Blog: Holly's essential LGBTQ+ reads

February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate some of what I think are the best works of literature to commemorate LGBTQ+ lives. Literature has played a vital role in sharing and protecting queer+ stories. It allows us to step into lives that might be very different from our own, or to see ourselves reflected in others’ experiences.  

I’m Holly, a first-year Modern Languages and English Literature student, and I’d love to share some of my favourite LGBTQ+ reads.

In Memoriam – Alice Winn (2023)  

Set during the First World War, In Memoriam tells the story of two young men who fall in love when homosexuality was criminalised in Britain. I chose this novel because it is so important for gay love stories to be represented in history – relationships like this did happen, but they often weren’t recorded at the time because of social stigma. It was particularly Winn’s representation of two boys who were hesitant about their feelings towards each other that made me root for them both! This is a great read – with an emotional focus on the way these characters aren’t allowed to love each other openly. 

How to Be Both – Ali Smith (2014)  

Smith’s How to Be Both is perfect for lovers of history. The novel combines two stories, one set in the Renaissance and one in the present day. The main idea that interested me the most in this book was Smith’s presentation of historical cross-dressing. We also follow the protagonist of the present day, George, who we find in a queer relationship with her best friend. This novel is a great read – it’s not just a fab way to get involved in queer narratives but is also an actually interesting and thrilling book! Trust me, you won’t want to put it down. 

Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin (1956) 

Giovanni’s Room explores the internalised homophobia of an American man living in Paris, as he struggles to accept his sexuality. Published in the 1950s, the novel portrays an uncensored same-sex relationship and the struggle to find your identity and is actually studied on the English Literature course at UoB! Studying this book for me was emotional – it delves into not only a gay relationship and denial but also guilt and shame. With such a complex, powerful narrative, this novel is sure to make you sit down afterwards and just think.  

All Boys Aren’t Blue – George M. Johnson (2020) 

This memoir retells the story of Johnson’s experiences growing up as a queer Black man in America. It combines his struggles as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the Black community. For me, the most poignant part of the novel is its uncensored descriptions of different sexual experiences, which make it the perfect story to relate to as a queer young adult. In fact, Johnson makes it clear that the novel directly addresses Black queer boys who may not have someone in their lives to help them through the queer experience. This book is actually one of the top ten most-banned books in the United States.  

Love Speaks Its Name – J.D. McClatchy (2001) 

This poetry anthology brings together LGBTQ+ voices from across centuries to show that queer love has always existed. When I read this volume, the fact that it is organised into several different themed sections like Longing, Looking, Anxiety, really stood out to me as an important part of the book as it almost charts the course of a real relationship. Not only it so beneficial as young adults to expose ourselves to queer relationships in this way, but it also introduced me to poems by poets that I had never heard of before – it may just do the same to you too! Showcasing how poetry is a safe space for queer writers to express their stories, it feels like the perfect read to end LGBTQ+ History Month.  

Together, I think these works show how LGBTQ+ literature has gained greater recognition and appreciation over time, while also reminding us that many struggles remain ongoing. LGBTQ+ History Month encourages us not only to look back on the history of queer voices but also to celebrate those who are able to share their experiences now.