LGBTQIA+ reading guide
Read the rainbow with 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.
Or try some non-fiction, a film or documentary, or our topic guide for teens.
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
LGBTQIA+ reading lists
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.
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+ - 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!
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, 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: September 2023
This month we focused on fiction by Aotearoa's Queer writers.
Queer Book Club: August 2023
We had a wonderful mix of classics, romance, contemporary and more this month.
Queer Book Club: July 2023
These are the books that were read by the club this month.
LGBTQIA+ authors:
Award-winners
Award winning LGBTQIA+ reads
Queer Book Club: September 2023
This month we focused on fiction by Aotearoa's Queer writers.
Queer Book Club: August 2023
We had a wonderful mix of classics, romance, contemporary and more this month.
WORD Christchurch 2023: The Importance of Queer Joy
Arwen's favourite point brought up at this panel was “There’s nothing hard about being queer until heterosexuals show up".
Queer Book Club: July 2023
These are the books that were read by the club this month.
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
Books for teens 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.
