, Franklin Veaux

Polyamory means a relationship with more than two partners, whether this is 3 people who date each other or two people who date other people. My partner is poly, and before reading this book I knew nothing about it or how to navigate our relationship without jealousy. Thanks to this book, I have realized that we are no different from a monogamous couple, and I understand how to navigate a poly relationship with little problems. This is a must-read for anyone who knows anyone poly or is thinking about testing non-monogamy. (Not for younger readers)

Joel’s Picks

My picks are aimed more at an adult audience since I came out as an adult and therefore read most of LGBT as an adult. There is a wide range of books, from academic and purely factual books to biographies. Here are The BEST Non Fiction LGBT+ Books You Should Read!

1. Whipping Girl: a transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of feminity – Julia Serano

If someone asks me for an LGBT+ book, or a book on Feminism, or a book on Sexism I ALWAYS recommend this book. It’s was my primer on a lot of my education into those issues. While it’s academic in tone, Serano manages to break down the issues in digestible bites. I don’t know what else I can say to convey my love for this book. Just read it, seriously!

2. Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock’s Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout – Laura Jane Grace

Laura Jane Grace came out as Trans in 2012 when she was 31. Heading one of the most iconic punk groups of the last 10 years “Against Me!”. This is an autobiography all about being a young punk, touring and struggling with your gender identity on top of everything. Laura really makes you feel her struggle throughout this story, whether it’s dealing with police brutality at age 15 or watching her bandmates being transphobic before she transitioned. Even if you aren’t interested in her music, this is a great Trans autobiography and belongs on all LGBT+ bookshelves.

3. Queer: A Graphic History (Introducing…) – Meg-John Barker & Jules Scheele

This is an informal look at the history of LGBT+ and Queer culture. This Graphic Novel touches on issues such as identity politics, gender roles, privilege and exclusion. This book is great for teen/young adult audiences who want to learn the history of the LGBT+ movement.

4. The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality – Julie Sondra Decker

This book is 101 on all things to do with Asexuality. If you know someone who’s asexual, or you think you might be, or you’re just interested… this is the book for you. In this book, Decker outlines what Asexuality is, counters misconceptions provides resources and puts asexual people’s experiences into context as they move through a sexualised world. This is the book I’ve given people to help them understand my Asexuality and it really helped.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found something you really want to pick up and read in these recommendations. Tell us if you’ve read any of these or if you want to on the Chewigem facebook page. As always if you need support you can join our free support group!