LGBTQ+ Gender Books

For age 7 years and up.

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

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

Martina Ramirez first started wearing her mother's shoes in secret in primary school, when everyone still knew her as Martin. Growing up in a conservative household as an adopted Mexican-American in a racially segregated city, she swore she would not be just another crime or teen pregnancy statistic.

Martina lived up to that promise when she was named student chosen to make the speech at the farewell ceremony at her secondary school, became a lecturer at a prestigious university and had a family. It was only then, after she had become established in her life and career, that she was able to finally be her true self.

HAPPIER AS A WOMAN is not just a story of one woman's transition. It is a story about relationships - those she fostered with herself, those that were hurt, those that were saved and those that would not have existed if not for Martina's desire to be a mentor, to be the change. Martina made it her mission to pave the way for all of those that would come after her - from women seeking to break through the glass ceiling to fellow victims of emotional abuse - regardless of who they appeared to be on the outside.

It's as though all the emotions she had to bottle up in her youth became stronger with age and they now tell of a compelling journey of acceptance, self-discovery and self-love. Martina's story is skilfully expressed through letters, anecdotes and powerful interviews conducted by and written alongside her renowned co-author, human rights advocate and biographer, Alicia Partnoy.

Author: Martina Giselle Ramirez & Alicia Partnoy
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781627782388

There is no one way to be non-binary, and that's truthfully one of the best things about it. It's an identity that is yours to shape.

Combining light-hearted anecdotes with their own hard-won wisdom, Jamie Windust explores everything from fashion, dating, relationships and family, through to mental health, work and future key debates.

From trying on clothes in secret to iconic looks, first dates to polyamorous liaisons, passports to pronouns, Jamie shows you how to navigate the world and your evolving identity in every type of situation.

Frank, funny, and brilliantly feisty, this must-read book is a call to arms for non-binary self-acceptance, self-appreciation and self-celebration.

Author: Jamie Windust
Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781787752429

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781787753396

Recommended reading age - 13 and up.

Teen life is hard enough with all of the pressures kids face, but for teens who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), it's even harder. When do you decide to come out? To whom? Will your friends accept you? And how on earth do you meet people to date?

Updated in 2018, Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia.
Queer also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history.

This updated and revised edition is a must-read for any teen who thinks they might be queer - or knows someone who is.

Author: Kathy Belge & Marke Bieschke
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781942186489

An A-Z glossary of trans and queer words and phrases that explains specific terminology and contextualises terms within transgender history. By dispelling myths about "correct" language, this guide will serve as an accessible introduction to more informed conversations around gender and sexuality.

There can be confusion around the appropriate terminology for trans and queer identities, even within the trans community itself. As language is constantly evolving, it can be especially difficult to know what to say. As a thorough A-Z glossary of trans and queer words from 'ace' to 'xe', this dictionary guide will help to dispel the anxiety around using the "wrong" words, while explaining the weight of using certain labels and providing individuals with a vocabulary for personal identification.

Having correct and accurate terminology to describe oneself can be empowering, especially with words and phrases that describe gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, as well as slang relevant to LGBTQ+ rights and anti-discrimination, queer activism, gender-affirming healthcare and psychology. Written in a traditional A-Z glossary style, this guide will serve as a quick reference for looking up individual words, as well as an in-depth look at trans history and culture.

Author: Morgan Lev Edward Holleb
Format: Paperback
Pages: 344
ISBN: 9781785923425

The ABCs of LGBT+ is a #1 Bestselling LGBT book and is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice, or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender identity and sexual identity. In The ABCs of LGBT+, Ashley Mardell, a beloved blogger and YouTube star, answers many of your questions about:

• lgbt and lgbt+
• gender identity
• sexual identity
• teens in a binary world
• the LGBT family
• and more

Understanding gender identity and sexual identity: The 21st Century has seen very positive movement for LGBT+ rights. In the last few years the overturning of DOMA, the SCOTUS ruling in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, American transgender politicians elected to office, and landmark moments such as Apple becoming the most valuable company in the world under the leadership of an openly gay CEO have advanced LGBT awareness and understanding. In a world full of LGBT questions, Mardell's The ABC's of LGBT+ has the answers.

