A book club is more than a place to talk about plot twists and character arcs; it’s a space for connection, curiosity, and conversation. The best reading lists entertain, challenge us, reflect real lives, and introduce voices that deserve to be heard. LGBTQ+ authors bring all that and more, offering stories of truth, complexity, and joy. Explore why every book club should read LGBTQ+ authors and how these stories can help your group grow together.
Why LGBTQ+ Stories Matter
Literature builds bridges between lives and lived experiences, and LGBTQ+ stories add a powerful dimension to those connections. These books invite readers to explore views that might be unfamiliar, offering windows into the joys, challenges, and everyday realities of queer and trans lives.
Books like All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson or Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters offer nuanced narratives often missing from mainstream shelves. Whether fictional or autobiographical, these stories foster empathy and understanding, sparking meaningful conversations that resonate far beyond the page.
For book clubs, that’s gold. LGBTQ+ literature invites dialogue around identity, community, belonging, love, and resilience. In other words, it opens the door for thoughtful discussions that bring members closer together while honoring the fullness of human experience.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Authors and the Stories They Tell
Reading LGBTQ+ books is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to support queer and trans storytellers—especially in a climate where LGBTQ+ books are increasingly challenged or censored. Purchasing these works, recommending them to friends, and requesting them at your local library pushes back against that trend and ensures these voices remain visible.
Want to go further? Share your favorite reads online, leave reviews, or follow authors on social media. Incorporating LGBTQ+ literature can even be a winning strategy for your non-profit organization, highlighting your commitment to equity, representation, and inclusive storytelling. Amplifying inclusive storytelling is a meaningful way to be an active ally to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Bringing LGBTQ+ Literature Into Your Book Club
Introducing LGBTQ+ books into your group doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Consider mixing genres and eras: read queer classics like Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin alongside contemporary favorites like On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.
Choose books that reflect a spectrum of identities, including trans, nonbinary, intersex, and queer people of color. Doing so guarantees a more inclusive reading list and a broader understanding of the diversity within LGBTQ+ communities.
Most importantly, make it a priority to create a space that encourages honest questions and values everyone’s voice. Encourage open-mindedness and mutual respect, and let the literature guide your growth together.
Final Thoughts
Why should every book club read LGBTQ+ authors? Reading LGBTQ+ authors transforms book clubs from reading circles into communities of learning, empathy, and celebration. These stories don’t just tell us something about others—they help us see what binds us together more clearly.
So, whether you’re new to LGBTQ+ literature or looking to expand your list, there’s no better time to begin than now. The more we read, the more we grow and show up for one another.