LGBTQ+ History Month at the Library

Reading lists

We've collated these resource collections of fiction, non-fiction, films, and documentaries about LGBTQ+ history and LGBTQ+ experience. Our lists have a mixture of digital and physical resources. Read and watch online or visit our libraries to borrow physical items. Delve in to discover your new favourite book or film, and find out more about LGBTQ+ history.

• LGBTQ+ History main resources
• LGBTQ+ reading for pleasure collection

LGBTQ+ History resources

Book giveaways

Our book giveaway will run during February. You can find out when we're giving books away by viewing the LGBTQ+ History Month events on the events diary. Follow us on Instagram @uwelibrary for clues about where to find them.

Our titles for this year are:

• The song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles follows the journey of Achilles and his true love Patroclus from boyhood into the depths of war. Throughout the Book Patroclus' tender nature is contrasted starkly by Achilles developing godhood, this fundamental clash brings both characters alive in this faithful portrayal of the Mythology of Troy.
• Detransition, baby by Torrey Peters
Could an unexpected pregnancy help form an unconventional family? This provocative debut by Torrey Peters gives the reader a tender yet bold exploration of gender, sex, relationships and parenthood.
• Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin
Qiu Miaojins coming of age tale of mish mashed LGBTQ+ youth finding their footing in the harsh post-martial-law era of late 1980s Taipei; a world dominated by class, conservativism, and hierarchy. Throughout our perspective world is shaded by Lazi, our gay narrator, who finds herself entranced by the machinations of Shui Ling, a treacherously temperamental older woman.
• The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What happens when an unknown magazine reporter with a stagnant career is chosen by a Hollywood icon to write about her life? The truth comes out! Discover the fascinating journey through the splendour of Old Hollywood and how the lives of two very different women intersect in tragic and irreversible ways.
• A quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities by Mady G and J. R. Zuckerberg
This book is a one stop shop for everything LGBTQ+. With the aid of a series of captivating comics, personal interviews, and helpful worksheets, Cartoonists Mady G and JR Zuckerberg help the reader traverse the ever more complex world of being queer; covering everything from sexuality and gender identity, to coming out and navigating relationships.
• The line of beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
Nick Guest, the twenty-year-old gay protagonist moves into a room in the home of the Feddens – a family of wealthy conservatives who have very different views on homosexuality. This book explores themes of hypocrisy, privilege, drugs, and homosexuality, with the emerging AIDS crisis forming a backdrop to the book's conclusion.
• We have always been here by Samra Habib
As if being gay wasn’t complicated enough; We have always been here is Samra Habib’s account of what it’s means to be gay as an Ahmadi Muslim growing up in Pakistan. This book follows her journey from “blasphemer” to Canadian refugee, to outspoken feminist. Above everything else We have always been here is a story of authenticity and the journey of finding oneself in a hostile culture.
• Good as you: from pride to prejudice - 30  years of gay Britain by Paul Flynn
This book is one of public outrage and personal loss, the highs and desperate lows, and the final collective victory as gay men were finally recognised. It showcases the UK’s long and bumpy road to gay equality and explores the cultural milestones that effected change.

Social media celebration

Join us on our social media accounts as we celebrate LGBTQ+ history, achievement and culture.

• Twitter @UWELibrary
• Instagram @uwelibrary

UWE Bristol events for LGBTQ+ History Month