Queer and Trans Literature: Resources, Readings, and Reflections
This page contains resources on Queer/Trans Literature, as well as our posts on the topic and suggested reading from us. Whether you’re new to LGBTQ+ literature or a seasoned reader/writer, you may find some new thoughts on this page.
Table of Contents
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If you’d like to read more of our thoughts, here is a carousel of some of our most recent posts on queer/trans lit. Below that are further resources and suggestions. You can also see all of our posts on this topic at its category page.
Resources on Queer/Trans Literature
Want to learn more about this topic? These are educational resources that we have personally vetted—no spam to be found here. If you’re still new to this topic, start with the resources in the first list. For those more familiar, the second list has more in-depth resources.
Covering the basics:
- The Benefits of LGBTQ+ Books for Kids (Harper Collins)
- What Is LGBTQ+ Literature? (Adam W. Burgess)
- Transreads.org
- Autostraddle’s List of Queer and Trans Book Databases
A deeper dive:
- ‘Solace, joy and a lifeline’: Why queer literature is vital for people growing up LGBTQ+ (Penguin)
- The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Pride Book List (Penguin Random House)
- The new LGBTQ+ lit list, chosen by writers (The Guardian)
- The Best of Trans Literature (Susan Stryker)
Do you know of other resources that would be a good fit for this list? Reach out to ash@ashtonrosewrites.com, and we’ll take a look and let you know if we want to add it!
Recommended reading:
(and viewing, listening, etc.)
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus
“Told in two distinct and irresistible voices, Junauda Petrus’s bold and lyrical debut is the story of two black girls from very different backgrounds finding love and happiness in a world that seems determined to deny them both. It brilliantly captures the distinctly lush and lyrical voices of Mabel and Audre as they conjure a love that is stronger than hatred, prison, and death and as vast as the blackness between the stars.”
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
“A timeless love story set in a secret underground world–a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.” From Ashton’s favorite author, and one of their favorite queer romances.
The Owl House created by Dana Terrace.
This lovely TV show is another that is ostensibly for children but will hit you right in the heart. It’s full of queer romance, casually nonbinary characters, and bundles of queer/trans joy. Plus, King will capture your heart immediately, and Edalyn has such a powerful gender.
Staff Picks: Trans and Nonbinary Reads from the New York Public Library
“Discover 100 books for adults, kids, and teens highlighting transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming voices, recommended by NYPL librarians.”
Including my own books:
Each of these topics is important to me, which also means they show up in my own novels. Because queer/trans lit is my thing, each of my books is queer and/or trans! If you’re looking for a starting point on trans girlhood, try Being Emily, also on audio! Or, see my post on where to start with my novels.