LGBTQ at NYPL

6 Books to Check Out on National Coming Out Day

 

Pride Teens Display at 67th Street Library
Pride Teens Display at 67th Street Library

 

Happy National Coming Out Day!

Everyone's experience of coming out is different. It can be comical or terrifying. It can happen with a bang or a whimper. Sometimes we are only coming out to ourselves. There are so many ways to live your story!

I love reading books that reflect my own life and books that are windows into the lives of people unlike myself. Much like my experience being out has evolved in the 12 years since I first came out, LGBT literature has also shifted to tell more than just coming out stories. In the spirit of this, here are some great books with LGBTQIA characters that show many different out realities.

Here's to coming out and coming into your own.

Jem and the Holograms
Jem and the Holograms

Jem and the Holograms by Kelly Thompson, art by Sophie Campbell

K, so, there's plenty of lady celebrating and drama to be had in this colorful world. It's Jem and her hilarious friends manage to get into all kinds of trouble in between rock shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lumberjanes Vol. 4 Out of Time
Lumberjanes Vol. 4, Out of Time

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson

Chances are you've already heard great things about this girl-centric series but if you haven't, pick it up for the silly quips, time traveling dinosaurs or the really sweet friendships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jughead
Jughead

Jughead Volume One by Chip Zdarsky, art by Erica Henderson

Archie's main pal is back and his imagination and craving for burgers are as strong as ever. Zdarsky and Henderson, the geniuses behind Sex Criminals and Squirrel Girl respectively bring this asexual character to life in the most fun way.

 

 

 

 

 

God Loves Hair
God Loves Hair

God Loves Hair by Vivek Shraya

While more picture book than graphic novel,  the illustrations and short stories in this beautiful book are not to be missed. The scenes follow a tender boy as he navigates his Indian heritage, sexuality, and gender.

 

 

 

Wuvable Oaf
Wuvable Oaf

Wuvable Oaf by Ed Luce

This book is the reason I own a tee-shirt that says "homosexual tendencies" on it. Oaf is a big, hairy dude who has the softest heart. His strong smell attracts a lot of kittens so as he goes about his life - pursuing cute boys, going on terrible dates - there's a merry band of cats that follow him around.

 

 

 

Kim & Kim by Magdalene Visaggio, art by Eva Cabrera

You may have to wait a few weeks before checking this out but these badass ladies are not to be missed. Probably my favorite use of "queeriarchy" in a comic ever.


Add your favorite books with LGBTQIA characters in the comments!

Comments

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Favorite book with Lgbt+ characters

I always loved Nico Di Angelo in the lost hero series by Rick Riordan He came out in the last book. Which gave me the inspiration to come out