In celebration of Pride Month, the Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State University
has hand-selected a collection of LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction books. The following
assortment has a variety of narratives, including topics from heartwarming fictional
romances to thought-provoking memoirs.
Non-Fiction
“Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place” by Neema Avashia (2022)
“’Another Appalachia’ examines both the roots and the resonance of Neema Avashia's identity as a queer Desi Appalachian woman. With narrative explorations of foodways, religion, sports, standards of beauty, social media, gun culture and more, "Another Appalachia" mixes nostalgia and humor, sadness and sweetness, personal reflection and universal questions.”
“My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story” by Abraham Verghese (1994)
“’My Own Country’ follows the story of Abraham Verghese, a young doctor specializing in infectious diseases in Johnson City, Tennessee in the mid-1980s. A seemingly unending influx of patients with a mysterious, deadly disease leads to Verghese becoming the region’s first AIDS expert. A tale of prejudice and discrimination, empathy and compassion, and the richness of humanity comes to life as Verghese navigates how to heal when there is no cure.”
“Out in the Country: Youth, Media, and Queer Visibility in Rural America” by Mary L. Gray (2009)
“’Out in the Country’ offers an unprecedented, contemporary account of the lives of today's rural queer youth. Mary L. Gray maps out the experiences of young people living in small towns across rural Kentucky and along its desolate Appalachian borders, providing a fascinating and often surprising look at the contours of gay life beyond the big city.”
“Queer: A Graphic History” by Meg-John Barker, Jules Scheele (2016)
“Activist-academic Meg-John Barker and cartoonist Jules Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this groundbreaking non-fiction graphic novel. From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, ‘Queer’ explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged.”
“Tales of the Lavender Menace: A Memoir of Liberation” by Karla Jay (1999)
“A fast-paced memoir, serious and hilarious in turn, of the struggles and scandals, politics and personalities that made up the women's and gay liberation movements of the 1960s and '70s. Karla Jay, a direct participant in the dramatic history of the women's and gay liberation movements, brings on stage a dazzling cast of unforgettable characters and gives voice to the sweeping tale of the activists who struggled for their vision of social justice and sexual liberation.”
“Transgender History” by Susan Stryker (2008)
“’Transgender History’ covers American transgender history from the mid-twentieth century to today. From the transsexual and transvestite communities in the years following World War II, to trans radicalism and social change in the '60s and '70s, to the gender issues witnessed throughout the '90s and '00s, this introductory text will give you a foundation for understanding the developments, changes, strides and setbacks of trans studies and the transgender community in the United States.”
“’You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’ debunks the twenty-one most common myths and misconceptions about transgender issues. We have a lot of expectations about people based on their gender, and when someone does not fit into those expectations it can become difficult to handle and perhaps even lead to hostility. But chances are you have met one (or more) transgender person, and not even been aware of it. Erickson-Schroth and Jacobs debunk the most common myths and misconceptions about transgender issues, bringing together medical, social, psychological and political aspects of the subject.”
“LGBTQ in the 21st Century” complied by H.W. Wilson Company (2017)
LGBTQ and the Law, LGBTQ Rights, Anti-LGBTQ Bills, Culture Wars, Non-Traditional Families, Activism
LGBTQ Essays, Social Life and Customs, History, Queer Culture
“Quiet Fire: Memoirs of Older Gay Men” by Keith Vacha, Cassie Damewood (1985)
Memoirs, Historical Non-Fiction, Gay Men in the United States
“The Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement” by Margaret Cruikshank (1992)
The Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement Examination, Sexual Freedom, Politics, AIDS Impact
“The Pink Triangle: The Nazi War Against Homosexuals” by Richard Plant (1986)
Historical Non-Fiction, Holocaust, Nazi Regime, The Persecution of Gay Men
Fiction
“A Million Quiet Revolutions” by Robin Gow (2022)
Young Adult Fiction, Transgender Historical Fiction, Trans Gay Relationships, Transmasculine Identity
“Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow” by Rainbow Rowell (2015)
Young Adult Fiction, Gay Fiction, Fantasy, Magic & Monsters
“Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender (2020)
Young Adult Fiction, BIPOC Transgender Fiction, Relationships, Transmasculine Identity
Young Adult Fiction, Transgender Fiction, Middle School Students, Transfeminine Identity
“Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera (2019)
Young Adult Fiction, BIPOC Lesbian Fiction, Coming of Age, Puerto Rican Culture
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo (2021)
Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, BIPOC Lesbian Fiction, Cold War Influence, Chinese American
“Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli (2015)
Young Adult Fiction, Gay Fiction, Secrets, High School
“Two Boys Kissing” by David Levithan (2013)
Young Adult Fiction, Gay Fiction, Coming Out, Greek Chorus
“The City Beautiful” by Aden Polydoros (2021)
Young Adult Fiction, Gay Fiction, Jewish Historical Fantasy, Murder Mystery
This is not a comprehensive list of every piece of LGBTQ+ literature available through Sherrod Library. For more recommendations, please try searching the website, or call Sherrod Library at (423) 439 – 4307.