Despite the persistent tradition of censorship that seeks to silence LGBTQ+ voices, queer representation is becoming more and more normalized across every type of media.
The move toward increased diversity is especially notable in new releases such as Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025). It represents one of several recent steps seeking to overcome biases in media and create a culture of all-inclusive representation.
The queer community exists outside of Pride Month, and its representation should too. So in the spirit of celebrating LGBTQ+ voices every month of the year, here is a list of 7 niche books that are sure to sustain your pride!
1. Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
Don’t Let The Forest In follows Andrew Perrault, a senior at Wickwood Academy who writes twisted, morbid fairytales. Andrew’s stories find their dark counterpart in his best friend Thomas’s grotesque illustrations. But when the drawings somehow come to life, the pair must spend each night in the forest fighting off deadly attacks. And as the monsters grow stronger and stronger, it seems increasingly likely that the only way to stop them is to eliminate Thomas.
Andrew’s internal battles throughout the novel will speak to members of the gay and asexual communities. He’s been nursing a crush on Thomas for years, but he struggles with the weight of labeling himself “gay” because he’s only ever wanted one boy. His newly discovered asexuality also makes him question if a lasting relationship with Thomas is even possible. It’s a heart-wrenchingly relatable sentiment for queer readers who have felt that their sexuality was a barrier to overcome.
Don’t Let The Forest In is made for those who want to venture into the tormented side of romance. Drews offers readers a hauntingly poignant exploration of what it means to be queer in the face of traditional stereotypes. Dark academia lovers in particular will feel right at home in Wickwood’s secluded, haunted, atmosphere.
2. Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
Set in a modernized version of the fabled kingdom Camelot, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love completely reimagines the legendary pairing of King Arthur and Princess Guinevere. The story follows Gwen, the princess of England, and Arthur, her future husband. Although they despise each other, Gwen and Arthur must work together to navigate complicated family relationships, a royal tournament, and dangerous political conspiracies.
If you’re a part of the sapphic community, you’ll absolutely adore Gwen. For years, she has been harboring a crush on the kingdom’s only female knight, Bridget, but she lacks the confidence to actually approach her. Meanwhile, gay readers will love Arthur, who begins to develop feelings for Gwen’s bookish older brother (and the future king of England), Gabriel.
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a mystical take on how queer romance can transcend internalized homophobia and the pressure to appear straight. The backdrop of a legendary retelling provides a fantastical perspective that will captivate fairytale lovers from the very first page.
3. Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
Autoboyography centers around Tanner Scott, a closeted high schooler who can’t wait to escape Provo, Utah. At his best friend’s insistence, Tanner enrolls in a prestigious writing class during the last semester of his senior year. Sebastian Brother, the class mentor and eldest son of the local Mormon Bishop, immediately captures Tanner’s attention. Sebastian’s religion condemns homosexual relationships, but that doesn’t stop Tanner from falling completely in love with him.
Bisexual readers will strongly identify with Tanner. Given his previous interest in women, the authenticity of his romantic attraction toward men is repeatedly called into question. Meanwhile, Sebastian will resonate with gay readers, particularly those who have ever felt that they needed to pass as straight. Since his feelings for Tanner directly oppose the religious restrictions that dictate his entire life, Sebastian worries that revealing his sexuality will cost him both his family and his community.
Autoboyography grapples with the internal conflict of loving a religion that doesn’t love every part of you in return. It’s a heartfelt reminder to take chances, trust in yourself, and love unconditionally, even when the world is telling you not to.
4. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue details the escapades of Henry “Monty” Montague on his Grand Tour of Europe. With his best friend Percy in tow, he resolves to fill the year-long trip with as much debauchery as possible. But when Monty steals a valuable item, he unwittingly makes their group the target of a continent-wide manhunt.
