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 Rainbow reads for teens page and a page of rainbow reads 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.)
Christchurch Pride happens in March each year - find out about our Pride events and activities.
LGBTQIA+ reading lists
Fiction
LGBTQI+ Graphic Novels
Whether you like fantasy, slice-of-life, romances (be they sweet or spicy), or true stories, dive into a beautifully illustrated read.
LGBTQIA+ Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Like stories based around awesome environments, and cool, interesting characters? Grab one of these and get transported into another world!
LGBTQIA+ Romance
Looking for love? Steamy, spicy, or just sweet, this list has a romance for everyone.
LGBTQIA+ Short Stories
Discover the plentiful array of short stories about the diverse LGBTQIA+ community, with stories you can read in a single sitting.
LGBTQIA+ Mystery
Mysteries featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. If you prefer mysteries with weight to them and complex characters, this is the right list for you.
LGBTQIA+ Horror
With themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, these novels offer fresh, compelling takes on both horror and queer storytelling.
LGBTQIA+ Coming of Age
Novels that explore the broad diversity of queer adolescence and how the world around them can impact on the journey of self-discovery.
LGBTQIA+ Award Winners and Nominees
Explore the best of LGBTQIA+ literature with winners and nominees of the Booker, Pulitzer Prize, Lambda Literary Awards, and many others.
Historical LGBTQIA+ Fiction
Discover the beautiful and brutal histories of LGBTQIA+ communities around the world from Ancient Persia to the Wild West and beyond.
Contemporary LGBTQIA+ Fiction
The latest in LGBTQIA+ fiction - enjoy our handpicked selection of the best contemporary works published within the last three years.
Australasian LGBTQIA+ Fiction
These talented Australian and Kiwi authors bring to life the diverse and vibrant experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA + Fiction - Classics
The 'classics' - these books paved the way for the LGBTQIA+ fiction we know and love today.
Non-fiction
Non-fiction - LGBTQIA+ History, Identity, and Inclusion
Stories and advice for LGBTQIA+ families, allies, and the curious.
Non-fiction - Queer Lives and Queer Joy
Learn and celebrate both the lives and joy of the queer community through a range of personal stories, art, and guides.
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.
Christchurch Pride: March 2026
Christchurch Pride events for teens include book clubs, gaming, and a Beat Saber Tournament.
LGBTQIA+ stories and resources at the library
We help you find LGBTQIA+ books and resources in our collection.
LGBTQIA+ reading guide - AWA 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.
LGBTQIA+ reading guide - AWA 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 March 2025
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories & community by sharing your favourite books. We meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm, Aranui Library.
Queer Book Club November 2024
This club is for people with an interest in queer stories to share, discover, and discuss their favourite 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.
LGBTQIA+ authors:
Award-winners
Award winning LGBTQIA+ reads
Pride Crafty Sundays
Mar 8th | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Celebrate Pride with some crafting fun! Bring your latest project or try out some craft in a safe and welcoming environment.
LGBTQIA+ Historical Fiction
Landmark novels that illuminate LGBTQIA+ histories across time and place, revealing queer experiences through the eras.
Christchurch Pride: March 2026
Christchurch Pride events for teens include book clubs, gaming, and a Beat Saber Tournament.
While you wait for Heated Rivalry...
Just watched Heated Rivalry? Looking for an LGBTQIA+ sports romance read to fill the Shane & Ilya sized hole in your heart? Look no further!
Pride Crafty Sundays
Mar 8th | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Celebrate Pride with some crafting fun! Bring your latest project or try out some craft in a safe and welcoming environment.
LGBTQIA+ Historical Fiction
Landmark novels that illuminate LGBTQIA+ histories across time and place, revealing queer experiences through the eras.
Christchurch Pride: March 2026
Christchurch Pride events for teens include book clubs, gaming, and a Beat Saber Tournament.
While you wait for Heated Rivalry...
Just watched Heated Rivalry? Looking for an LGBTQIA+ sports romance read to fill the Shane & Ilya sized hole in your heart? Look no further!
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.