The best queer fiction books aren’t always found by browsing the shelves of your favorite store. Sometimes you stumble upon an article like this one.
Over the years, LGBTQIA+ representation in literature, especially fiction, has evolved. These unprecedented stories serve as a therapeutic outlet for both the readers who purchase them and the authors who create the relatable worlds within them.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, any display of sexual minorities in recreational settings was frowned upon. From the productions on our television screens to the music blaring from our MP3 players of the day, many people swore off the inclusion of the “unconventional” lifestyle as an impressionable stigma for entertainment.
Because of this, most of the material surrounding the community served educational purposes rather than mere entertainment. As the “Loud and Proud” culture emerged, articles about conversion therapy and religious values filled the media and markets, continuing to spread discriminatory narratives.
On the other side of society’s condemnation of homosexuality, however, were those who struggled with identity crises and found it difficult to come out to their parents or peers. For many, reading a novel was a necessary break from the stress of their everyday lives. The imaginative stories of the people behind the pen gave them a feeling of freedom.
Today, more and more authors are producing creative works in which they not only express the adversities our people have experienced, but also expand the boundaries of acceptance of homosexuals.
These are the best queer fiction books to cross off your reading list
Red, white and royal blue by Casey McQuiston
Written by Casey McQuiston, Red, white and royal blue follows the enemies-to-lovers romance between first son Alex Claremont-Diaz, whose mother is the President of the United States, and British royal Prince Henry. After a public feud hits the tabloids, the pair are forced to clean up their image by forging a media friendship, but ultimately fall in love. The film adaptation of the New York Times bestseller premiered last August and stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez.
The sweetness of water by Nathan Harris
Nathan Harris’ award-winning bestseller is Oprah’s book club favorite. The sweetness of waterrevolves around African-American brothers Prentiss and Landry near the end of the Civil War. After gaining their freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation, the siblings set out to earn and save money to travel north and reunite with their sold mother. Set in the fictional town of Old Ox, Georgia, the story also focuses on two gay Confederate soldiers whose forbidden relationship wreaks havoc when it is discovered.
Darling by Morgan Rogers
Author Morgan Rogers’ celebrated Darling tells the story of 28-year-old PhD student Grace Porter, who is about to finish her astronomy degree. After a girls’ trip to Las Vegas, she spontaneously marries a woman she doesn’t know. Grace is burned out and unfulfilled and is trying to find her place in the world because she doesn’t follow the plans of her protective father, who used to be in the military. Why as you navigate love, life, and everything in between.
True life by Brandon Taylor
Author: Brandon Taylor, True life is the coming-of-age story of a gay, introverted college student from Alabama. Set over one summer weekend, Taylor chronicles the life of main character Wallace, who attends a predominantly white university for his doctoral studies and goes through a series of groundbreaking experiences as a black, queer man in a Midwestern town. From close encounters to heartbreaking violence, Taylor’s tale of re-images on college campuses is a must-see. In 2020, it was announced that rapper Kid Cudi would star in the upcoming film adaptation.
Some girls do that by Jennifer Dugan
Jennifer Dugan’s contemporary romance novels for young adults Some girls do that documents the teenage track star Morgan, who moves from a private Catholic academy to a new high school. Once there, the openly queer athlete and the beauty queen/classic car expert Ruby catch each other’s eye. But over time, the two grow closer and their feelings grow stronger. Ruby struggles with the uncomfortable idea of coming out and living in her truth.
Which of these best queer fiction books will you check out? Comment below!
