If there is something that makes us feel that they see us, understand us and accompany us, it is books. In its pages we find stories that reflect us, inspire us and remind us that we are not alone. LGTBIQ+ literature has grown enormously in recent years, with stories ranging from romance to historical fiction, through testimonies that shake our souls.
If you are looking for something to read, here is a selection of books that cannot be missing from your library. Some are classics, others are recent, but all have left their mark.
1. “Call me by your name” – André Aciman
If you saw the movie, you already know that this story is a gem. But the book is even deeper, more intense. The story of Elio and Oliver, with that first love as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, is a must for those who enjoy romances that leave you with your heart in your mouth.
2. “The Song of Achilles” – Madeline Miller
A modern classic that reinvents Greek mythology. Here, the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is the center of the story, told with a beauty that captivates you from the first page. If you like epic stories with love, tragedy and a lot of emotion, this book is for you.
3. “Orlando” – Virginia Woolf
A book ahead of its time. Woolf introduces us to Orlando, a gender-bending character who lives across the centuries, challenging social norms and exploring identity in a poetic and intelligent way. An essential classic.
4. “An Education” – Tara Westover
This is a memoir that, although it does not focus exclusively on LGTBIQ+ themes, has a perspective that resonates with many queer people. The author tells us her story of self-discovery and improvement in an extremely conservative family environment. A powerful and necessary story.
5. “Let yourself go” – Casey McQuiston
If you liked Red, White and Blue Blood, you can’t miss this story. With a touch of magic and queer romance, McQuiston gives us a novel full of sharp dialogue, charming characters, and a plot that keeps you glued to the pages.
6. “Middlesex” – Jeffrey Eugenides
This book is a masterpiece. It tells the story of Cal, an intersex character who grows up in a Greek-American family full of secrets. It is a novel that mixes history, identity and self-discovery with a spectacular narrative.
7. “The bad ones” – Camila Sosa Villada
A fictional testimony about the lives of trans women in Argentina. Camila Sosa Villada immerses us in a raw, beautiful and poetic story, with prose that leaves its mark. It is not a light read, but it is a necessary one.
8. “Cousin Beto and his boyfriend” – Eduardo Mendicutti
Humor, tenderness and social criticism in a single book. Mendicutti has a unique way of telling stories, and here he introduces us to Beto, an endearing character who shows us the life of a young gay man in the Spain of the Transition.
9. “I sing and the mountain dances” – Irene Solà
It is not an LGTBIQ+ novel per se, but its sensitivity and the diversity of voices it presents make it stand out. Solà’s narrative is pure poetry, and her queer characters are treated with a naturalness that moves.
10. “Stone Butch Blues” – Leslie Feinberg
A classic of queer literature. This book tells the story of Jess Goldberg, a butch person in the United States of the 1960s and 1970s, exploring gender identity, struggle, and resistance. It is a strong book, but also transformative.
Stories that matter
Literature is a refuge. It allows us to travel, live other lives and better understand the world around us. And, above all, it reminds us that our stories deserve to be told. Which of these books have you read? Which ones would you add to the list?
