It's OK to be Different is a beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book that celebrates the unique qualities of all children. Through its simple yet powerful message of kindness and diversity, it en...
Whose Toes Are Those? is a vibrant, playful board book that celebrates the adorable little toes of a beautiful brown baby. This interactive book is a great way to introduce the classic game of "This L...
Stalwart is the second book in the Character Bleed series and it's a thrilling ride of love, secrets, and suspense. It follows Jason Mirelli and Colby Kent, two actors who have unexpectedly fallen for...
Seaworthy (Character Bleed Book 1) is an epic motion picture about a gay Napoleonic War love story. It follows the story of Jason Mirelli, an action star who is looking for a role to prove himself as ...
The Song of Achilles: A Novel is an epic retelling of the classic story of Achilles and the Trojan War. Written by bestselling author Madeline Miller, this thrilling novel is a captivating and profoun...
Steadfast (Character Bleed Book 3) is a romantic love story that follows the passionate journey of Jason Mirelli and Colby Kent. After confessing their love to the world, the two are back at work and ...
We Deserve Monuments" is an essential read for anyone who wants to explore the complexities of racism and the power of love. Written by Jas Hammonds, this YA debut novel is a gripping and thought-prov...
Riverdale meets Stranger Things in this debut queer YA graphic novel, developed from a hit webcomic. Set in the haunted town of Blackwater, Maine, two boys fall for each other as they dig for clues ...
A Veil of Gods and Kings: Apollo Ascending Book 1 is an exciting new NA Fantasy series that takes readers on a thrilling journey. The story follows Apollo, a deity almost, who is half mortal and refus...
Just by Looking at Him: A Novel is a funny, tender, and beautiful story about Elliott, a gay TV writer with cerebral palsy, who is struggling with addiction and searching for acceptance in an ableist ...
Ophelia After All is a heartwarming and hilarious YA debut novel by author Racquel Marie. The story follows Ophelia Rojas, a teen girl navigating the end of high school, the fracturing of her once-sol...
Out of Character: A Rivals LGBTQIA New Adult (True Colors Book 2) is the perfect read for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue and The Pros of Cons. This LGBTQIA+ romance follows ex-best-friends Jasper Qui...
"Wholly original and captivating." - Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of A Curse So Dark and LonelyGirls team up to overthrow the kingdom in this unique and powerful retelling of C...
The Gardener is a humorous and emotional roller coaster of a novel about Adam, an introvert who prefers plants to people. He lives alone in a Victorian house, tending to his impressive garden and read...
Honey Girl: A Novel is an emotional and heartfelt debut novel from author Morgan Rogers. Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, Ms. Magazine, E!, Parade Magazine, Buzzfeed, Co...
Out of Character is a queer, body-positive love story by debut author Jenna Miller. It follows seventeen-year-old Cass Williams, an overweight lesbian who is obsessed with the Tide Wars books. What no...
The Best Man's Problem is the second book in the Navarros series by Harlequin Special Edition. In this book, Rafael Navarro is faced with the difficult task of reconnecting with the man he kissed in a...
Breaking Character" is a romantic comedy about two women who are forced to pretend to be in a relationship to get what they both want. Elizabeth Thornton is an icy British A-lister who stars in a top-...
The Ones We Burn is an instant New York Times bestseller, a young adult debut about a witch whose dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war between the only family she’s ever known and the ...
Representation in media plays a crucial role in shaping society's viewpoints on certain topics. The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in books has been a topic of discussion for many years. Many people struggle to find books with proper representation of the LGBTQ+ community. This is why we have compiled a list of valuable tips to assist you in your search for books with LGBTQ+ characters.
1. Research
Before purchasing a book, it is recommended that you conduct thorough research on the author, publisher, and the themes of the story. It's a good idea to read reviews from other people who have read the book. Reviews can provide insight into the author's writing style and the characters. Keep in mind that while reviews can be helpful, they can also be biased or influenced by personal opinions. Additionally, research the publishing company to ensure they are LGBTQ+ friendly and support the community.2. Check the Labels
Many books that include LGBTQ+ characters include labels indicating that the book is LGBTQ+ friendly. These labels can include LGBT, LGBTQ+, queer, or any other similar term. Additionally, books that include LGBTQ+ characters will often have a disclaimer on the back cover or inside the front cover that includes a trigger warning or a content warning. This warning will tell you if the book contains any explicit or graphic content that may not be appropriate for all readers.3. Look for Diversity
When searching for books with LGBTQ+ characters, it's important to look for diversity in the characters portrayed. Diversity includes representation of different races, genders, and sexual orientations. This will allow readers to connect with characters who have different experiences and worldviews than their own. Books that showcase diversity also provide better representation for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.4. Identify the Genre
Books with LGBTQ+ characters can fall into many different genres, including romance, young adult, fantasy, and memoir. Identifying the genre of the book can help you determine whether it is something you would be interested in reading. Additionally, understanding the genre can help prepare you for any tropes or stereotypes that may appear in the story.5. Support Independent Bookstores
Many independent bookstores specialize in LGBTQ+ fiction and can provide valuable recommendations. These bookstores are also an excellent resource to discover new authors and titles that may not be as popular or mainstream. Supporting independent bookstores can also support the LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe space for people to purchase and browse books.6. Pay Attention to the Author's Identity
It's important to know the identity of the author writing the book with LGBTQ+ content. An author's identity can indicate whether they have personal experience discussing LGBTQ+ themes and whether they provide an accurate representation of the community. Additionally, understanding an author's identity can provide insight into their writing style and lyrical themes.7. Connect With Other Readers
Reading can be a solitary activity, but that doesn't mean you should read alone. Connecting with other readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ literature can provide valuable recommendations and comradery. Social media platforms like Goodreads and Twitter provide excellent resources to connect with other readers and discover new authors and titles.8. Don't Limit Yourself
Don't limit yourself to books that exclusively deal with LGBTQ+ themes. Including LGBTQ+ characters in various genres can provide better representation for the community. Some books may have subtle or understated representation of the LGBTQ+ community, while others may portray characters in a more explicit manner. Exploring different genres can lead to discovering underrepresented characters and experiences.Conclusion
Finding books with LGBTQ+ characters is not always an easy task, but these valuable tips can help simplify the process. These tips can provide insight into the different genres and themes of LGBTQ+ literature and allow readers to discover new authors and diverse characters. Remember to research, identify diverse books, pay attention to author identity, and connect with other readers. Ultimately, finding books that accurately represent the LGBTQ+ community is essential in providing representation and diversity in literature.Related Topics You Might Like
