Pride Month at the Library

Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians from Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library.

Diversity in fiction is important. Seeing oneself, friends, and family in the pages has a huge impact on self-worth, self-esteem and feeling like part of the community. Further, diversity in fiction increases respect, tolerance and acceptance of others. The library, a free, safe and open space is, for many, a logical place to start in finding diverse titles. In honor of June being Pride month, here is a small selection of titles featuring LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) characters. Various genres abound from realistic fiction to graphic novels and sci-fi/fantasy.

Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden: Published in 1982 and rightfully considered a coming-of-age classic, while Annie and Liza face numerous obstacles, they remain true to each other and their feelings and the novel ends on a hopeful note that despite odds, love conquers all.

Another beautiful friends-to-romance story is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. Telling the story of two Hispanic boys growing up in El Paso, it’s a moving story of culture, masculinity and family acceptance. Plus, the audiobook is narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

Luna by Julie Anne Peters: The story of Liam, a transgender teen who in her heart knows she is actually Luna. The story is told through the eyes of Liam/Luna's sister Regan who goes from hurt, confusion and anger to love and acceptance. Realistic dialogue educates the reader on terminology and issues important to transgender persons.

There are also many extremely well-written and gorgeously illustrated graphic novels out there that are worth a read.

Probably one of the most well-known is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. This darkly comic memoir details the complicated relationship Bechdel, who is openly gay, had with her closeted father. A New York Times bestseller, it was later adapted into a Tony award-winning musical.

Not as keen on realistic fiction?

If a reader’s graphic novel tastes are more of the “capes and tights” variety, I highly recommend the Young Avengers series by Allen Heinberg or The Runaways by Brian K. Vaughan. Both are teenage drama mixed with battling aliens and saving the world. In both series, the fact that some of the team members are gay, transgender and bisexual is treated as no big deal. The Runaways has also been optioned by Hulu. Read it before you binge-watch!

Speculative fiction, with its elaborate world building, has long been a jumping off point to comment on society and issues of identity and belonging. It’s not surprising that fantasy, science fiction and dystopian literature is a great place to explore LGBTQ themes and characters.

From the paranormal romance of Christopher Barzak’s Wonders of the Invisible World (the confusion of first love plus discovering you have psychic abilities) to the steampunk adventure of Elizabeth Bear’s Karen Memory, to the ragtag group of rebels battling the evil queen in Elissa Sussman’s Burn, there’s something for everyone.

And if you’re still not sure what to read next, you can always ask your friendly librarian!