LGBTQ+ Books

50 Drag Queens Who Changed the World is a tribute to the hugely influential pioneers who have shaped the fantastic world of drag, as well as the queens of today that we all know and love. 

Learn about the wild and brilliant lives of Mama Ru and the best-loved Drag Race superstars, including Alaska, Bianca Del Rio and Courtney Act, as well as legends like Divine and Lady Bunny, and the new scene of radical contemporary drag artists, such as Amrou Al-Kadhi and Victoria Sin.

Drag queens have been sissying that walk for a lot longer than you think, and this book is a sparkling celebration of the high-heeled, hairsprayed, punk-rock art form that has influenced pop culture for as long as it has been around.

Author: Dan Jones
Format: Hardback
Pages: 112
ISBN: 9781784883225

This children's picture book helps adults to explain gender identity and expression to 4 to 8 year olds using simple language and engaging, diverse characters, covering the entire spectrum of gender. Includes a guide for parents and professionals and a lesson plan at the end of the book.

At lunchtime, all of Tom's friends gather at school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity.

Jackson is a boy who likes to wear dresses. Ivy is a girl who likes her hair cut really short. Alex doesn't feel like 'just' a boy, or 'just' a girl. They are all the same, they are all different - but they are all friends.

A very simple story that challenges gender stereotypes and shows 4 to 8 year olds that it is OK to be yourself. An engaging story that is more than just an educational tool; this book will assist parents and teachers in giving children the space to explore the full spectrum of gender diversity and will show children the many ways they can express their gender in a truly positive light.

'In this era of gender revolution, A House for Everyone reminds us that gender isn't two boxes but a rainbow with room for children of every gender. Jo Hirst's brilliant book teaches all our children about gender identity and gender expressions while celebrating gender acceptance--let's bring it to every classroom and household.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. Author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, Director of Mental Health of the Child and Adolescent Gender Center

'A vibrant, up-beat story about inclusion and acceptance, looking past stereotypes and embracing human differences. It's a much-needed resource in the Gender Identity category.'
- Rebecca Seymour, Little Parachutes

Author: Jo Hirst, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785924484

Tiny prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or girl. Tiny also loves to play fancy dress, sometimes as a fairy and sometimes as a knight in shining armour. Tiny's family don't seem to mind but when they start a new school some of their new classmates struggle to understand.

'A lovely, sensitive, much-needed book that helps all children ask the big questions about identity and gender.' - Juno Dawson, author of This Book is Gay

Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question:

"Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?"

This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time.

'Books on gender identity for young children are still very few and far between. Children who do not identify as boys or girls will find Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? immensely reassuring. It will be extremely valuable too in schools, in families, and in other settings - for helping young children understand gender diversity and question gender stereotypes. At the end there are a number of useful discussion starters, for example 'Does it matter if Tiny is a boy or a girl?' and 'What would you ask Tiny if you met them?', followed by information about organisations that provide support on gender identity issues. A sensitive and important book, written by campaigners for transgender rights.'
- Anne Harding

'The real value for children and parents in this book stems from its simplicity, it puts the story across in a grounded manner and invites open discussion. The authors, Fox Fisher and Sarah Savage have collaborated to produce what I feel is an amazing book.'
- Sophie Smallman

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785922671

Kit, a 12 year old who identifies as a boy, explains all about gender variance, the experience of medical transition and how his family, friends and school can support him. This illustrated introduction to gender diversity will be a helpful guide and discussion starter for children 11+, as well as for older readers.

Meet Kit - a 12 year old undergoing medical transition - as he talks about gender and the different ways it can be explored. He explains what it is like to transition and how his friends, family and teachers can help through talking, listening and being proactive.

With illustrations throughout, this is an ideal way to start conversations about gender diversity in the classroom or at home and suitable for those working in professional services and settings. The book also includes a useful list of recommended reading, organisations and websites for further information and support.

'A much needed piece of work! The pedagogies outlined in this book have made a positive, significant difference to the lives of young trans people in our schools. By following the practical strategies we can together begin the journey to inclusion. This guide will help you take the first steps to educate and then support you to create an environment that actively celebrates gender diversity! A definite go-to-guide for all schools.'
- Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate & Celebrate

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 64
ISBN: 9781785921056

Cross Stitch The Golden Girls includes 12 hilarious patterns featuring imagery and quotes from the four leading ladies, plus everything needed to make two projects. The book offers step-by-step instructions, with full-color photographs of the finished projects.

Over 30 years since its premier, The Golden Girls is more popular than ever. It's time to celebrate these four fabulous friends—and cross stitch is the perfect way to do it! Decorate your home with framed finished pieces or use the patterns to personalise household items like tea towels, pillowcases, and aprons.
 