Monty is the disaster bisexual you didn’t know you needed. Though he flirts excessively, his heart truly belongs to Percy. But eighteenth century restrictions aren’t the only barriers to their relationship. Percy is biracial and thus precluded from a romantic relationship with a white individual. Meanwhile, Monty must take over his father’s estate after his tour, so a homosexual romance is strictly off-limits. Yet Monty and Percy can’t deny their growing feelings for each other.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a story of intriguing mystery, daring deeds, and love that trumps the world’s hate. From the very beginning, Monty and Percy’s complex relationship will have you hooked. Historical fiction fans in particular will feel right at home in eighteenth century Europe’s glamorously antiquated setting.
5. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
I Kissed Shara Wheeler centers around Chloe Green, a high school senior in the Christian town of False Beach, Alabama. She’s ridiculously intelligent and determined to hate everything about her school—including her academic rival, Shara Wheeler. For years, Chloe’s been fixated on outsmarting her and finally proving that Shara isn’t as perfect as she seems. But then Shara kisses her, disappears, and leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues for Chloe to follow.
Chloe is a strong, confident, secure-in-her-sexuality protagonist that bisexual readers will love. Meanwhile, Shara will prove relatable for sapphic readers, especially those who often feel out-of-touch with their emotions. She’s trapped by the expectations of her traditional family, which prevent her from acknowledging her true feelings for Chloe, and her journey to overcome her perfectionism is both evocative and compelling.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler isn’t just about finding a lost girl; it’s about discovering community in unexpected places, combating prejudices, and taking a stand in the face of oppressive stereotypes. Mystery enthusiasts and romance fans alike will be captivated as Chloe attempts to solve Shara’s web of secrets, lies, and forbidden love.
6. May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
May the Best Man Win is a second-chance-romance between Jeremy Harkiss, who has recently come out as transgender, and football star Lukas Rivers. They were their high school’s golden couple until Jeremy dumped Lukas for seemingly no reason. Now, they’re locked in an intensely personal competition for the Homecoming crown. But when the school threatens to cancel the dance, Jeremy and Lukas must team up, own their respective mistakes, and save Homecoming.
Readers who are part of the transgender community will be able to identify with Jeremy’s determination to be accepted as a boy. Although he faces bigotry and cruel comments from his classmates, he admirably refuses to shrink into the background. Meanwhile, Lukas’s struggle to define his feelings for Jeremy will be very relatable for readers who have experienced similar uncertainties regarding their sexuality.
May the Best Man Win is a story of rage, acceptance, and learning to trust in love. Sports fans will relish the football-focused setting, especially as Lukas challenges stereotypical ideas about what makes a good athlete. Furthermore, the two protagonists are emotional, imperfect, and intensely realistic.
7. The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer
The Darkness Outside Us takes place in the year 2472. The story follows spacefarers Ambrose Cusk and Kodiak Celius as they travel to Titan, one of Saturn’s moons. In order to rescue Ambrose’s sister, they’re forced to coexist on a spaceship for months. Due to the hostile relationship between their countries, it’s a seemingly impossible task. But when they discover the horrifying truth of their mission, Ambrose and Kodiak realize that they’re each other’s only hope for survival.
As they team up to figure out the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak’s reluctant partnership blossoms, and eventually, they’re able to get to know each other on a deeper level. But with the entire universe against them, Ambrose and Kodiak will have to fight for a chance at a future together.
The Darkness Outside Us is a story of helplessness, hope, and a love powerful enough to defy destiny. Sci-fi fans will love the high-tech, isolated setting of a spaceship hurtling through the galaxy. Ambrose and Kodiak’s story is captivating from the very beginning and will keep readers wondering what, exactly, awaits the pair in the unknown.
Time to Get Reading!
Hopefully, one of these books stood out as the perfect way to refresh your LGBTQ+ spirit! In the face of continuous attempts to restrict diversity in media, it’s more important than ever to recognize queer voices throughout the year.
Inclusive literature has the power to validate marginalized identities and challenge the stereotypes imposed upon disadvantaged groups. Even for readers who aren’t part of the queer community, expanding your reading horizons to include LGBTQ+ books will build your empathy and broaden your worldview.
There are so many more queer novels out there to discover, but if you need a break from reading, here are some great LGBTQ+ TV series!
So sit back, get comfy, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community!
