Pride: The Importance of Queer Stories

“I often wonder what I’d do if there weren’t any books in the world.” – James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

Reading queer stories, whether it’s romance, or horror, or literary fiction, always feels like coming home. A place to rest, to unwind after a long day, and be truly, utterly myself. I find comfort in seeing pieces of myself in book characters, their feelings sometimes the same as my own. And I know I am not the only one in my community who feels the same way I do.

LGBTQ+ writers have been telling queer stories for millennia—from Ancient Greece to now, we have works from the likes of Sappho, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, James Baldwin, and hundreds more. Their stories have pushed against the norms of literature, putting their own lives at risk to speak their truths.

It’s important, especially now, to read these stories. To take your time and submerse yourself in queer culture, to learn about our history, and how it affects us as a society. I compiled a list of books that can be added to your TBR, whether you’re a fantasy, horror, or fiction fan.

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

For those who don’t know where to start in their LGBTQ+ reading journey, I highly suggest Giovanni’s Room. Baldwin writes about an American named David, left alone in 1950s Paris as he begins an affair with an Italian bartender named Giovanni, and explores sexuality and race, social alienation, and identity.

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H

Another great title to pick up is this memoir, written by a hijabi queer Muslim immigrant. This book also deals with queer identity, both sexuality and gender, and relates experiences in her life to famous stories in the Quran.

Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

If you enjoy horror, this debut novel exploring love and grief is exceptional. Following a mother and father who recently lost a child, the grieving mother cuts out a piece of her deceased son’s lung, feeding and caring for it until it becomes an exact replica of her son. As one of my favorite queer stories, I highly suggest this one!

 A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

Or if you prefer romantasy, this high fantasy novel will exceed your expectations. A prince, who can touch-taste metals, and a bodyguard who can barely stand him must investigate a break-in at one of their guilds. The prose and world-building are breathtaking, and the characters are complex and loveable.

Challenge yourself this Pride Month by adding a LGBTQ+ book to your TBR—it’ll open more wonderful stories for you to enjoy and devour.

Alycia is a librarian at OCLS