This fabulous kit includes a bamboo embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, 6 skeins of embroidery floss, 2 pieces of cross stitch fabric, and the following patterns:

• Rose, Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia with "Thank You for Being a Friend"
• "Shady Pines, Ma!" with trees
• Sophia portrait with "Picture It…Sicily!" 
• Blanche portrait, a lipstick, and hearts with "Flirting is Part of My Heritage"
• Rose and bananas with "The Older You Get, the Better You Get. Unless You're a Banana."
• Hearts, palm trees, and flamingos with "East Dirt and Die, Trash."
• Dorothy on the phone with "No! No, I Will Not Have a Nice Day."
• Rose and Sophia with "Have I Given You Any Indication at All That I Care?"
• "As They Say in St. Olaf…"
• Shoes, lipsticks, and mirror with "My beauty has always been a curse."
• "Dorothy & Rose & Blanche & Sophia"
• The Girls with "Everything I Know I Learned from Rose, Blanche, Dorothy & Sophia"

Author: Haley Pierson-Cox
Format: Hardback
Pages: 62
ISBN: 9780760364369

From Sia to Elton John, Dusty Springfield to Little Richard, LGBT voices have changed the course of modern music. But in a world before they gained understanding and a place in the mainstream, how did the queer musicians of yesteryear fight to build foundations for those who would come after them?

Pulling back the curtain on the colourful legacy that has shaped all of our musical and cultural landscape, music aficionado and writer Darryl W. Bullock reveals the inspiring and often heart-breaking stories of internationally renowned stars, as well as numerous lesser-known names that have driven the revolution from all corners of the globe: those whose personal stories against the threat of persecution during decades of political and historical turmoil - including two world wars, Stonewall and the AIDS crisis - has led to some of the most significant and soul-searching music of the last century. Bullock chronicles these struggles through new interviews and archival reports, dating from the birth of jazz in the red-light district of New Orleans, through the rock 'n' roll years, Swinging Sixties and all-singing and all-dancing disco days of the '70s, right up to modern pop, electronica and reggae.

A treasure-trove of untold histories, David Bowie Made Me Gay is a moving and provocative story of the right to be heard and the need to keep the fight for equality in the spotlight.

Author: Darryl W. Bullock
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358
ISBN: 9780715652992

Leading activist and essayist Brynn Tannehill tells you everything you ever wanted to know about transgender issues but were afraid to ask. The book aims to break down deeply held misconceptions about trans people across all aspects of life, from politics, law and culture, through to science, religion and mental health, to provide readers with a deeper understanding of what it means to be trans.

The book walks the reader through transgender issues, starting with "What does transgender mean?" before moving on to more complex topics including growing up trans, dating and sex, medical and mental health, and debates around gender and feminism.

Brynn also challenges deliberately deceptive information about transgender people being put out into the public sphere. Transphobic myths are debunked and biased research, bad statistics and bad science are carefully and clearly refuted. This important and engaging book enables any reader to become informed the most critical public conversations around transgender people, and become a better ally as a result.

Author: Brynn Tannehill
Format: Paperback
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781785928260

'Richly evocative and entertaining.' Guardian

'An essential book for anyone who wants to Polari bona!' Attitude

Polari is a language that was used chiefly by gay men in the first half of the twentieth century. It offered its speakers a degree of public camouflage and a means of identification. Its colourful roots are varied ‐ from Cant to Lingua Franca and dancers' slang ‐ and in the mid‐1960s it was thrust into the limelight by the characters Julian and Sandy, voiced by Hugh Paddick and Kenneth Williams, on the BBC radio show Round the Horne. ('Oh hello Mr Horne, how bona to vada your dolly old eek!')

Paul Baker recounts the story of Polari with skill, humour and tenderness. He traces its historical origins and describes its linguistic nuts and bolts, explores the ways and the environments in which it was spoken, explains the reasons for its decline and tells of its unlikely re‐emergence in the twenty‐first century.

With a cast of drag queens and sailors, Dilly boys and macho clones, Fabulosa! is an essential document of recent history ‐ a fascinating and fantastically readable account of this funny, filthy and ingenious language.

'Paul Baker's exuberant, richly detailed history of Polari, a ''secret'' language used chiefly by gay men in the 1940s and 1950s, is a delightful read.' Tatler

Author: Paul Baker
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781789142945

Feminism is a hot topic. The battle for gender equality is being fought by everybody from politicians to indie social media campaigners, celebrities to school girls. But how did we get here and who paved the way for today's badass women?

Fight Like a Girl profiles 50 fearless women - both the historical icons and the unsung heroes - such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Frida Kahlo and Roxane Gay. Each extraordinary life story is accompanied by a stunning portrait, along with eye-opening sidebars on their hard-fought causes and iconic quotes.