The trusted voice of Ashley Mardell: We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and awareness of gender identity and a real understanding of our LGBT family is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+ in this remarkable book. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more; Mardell's LGBT book is proof it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell's own words, "This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge… a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives."

Author: Ashley Mardell
Format: Paperback
Pages: 190
ISBN: 9781633534094

A joyful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's development, history, and culture, packed with facts, trivia, timelines, and charts, and featuring 100 full-colour illustrations.

Compiled and designed by queer power couple and illustrators extraordinaire, Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham, founders of the popular stationery company Ash + Chess, The Gay Agenda is an inviting and entertaining guide that pays tribute to the LGBTQ+ community.

Filled with engaging descriptions, interesting facts, helpful features-such as historical queer icons and events and LGBTQ+ acronym definitions-this fabulous compendium illuminates the transformation of the community, highlighting its struggles, achievements, landmarks, and contributions.

It also salutes iconic members of the LGBTQ+ community-the celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens who have made a notable impact on gay life and society itself.

The Gay Agenda is a nostalgic look back for older generations, an archive for younger people, and a helpful introduction for those interested in learning more about the community and its contributions. From James Baldwin and Emma Goldman to Marsha P. Johnson and Jodie Foster; the Pink Triangle and the Rainbow Flag to Stonewall and the AIDS crisis; Matthew Shepard and Pulse Nightclub to Sodomy Laws and Obergefell; Drag and Transitioning to The L Word and The Kinsey Scale, Freddie Mercury and Ellen Degeneres to Laverne Cox and David Bowie, this magnificent digest is a keepsake honouring all LGBTQ+, and the ongoing fight to gain-and maintain-equality for all.

Author: Ashley Molesso & Chessie Needham
Format: Hardback
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9780062944559

Showing what life is like as a nonbinary or genderqueer person, this book explores relationships, mental and physical health, language use and identity and appearance, providing advice for nonbinary people and how friends and family can support them.

In this insightful and long-overdue book, Eris Young explores what it's like to live outside of the gender binary and how it can impact on one's relationships, sense of identity, use of language and more.

Drawing on the author's own experiences as a nonbinary person, as well as interviews and research, it shares common experiences and challenges faced by those who are nonbinary, and what friends, family and other cisgender people can do to support them. Breaking down misconceptions and providing definitions, the history of nonbinary identities and gender-neutral language, and information on healthcare, this much-needed guide is for anyone wanting to fully understand nonbinary and genderqueer identities.

Author: Eris Young
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781785924835

Interest age: from 14 years.

A funny and pertinent book about being lesbian, bisexual, gay, queer, transgender or just curious - for everybody, no matter their gender or sexuality

Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author Juno Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, this frank, funny, fully inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-read.

Author: Juno Dawson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781471403958

Format: Paperback
Pages: 296
ISBN: 9781785924323

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781787750197

Personal, first-hand accounts from transgender and non-binary individuals and the diverse experiences and challenges they face before, during and after transition. This comprehensive introduction to trans issues details the social, physical and emotional struggles involved in becoming who you are.

Bronze Winner for the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the category of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Non-Fiction

Foregrounding the voices of transgender and non-binary people, this honest and insightful book is a compilation of the voices of those who have decided to undergo transition - both male-to-female and female-to-male. Drawing on over one hundred interviews with individuals, the book details the diverse experiences and challenges faced by those who transition, exploring a range of topics such as hormone treatments; reassignment surgeries; coming out; sex and sexuality; physical, emotional and mental health; transphobia; discrimination; and hate crime, as well as highlighting the lives of non-binary individuals and those who cross-dress to form a wider understanding of the varied ways in which people experience gender.

This powerful book is an ideal introduction to those keen to understand more about contemporary trans issues as well as those questioning their own gender identity.

