31 Books That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, & Learn This Pride Month

"Hijab Butch Blues" is an LGBTQ+ memoir written by Lamya H. The story follows a teenage Lamya as she explores her sexuality within the context of Muslim culture, providing readers with a unique and insightful perspective. While reading the Quran, Lamya finds connections between her own queer narrative and the stories of prominent figures in Islam's holy book. 

This memoir compellingly illustrates that LGBTQ+ individuals have a rightful place within Muslim culture. While most religions generally reject queer people, this book challenges that by drawing a clear similarity between personal discovery, such as queerness, and theological teachings. "I ... enjoyed the parallels she drew between her faith and stories from the Quran to her own life," one reviewer wrote on Goodreads.

"The Pride Atlas: 500 Iconic Destinations for Queer Travelers," by Maartje Hensen, is an educational nonfiction travel book specifically created for the LGBTQ+ community. Queer people often face unique risks and challenges when traveling, which is why this travel guide is so helpful. In many parts of the world, discriminatory laws, cultural prejudices, and lack of legal protections can make LGBTQ+ individuals more vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, and even violence.

Accompanied by vibrant photography, this book serves as a comprehensive resource, showcasing a multitude of historical landmarks significant to the LGBTQ+ community, including renowned sites like Stonewall. It also highlights safe destinations for queer individuals to explore and provides a valuable guide for those interested in understanding queer culture across the globe. Who knows, maybe romance is on the horizon for you in one of Hensen's queer-safe destinations. As one reviewer expressed on Goodreads: "I'm not much of a traveler but I thought this was a great guide and it's made me want to visit so many places for the (q)ueer history and community."

"The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football" is an emotional memoir penned by R.K. Russell, a trailblazing figure in professional football, accomplished writer, and passionate advocate. Russell made history by becoming the first openly bisexual active NFL player, a momentous event that reverberated throughout the sports realm.

Amidst the current heightened discussions on biphobia, Russell's memoir emerges as a significant representation of bisexuality, providing valuable insights into the personal journey of a bisexual man. "There are bisexual+ people who come to the queer community finally expecting acceptance and understanding. In its place though, they often are faced with biphobia — a dislike or prejudice against bisexual people," wrote Suryatapa Mukherjee in an article for Vice. Biphobia exists not only in mainstream society and masculine-dominated spaces such as sports but also within the LGBTQ+ community itself, making "The Yards Between Us" a must-read for both bisexual and non-bisexual people. 

"The Skin and Its Girl," by Sarah Cypher, is a powerful novel that immerses readers in the captivating story of Betty, a Palestinian-American woman on a transformative quest to unravel the concealed truths of her great aunt. Through this compelling narrative, the book threads a rich tapestry of a family saga, delving into profound themes of sexual identity and ancestral heritage. 

As Betty delves into her great aunt's past, she discovers startling parallels to her own life, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting the complexities that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, like that of her aunt's. "Cypher is able to weave fact and myth together in a way that is absolutely phenomenal," wrote one pleased Goodreads reviewer. "Through heartbreak and laughter, we learn the story of the [family] and their lives in both Palestine and America."

"Dykette," by Jenny Fran Davis, is perfect for anyone looking for funny LGBTQ+ content. While many queer stories focus on the challenges of navigating life as "other" in mainstream society, it's important to remember that queerness has its successful and light-hearted stories too. 

Davis' debut novel follows a sexually adventurous young gay woman, Sasha, and her equally carnal partner, Jesse, on a 10-day trip with an older lesbian couple. Add a third couple and it's the queer melting pot we all deserve! However, after a few days of secrets and confessions, things get complicated for the three couples, and jealousy and rage ensue. "Dykette totally took me for a spin and I enjoyed every page of it!" one reviewer said (via Goodreads). "It feels written for queer readers and doesn't shy away from more nuanced aspects of queer identity and culture."

We love historical lesbian romances, and "The Disenchantment" by Celia Bell satiates our hunger for more. In Paris during the 1600s, two noblewomen embark on the romantic ride of their life, that ultimately comes at the price of their freedom.  