Be inspired by their stories, arm yourself with their knowledge, get active and FIGHT LIKE A GIRL.

Author: Laura Barcella
Format: Paperback
Pages: 254
ISBN: 9781786852045

An LGBTQ+ journal for everyone - by writer, illustrator and utterly fabulous merman, Dom&Ink.

Celebrate Pride and celebrate YOU with this rainbow coloured journal, packed with drag queens, activities, advice and the world's sassiest LGBTQ+ dinosaur: Brett the Sassysaurus!

• Colour, design and glitter to your heart's content
• Read quotes from real-life rainbow icons
• Find out how to throw your own Pride Party
• Learn about the history of gay rights

Most importantly: celebrate being yourself and what makes YOU amazing!

Warm, hilarious, caring and insightful, Free To Be Me will fill every reader with self-esteem, confidence, colour and pride.

Author: Dom&Ink
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9780241387450

Language is one of the key paths to awareness, acceptance and empowerment but honestly, it can be confusing for many people.

This easy-to-use dictionary introduces some of the most essential terminology surrounding gender, sexuality and LGBTQIA+ identity.

If you have questions about yourself or about the terminology, or even if you’re simply interested in learning more, this essential guide will help you navigate the world with knowledge and kindness.

Author: Harriet Dyer
Format: Paperback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 781786852847

Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9781787752597

‘One of the most important books about gay culture in recent times’ The Quietus

In 1984 the pulsing electronics and soft vocals of Smalltown Boy would become an anthem uniting gay men. A month later, an aggressive virus, HIV, would be identified and a climate of panic and fear would spread across the nation, marginalising an already ostracised community. Yet, out of this terror would come tenderness and 30 years later, the long road to gay equality would climax with the passing of same sex marriage.

Paul Flynn charts this astonishing pop cultural and societal U-turn via the cultural milestones that effected change―from Manchester’s self-selection as Britain’s gay capital to the real-time romance of Elton John and David Furnish’s eventual marriage. Including candid interviews from major protagonists, such as Kylie, Russell T Davies, Will Young, Holly Johnson and Lord Chris Smith, as well as the relative unknowns crucial to the gay community, we see how an unlikely group of bedfellows fought for equality both front of stage and in the wings.

This is the story of Britain’s brothers, cousins and sons. Sometimes it is the story of their fathers and husbands. It is one of public outrage and personal loss, the (not always legal) highs and the desperate lows, and the final collective victory as gay men were final recognised, as Good As You.

Author: Paul Flynn
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781785032936

This inspirational history of the international LGBTQ+ movement will teach readers to accept and have pride in themselves and others, whatever their sexuality.

It details the struggles and successes of LGBTQ+ movements around the world, looking at decriminalisation, the Stonewall riots and their legacy, global Pride movements, the HIV/AIDS crisis and equal marriage.

It also includes profiles of significant LGBTQ+ figures from history and messages from young, modern-day members of the LGBTQ+ community, explaining why they have pride in themselves – and why you should, too.

Author: Stella Caldwell
Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781783125500

This true story by a family about raising their transgender son is both a captivating read and an invaluable support source for parents facing similar issues. A warm, insightful portrait of a family that includes tips on helping young transgender people navigate their transition, it will support, educate and inspire.

This inspiring and moving story, told from the heart of an extraordinary family, recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender son.

Janna Barkin's family has come a long way since their child, Amaya, first told them he was a boy and not a girl and this captivating memoir charts the family's experiences of raising Amaya, from birth through to adulthood. With powerful chapters written by Amaya's family and friends, Janna shares personal stories of the support and discoveries her family has encountered and provides a 'care package' of advice for families facing similar issues, including a glossary of terms and a list of hand-picked support sources.

Written with warmth and humour, He's Always Been My Son reminds us to accept others for who they are and will support, educate and inspire anyone who reads it.

'What I love about this book is that it is a wonderful balance between a mother's love for her son and resources available to families who are navigating a similar journey. With different family members contributing to the story, the reader can see what this transition looks like from varying viewpoints.'
- Roz Gould Keith, President/Founder of Stand with Trans, parent of a transgender teen, and Creator of Ally Moms

'He's Always Been My Son does what no other book has, weaving together a mother's own reflections with inspiring words from the other key players ... capturing the essential truth that it takes a village to grow a thriving gender creative child.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center, UCSF, and author of Gender Born, Gender Made and The Gender Creative Child

Author: Janna Barkin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781785927478

This book offers essential guidance to parents of transgender and non-binary teens to help them support and understand their children. It alleviates common concerns parents have and gives advice on hormones and surgery, use of pronouns and how to transition socially. It also includes sample family letters, case studies and further reading.

