Books like This Book is Gay

A witty, warm, and radically candid handbook for navigating the messy, joyful realities of queer identity. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with This Book is Gay.

welcoming
upbeat
affirming

01
Openly straight
Bill Konigsberg
A funny, heartfelt exploration of what happens when the desire to shed labels accidentally means shedding your true self.
Shares:
- warm
02
Beyond Magenta
Susan Kuklin
An intimate, unfiltered window into the lived realities of transgender youth, told in their own words.
Shares:
- affirming
- candid
03
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas
A vibrant, spooky-cozy celebration of queer joy, first love, and finding your place within the traditions that shaped you.
Shares:
- warm
04
The Art of Being Normal
Lisa Williamson
A tender, big-hearted exploration of friendship, secrets, and the terrifying thrill of finally showing the world who you really are.
Shares:
- candid
05
All out
Saundra Mitchell
A sweeping, celebratory mosaic of hidden histories that reclaims the past for queer youth.
Feels:
- hopeful
- atmospheric
- triumphant
06
Gender outlaw
Kate Bornstein · 1994
A playful, mind-altering manifesto that invites you to completely dismantle everything you thought you knew about gender.
Feels:
- liberating
- defiant
- intimate
07
Beyond the Gender Binary
Alok Vaid-Menon
A vibrant, fiercely compassionate manifesto that invites you to unlearn the rules and celebrate the boundless possibilities of human identity.
Shares:
- empowering
08
Heather has two mommies
Lesléa Newman · 1989
A warm, affirming embrace of a picture book that celebrates the simple truth that love is what makes a family.
Shares:
- welcoming
- affirming
- warm
09
Geography Club
Brent Hartinger · 2003
A funny, heartfelt exploration of the secret lives of queer teenagers navigating the treacherous social terrain of high school.
Shares:
- warm
10
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
Sara Farizan
A warm, witty exploration of the sheer panic and ultimate joy of a high school queer awakening.
Shares:
- warm
11
Luna
Julie Anne Peters
A poignant, secretive exploration of sibling bonds and the tense, beautiful journey of a transgender teen preparing to show her true self to the world.
Feels:
- secretive
- tense
- introspective
12
Julian is a mermaid
Jessica Love
A sun-drenched, tender celebration of being seen, loved, and celebrated exactly as you are.
Shares:
- affirming
- warm

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