The novel explores witchcraft, female scholars, and characters who defy traditional gender norms, giving us everything to appease our desire for historical feminist stories. As stated by one Goodreads reviewer: "It's difficult to believe this is a debut, so strong is the storytelling, characterization and ambiance."

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a total page-turner. While it's not completely obvious from the hetero title, this historical fiction novel is a sapphic staple. Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Hollywood movie star in the 1960s. We know that she had seven husbands ... so why is this a lesbian chronicle? Well, when we think of people concealing their sexuality in history, they often married to deter wagging tongues from speculating. In order to keep herself safe in Hollywood, the protagonist embarks on seven marriages, each nuptial representing a specific time in the movie star's life. 

This book will make you laugh, cry, and learn, particularly regarding the trials and tribulations of navigating queer life in the 20th century. "This right here. This is why I read," said one happy Goodreads reviewer. "For the joy and privilege of coming across an exquisite story like this and being swept up in its magic."

"Rubyfruit Jungle," the debut novel by Rita Mae Brown, holds a significant place in literary history. Originally published in 1973, the book was notable for its unabashed depiction of lesbianism, breaking barriers, and defying societal norms of the time. A coming-of-age story, the protagonist Molly Bolt always knew she was gay, but when she's found out to be involved with her college roommate, she's sent to a psychiatric ward. Eventually, Bolt leaves the hospital and heads for New York, where her identity can fully flourish. 

"I read this book the year it was published. I was a young woman of 21, and it was during a time when it was still considered shocking, by most of mainstream straight America, to be gay," one Goodreads reviewer recalls. The book still speaks to present-day audiences too with one younger-generation reviewer writing on Goodreads: "Molly, who never accepts an answer or will be told what to do, and kicks against all her disadvantages and the bigotry facing her. ... [The book] was funny too."

After being mistakenly declared dead during battle, Viola Carroll seizes the chance to authentically live life as her true self, embracing her identity as a transgender woman. Freed from the confines of societal expectations, Viola embraces her newfound liberation but leaves behind her wealth and title.

Years later, she reconnects with her long-lost friend, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood, who is grieving the loss of Viola. But can they pick up where they left off all those years before? This historical romance novel has readers buzzing with excitement, with one reviewer calling it a "comfort read" that "brings historical queer characters to life and lets people back then accept queer family and friends so easily" (via Goodreads).

In the vibrant setting of San Antonio, Texas, Mexican-American teenager Ander Martínez finds their life deeply influenced by their rich Spanish heritage. Balancing work at their family's restaurant and aspirations for college, their world takes an unexpected turn when a charming Mexican waiter, Santiago López Alvarado, enters the scene.

As Ander and Santiago navigate their passion for each other, their journey intertwines with the harsh reality of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that threatens to deport Santiago. This emotional novel delves into profound themes of LGBTQ+ love, the complexities of immigration challenges, and the celebration of cultural diversity. "One of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful love stories that I've ever had the privilege of reading," stated a reviewer on Goodreads.

"Red, White & Royal Blue," by Casey McQuiston, is the gay royal romance mainstream society needs. Although the possibility of queer love among present-day royals is controversial — because many authentic identities are hidden behind heteronormativity — history was actually ripe with LGBTQ+ stories of passion within palaces, such as the 14th-century King Edward II of England who became enthralled by the English nobleman, Piers Gaveston. "When [King Edward II] gazed upon him, he straightaway felt so much love for him that he entered into a covenant of brotherhood with him," according to a firsthand account at the time (via NBC News). However, McQuiston brings beautiful queer love to modern royals in this boy-meets-boy rom-com. 

When Alex Claremont-Diaz, the President's son, has to befriend Prince Henry of England to maintain public relations between America and Britain, neither guy is thrilled. However, eventually, their exasperation for each other turns into attraction. One reviewer comments how the book has "the best side characters, fantastic friendships, so much humor, tons of angst, a great meet cute" (via Goodreads).

