LGBTQIA+ reading guide
Read the rainbow with fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and graphic novels.
Whether you're looking for a classic, for a new author to try, a true tale told well, or something with a sci-fi or fantasy twist, you'll find great LGBTQIA+ reads here.
We also have a topic guide for teens and a page of books for tamariki and whānau that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Try our guide to finding LGBTQIA+ books and resources in our collection.
(LGBTQIA+ = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. Other terms commonly used are LGBT, LGBT+, LGBTQ, LGBTQI, LGBTQI+, or LGBTQIA.)
LGBTQIA+ reading lists
Fiction
LGBTQIA + Fiction - Classics
The 'classics' - these books paved the way for the LGBTQIA+ fiction we know and love today.
LGBTQIA+ - Fiction - Graphic Novels
Featuring diverse characters from the rainbow community - try fantasy, slice-of-life, romance, or true stories with stunning illustrations.
LGBTQIA+ - Fiction - Lesbian
Includes stories that have lesbian themes and characters, whether in fantasy, romance, horror, dystopian, or other genres.
LGBTQIA+ fiction - Trans experience
Characters with gender identities or gender expression that challenges traditional cultural 'expectations' and ideas around gender.
LGBTQIA+ fiction - Diverse Sexualities
Fiction that features Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Bicurious, Asexual or Polyamorous characters and relationships.
LGBTQIA+ fiction - Gay
Stories with characters, plots and stories, and/or themes showing gay relationships in a mix of genres so there's something for everyone.
LGBTQIA+ Fiction - Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Stories about LGBTQIA+ characters set in sci-fi or fantasy worlds. Dark drama, worlds filled with magic, and more!
Non-fiction
Non-fiction - Out: Families and Sexuality
These titles offer empathetic advice and poignant biography with a focus on LGBTQIA youth and their families.
Non-fiction - Gender Rainbow Families
Find out how LGBTQI families overcome prejudice and forge their own identity.
Illustrated Biographies - LGBTQIA+
These biographies are written by LGBTQIA+ people from different places, times and ages. Stories of what it’s like to be here and queer.
Sexuality Stories
From pioneering feminists and gay icons, to tales of transition and self-discovery - stories to help us understand and celebrate who we are.
LGBTQIA+ stories and resources at the library
We help you find LGBTQIA+ books and resources in our collection.
LGBTQIA+ reading guide - Libby
Read the rainbow with fiction, biographies, nonfiction and graphic novels - eBooks and eAudiobooks.
Rainbow Reads - OverDrive
eBooks and eAudiobooks for teens that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA+ Magazines
Magazines, eMagazines and periodicals aimed at an LGBTQIA+ audience.
Queer Book Club
Queer Book Club
Queer Book Club, part of a series
For people with an interest in Queer literature and stories to share, discover, and discuss new titles and authors.
Queer Book Club June 2024
Our theme this month was winter reads. The club meets on the last Monday of each month at 6pm, on Auahatanga (Level 4) at Tūranga.
Queer Book Club: February 2024
This month we brought along our romance favourites and whatever else we had been in the mood to read this month.
Queer Book Club: January 2024
This month we brought along Queer classics. The club meets on the last Monday of each month at 6pm, up on Auahatanga (Level 4) at Tūranga.
LGBTQIA+ authors:
Award-winners
Award winning LGBTQIA+ reads
Podcast – Raising tamariki as upstanders
Episode of radio show, Speak up - Kōrerotia looking at bullying in schools, with suggested reading on bullying prevention.
Lambda Literary Award winners announced
The Lammys (US) celebrate the best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender books of the year.
Stonewall Book Awards - Children's and Young Adult
Awarded by the American Library Association for books examining the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
LGBTQIA+ New Zealand organisations
- Gender minorities Aotearoa - Irawhiti Takatāpui, Transgender, and Intersex NZ
- Te Ngākau Kahukura is a national initiative that works to improve the environments around rainbow young people to make sure they are affirming, welcoming and non-discriminatory.
- Qtopia provides support for rainbow young people in Ōtautahi Christchurch and the wider Waitaha Canterbury area.
- RainbowYOUTH, opens a new window is a charitable organisation established in 1989 that works with queer and gender diverse youth as well as their wider communities to ensure that Aotearoa is a place where all young people can thrive.
- Takatāpui is a resource hub for takatāpui and their whanau.
- Women's Centre - Includes services, resources and events for lesbians
Teen LGBTQIA+ topic guide
Rainbow reads for rangatahi - teens
Books for teens that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rainbow reads for tamariki
Rainbow reads for tamariki - kids
Books for tamariki and whānau that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
A Million Quiet Revolutions
Being queer isn't easy, especially not in small town suburban America; however when you have someone to confide in, to be trans with, the world doesn't…
Read more of this comment about A Million Quiet Revolutions