10 Joyful Queer Books to Rejoice Pleasure Month

Completely satisfied Pleasure Month! You realize I like a superb LGBTQ+ ebook any day of the yr, however in June I get all overvalued on joyous queer vibes, and it makes me need to learn all the completely happy books. Historically, discovering joyful queer books has not at all times been the simplest factor to do. Even in 2019, books that discover the hardships and tragedies queer folks face nonetheless proliferate (with good cause, I do know). However there are additionally loads of completely happy, sappy, joyfully queer books about LGBTQ+ of us on the market, and I need to share a few of my favourite titles!

It is a very unscientific checklist—I attempted to choose books the place figuring out as LGBTQ+ was not a serious battle within the story, though it’s inconceivable to write down a ebook with none battle and id is messy and intersectional. I additionally wished to attract consideration to titles that actually rejoice the thought of being queer. As at all times, discovering titles written by and starring folks of coloration and transgender people is a problem, and one which publishing wants to repeatedly work to face. Most of those titles are YA, as a result of what can I say? YA has some actually nice, actually completely happy queer books!

You Know Me Properly by David Levithan and Nina LaCour

Written by two of the largest names in YA, this novel follows two teenagers, Mark and Kate, who meet for the primary time throughout San Francisco Pleasure. Mark is recovering from heartbreak whereas Kate is on the cusp of latest love. In the course of the course of 1 fateful week, the 2 forge a quick friendship and uncover the braveness to embrace love and life. This ebook stands out to me as a result of I feel that it’s the primary I bear in mind studying the place each character besides the mother and father of the protagonists establish as LGBTQ!

The Summer time of Jordi Perez (and the Finest Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding

If you happen to want the lightest, funniest, happiest romcom this month, then Amy Spalding has written the proper ebook for you. Abby is psyched to land the internship of her goals at a designer boutique in LA—however not so psyched when she learns she has to share the internship with Jordi Perez, a photographer whose sense of fashion is missing. However the extra time they spend collectively, Abby’s emotions about Jordi start to shift, till she’s received a mad crush on her. Being with Jordi means taking a leap of religion and trusting in a approach that Abby has by no means executed earlier than. I listened to this one on audio, and located myself grinning whereas doing the dishes and taking out the trash.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Prince Sebastian is in Paris to discover a bride—or a minimum of, his mother and father are. He’d a lot moderately spend time on his secret pastime—designing and sporting elaborate robes out in town as his alias, Girl Crystalia. And he manages it with the assistance of his dressmaker, Frances. The one downside is that Frances is trapped preserving Sebastian’s secret, and she or he’s received goals of her personal. It is a lovely, joyful ebook about taking dangers to be who you really are, popping out, and discovering acceptance.

Queer, There, and In all places: 23 Individuals Who Modified the World by Sarah Prager

It’s a typical false impression that there weren’t any queer folks all through historical past, and Sarah Prager cheerfully banishes it on this pleasant biography that profiles 23 folks all through historical past that had been very seemingly queer. Prager additionally explores how definitions and labels have advanced, and is cautious to not assume or maintain these historic figures to at this time’s requirements. The result’s an inspiring and affirming ebook that assures readers they’re a part of an extended historical past of queer individuals who have executed wonderful issues and lived full lives.

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke Allen, and Shannon Watters

If you happen to haven’t heard about how queer pleasant and feel-good the Lumberjanes comics are, you might be dwelling beneath a rock. Excellent for all ages, this comedian collection follows a gaggle of BFFs at a summer season camp that’s way more than it seems. Two of the women have a cute flirtation happening that blossoms into romance all through the collection. I like that Lumberjanes is targeted on friendship and acceptance!

Dying Prefers Blondes by Caleb Roehrig

What’s higher than a gaggle of teenagers pulling off daring heists whereas in drag? Socialite Margo Manning and her mates just do that, utilizing the proceeds of their jobs to fund higher causes. However when Margo’s previous catches up along with her, she and her mates are put in peril and must use all of their abilities to outlive. What I like about this ebook is that it’s unapologetically homosexual and fabulous, whereas additionally being a kickass journey and heist novel!

Actual Queer America: LGBT Tales from Purple States by Samantha Allen

When folks consider rural United States, “conservative” and “homophobic” could come to thoughts. However inside these states and small communities there are vibrant LGBTQ+ communities who’ve discovered methods to not simply survive, however thrive. Samantha Allen took a street journey throughout the U.S. in 2017, hitting up a variety of states and communities the place authorized protections and LGBTQ+ rights are in danger. In doing so, she sheds a lightweight on the struggles and triumphs of rural LGBTQ+ folks, and smashes misconceptions about how they stay. Half memoir, half journalism, and all coronary heart, this is a crucial ebook about queer communities at this time.

Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju

Nima is simply navigating by life when she stumbles upon a drag group throughout city. Thrust into the thrilling, glittering lifetime of drag kings and queens, and individuals who aren’t afraid to be themselves, Nima learns let go and settle for herself as she grows extra assured in who she is, not simply who she is drawn to. This ebook celebrates curiosity and discovering the braveness to discover new issues and determine who you actually are.

Moonstruck by Grace Ellis and Shae Beagle

For a queer story with a supernatural twist, choose up this nice comedian a couple of lesbian werewolf barista and her crush, who head out on a primary date to a magic present, solely to have a magician forged a spell on their finest buddy. To be able to save him, the couple should determine a strategy to break the spell. It is a cute all-ages comedian, and excellent when you love Lumberjanes!

Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

The one factor worse than not having superpowers will not be having superpowers and being the daughter of a few of the metropolis’s most well-known superheroes. That’s Jessica Tran’s destiny, till she decides to shake issues up a bit by taking a summer season internship with a supervillain. It’s nice (she will get to hang around along with her crush, Abby!) till Jessica uncovers a plot that places everybody—heroes and villains alike—in grave hazard.

What’s your favourite joyful queer ebook?

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