In 2013, Lori Duron captivated readers with her heartfelt and humorous memoir, "Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son." Within the pages of this book, Duron invites us into her family's world, shining a light on their experience raising their gender-creative son, C.J. With unconditional love and acceptance, the Duron family celebrates C.J.'s vibrant spirit and embraces his journey of self-discovery in a society that often fails to understand or accept gender nonconforming people. 

Through her candid storytelling, Duron sheds light on the privilege and responsibility of nurturing a gender-nonconforming child, challenging societal judgments and stereotypes along the way. As an extension of the "Raising My Rainbow" blog, this memoir serves as a testament to the power of support, celebration, and pride in creating an environment where every child can flourish authentically. "This book does a great job of showcasing the real-life journey of being a parent," one reviewer admitted, per Goodreads. "We, as readers, desperately want her to find the answers to these questions, but of course it's never that easy. Fortunately, we do get to learn from her trial and error."

While many conservative groups mock "woke" culture, being well-informed and educated cannot be overstated. In Blair Imani's book "Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More," we learn exactly that! Born out of the influential "Smarter in Seconds" vlog, this book beckons readers to immerse themselves in diverse experiences that cannot be assumed but learned through active listening and genuine acknowledgment.

Through her teachings, Imani delves into topics such as race, culture, class distinctions, social justice, sexism, and disability, while also serving as a compassionate guide through the intricate landscape of LGBTQ+ issues. "I may have known about many of these topics but I found it was still knowledgeable for me to learn about them in-depth, get more comfortable with inclusive language, understand the ways we might have been causing harm [until] now and how to unlearn such things so that we can be better in the future," one Goodreads reviewer acknowledged.

"Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders" transcends its categorization as a children's book, offering an educational experience for readers of all ages. With mesmerizing illustrations by Cheryl Thuesday, the creators skillfully bring to life the remarkable journey of Marsha P. Johnson, an influential American LGBTQ+ activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall riots. In all, the book introduces readers to 14 essential LGBTQ+ figures, including Sylvia Rivera and Harvey Milk, who advocated for the rights of their community. "I love the historical figures that were chosen to be in this book, it's a great introduction for young audiences to learn about queer history, and to normalize that queer people are everywhere," one Goodreads reviewer expressed.

Bonus book: Prager is also the author of "Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History" — a gripping book with colorful illustrations detailing the many folks who paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community.  

"The Well of Loneliness," by Radclyffe Hall, was first published in 1928, but was banned for being lewd, smutty, and lascivious. What was this book about, you ask? Well, a lesbian romance. Of course, we know sapphic love isn't lewd, smutty, and lascivious, but in the early 20th century, the majority of society didn't talk of such things, let alone write about them in a novel — which is why we applaud Radclyffe Hall. In a letter to their publisher, Hall warned him of the book's candor. "So far as I know nothing of the kind has ever been attempted before in fiction," Hall penned, which was quoted in the biography "Radclyffe Hall: A Woman Called John," by Sally Cline (via The Marginalian). 

The story follows Stephen, an educated aristocratic woman who embarks on wars and takes part in male-dominated sports. However, it's not acceptable to be such an independent woman sure of her own faculties and desires, not to mention gay. This book is fascinating, not just because of the story itself, but because of the cultural context in which it was written. "It should be MANDATORY that everyone reads this book," one reader asserted (via Goodreads).

"A Short History of Queer Women," by Kirsty Loehr, is exactly what it says on the tin! As the book's description on Goodreads says: "Queer women have always existed — let's put them back in the history books." History classes in school are often way too focused on men and war. Women, let alone queer women, seldom make an appearance unless they're the wife, sister, daughter, or mother of a famous historical man. When women do get the spotlight on them, however, it's usually a smaller description, a footnote in comparison to men's stories. But Loehr's fun little book gives us "herstory" seasoned with "women loving women" magic. 

"Not bogged down by tedious facts, this book encourages you to venture on a pursuit of knowledge by providing the reader with a basis of information on a large array of queer women, both known and unknown, and their notable movements and personal experience," a reviewer shared on Goodreads.