Going through puberty and adolescence presents unwelcome changes for many transgender youth, and this book provides advice to parents of transgender teens to help them understand what their child is experiencing and feeling during this challenging time.

Addressing common fears and concerns that parents of transgender teens share, the book guides them through steps they can take with their child, including advice on hormones and surgery and how to transition socially. It addresses the recent increase in teens presenting with non-binary identities, and reflects major legal, social and medical developments regarding transgender issues. The author's insights are gained from his professional experience of providing psychotherapy regarding gender identity. He provides resources and further reading to help parents expand their knowledge.

Although aimed predominantly at parents, this book is useful for anyone working with teenagers and young adults as it provides many answers to common questions about adolescent gender identity.

'Irwin Krieger has given parents the gift of a brilliant, empathic roadmap in their journey with their transgender teen. He stretches our horizons to bring into focus not just youth who tell us "I'm the opposite gender" but non-binary youth who identify as neither male nor female, but both or all. Elegant, streamlined and robust, a must read for anyone raising or promoting the gender health of a transgender teen.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, PH.D., Author of The Gender Creative Child and Director of Child and Adolescent Gender Center, University of California San Francisco

'An excellent and much needed resource for parents of transgender, non-binary, or gender questioning teens. With compassion and encouragement, Krieger provides a pathway for parents who are navigating this journey.'
- Janna Barkin, Author of He’s Always Been My Son

Author: Irwin Krieger
Format: Paperback
Pages: 112
ISBN: 9781785928017

This helpful guide presents ways we can all better understand gender, and how people can change and express their gender identity. Considering biological and cultural understandings of gender, gender expression, and relationships and sexuality, this is an excellent starting point for anybody thinking about what gender means to them.

'For anyone who's ever wished they had a smart, kind, friend with whom they could calmly and safely discuss gender issues: this most excellent book is that kind of friend'. - Kate Bornstein, author of Gender Outlaw

Have you ever questioned your own gender identity? Do you know somebody who is transgender or who identifies as non-binary? Do you ever feel confused when people talk about gender diversity?

This down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. It looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.

'Wherever you are on your gender adventure, this book will be helpful to you. Beyond the headlines, gender is a personal journey - and for anyone struggling to find their way, this is the compassionate, accessible manual the world has been waiting for.'
- Laurie Penny, journalist, activist and author of Unspeakable Things

Author: Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker. Foreword by S. Bear Bergman.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781785927461

Challenging society's rigid and binary ways of thinking, this original work shows the limitations that binary thinking has regarding our relationships, wellbeing, sense of identity and more. Explaining how we can think and act in a less rigid manner, this fascinating book shows how life isn't binary.

'Barker and Iantaffi have written the book we all need for this moment in time.' - CN Lester

Much of society's thinking operates in a highly rigid and binary manner; something is good or bad, right or wrong, a success or a failure, and so on. Challenging this limited way of thinking, this ground-breaking book looks at how non-binary methods of thought can be applied to all aspects of life, and offer new and greater ways of understanding ourselves and how we relate to others.

Using bisexual and non-binary gender experiences as a starting point, this book addresses the key issues with binary thinking regarding our relationships, bodies, emotions, wellbeing and our sense of identity and sets out a range of practices which may help us to think in more non-binary, both/and, or uncertain ways.

A truly original and insightful piece, this guide encourages reflection on how we view and understand the world we live in and how we all bend, blur or break society's binary codes.

Author: Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi. Foreword by CN Lester
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781785924798

Meet Alan Turing, the genius code cracker and father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

Alan grew up in England, where his best friends were numbers and a little boy called Christopher. When his young friend died, Alan retreated to the world of numbers and codes, where he discovered how to crack the code of the Nazi Enigma machine.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant mathematician's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Ashling Lindsay
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780711246775

Meet Billie Jean King, the openly gay tennis star who has dedicated her life to breaking barriers both on and off the tennis court.

Billie Jean began playing tennis at the age of 11. After one of her first tennis lessons, she told her mother, "I'm going to be No. 1 in the world," a title she would come to hold five times between 1966 and 1972. Twenty years later, she is still today considered one of the most successful women in sports history.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the amazing sportswoman's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Miranda Sofroniou
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780711246928

Meet David Bowie, the starman who dazzled audiences with his music.

As a child, young David had a head full of songs and ideas. He was inspired by the pop and mod scenes in Britain to pick up the saxophone. After earning his stripes in some of the coolest bands in London, David splashed onto the solo scene.

His songwriting talent and musical skill made him one of rock and roll's all-time greatest artists. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the musician's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Ana Albero
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781786038036