'This book gives an important, valuable platform to many diverse trans voices. We must listen and learn from their experiences and concerns; and act in solidarity with their human rights struggle.'
- Peter Tatchell, Director, Peter Tatchell Foundation

'We congratulate Declan Henry on developing this perceptive account of trans experiences, richly illustrated with a wide array of authentic personal narratives. It is a timely reminder of the diversity of trans individuals and the many barriers to equal treatment they still face. We commend the book to everyone who is in a position to improve their lives.'
- Bernard Reed OBE, Trustee, Gender and Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)

'Declan Henry starts the book with a refreshingly honest confession that at one point he knew very little about the T in LGBT. With complete earnestness he sets out to give an overview of the transgender community in simple and very readable sections. He has packed this small book full of information, snippets of enlightening interviews and his thoughts about transgender equality and equality in its widest sense. A must read for anyone wishing to be an ally who realises that only with knowledge and understanding can you change hearts and minds.'
- Juno Roche, Writer, campaigner and Patron of cliniQ

Author: Declan Henry. Foreword by Professor Stephen Whittle, OBE. Afterword by Jane Fae
Format: Paperback
Pages: 232
ISBN: 9781785922404

A provocative exploration of issues relating to gender, feminism, philosophy and trans-identities, written from a trans-feminist perspective. It empowers readers, raises awareness and breaks down misconceptions about trans identities, covering issues such as women's male privilege, radical feminism and being trans enough.

How do I know I am trans? Is trans feminism real feminism? What is there to say about trans women's male privilege?

This collection of insightful, pithy and passionately argued think pieces from a trans-feminist perspective explores issues surrounding gender, feminism and philosophy and challenges misconceptions about trans identities. The book confronts contentious debates in gender studies to alleviate ongoing tension between feminism and trans women. Split into six sections, this collection covers wider issues, as well as autobiographical experiences, designed to stimulate the reader and encourage them to actively participate.

Author: Rachel Anne Williams
Format: Paperback
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781785926471

This heartfelt, honest memoir tracks Wenn Lawson's transition from female to male and the effect it had on his relationship. Co-written by Wenn and his partner, Beatrice, the book explores the highs and lows of their journey and how they arrived at a point of acceptance and celebration of their individual identities and identity as a couple.

This is the story of a long-lasting relationship, surviving against the odds. It is the story of Wenn and Beatrice Lawson, born almost twelve years apart in different countries with different cultures, who were both assigned female at birth. After nineteen years of marriage and four children, Wenn entered a same-sex relationship with Beatrice. Little did Beatrice know that twenty-two years later, Wenn would transition from female to male. This unique and honest memoir tells the story of Wenn's transition and Beatrice's journey alongside him.

Co-written by Wenn and Beatrice, who are both on the autism spectrum, this book offers a rare insight into an older couple's experience of transition, with particular emphasis on how Beatrice really felt about the changes. Without holding back, they tell the true story of the conflicts, challenges and growing celebration and joy that can arise from transitioning together as a couple.

'Books by Wenn have always explored the frontiers of autism. This is the love story of Wenn and Beatrice that, through the years, became an exploration of gender and identity. I now see an increasing number of clients who are travelling the same road and this will be their travel guide.'
- Tony Attwood, Minds and Hearts Clinic, Brisbane

'A wonderful multifaceted account of discovering sexuality, exploring gender identity and living with autism, wrapped up in a beautifully honest and inspiring love story of one couple's journey of overcoming obstacles to find each other, to find themselves and to find a way to move forward together. It is impossible not to feel completely privileged to be able to share in their unique experience of undergoing gender transition as a couple.'
- Finlay Games (finntheinfinncible), Transgender advocate and educator, and YouTube host and blogger on gender transition, mental health and recovery

Author: Wenn B. Lawson and Beatrice M. Lawson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 216
ISBN: 9781785921032

This book introduces children to gender as a spectrum and shows how people can bend and break the gender binary and stereotypes. It includes an interactive wheel, clearly showing the difference between our body, expression and identity, and is an effective tool to help children 5+ understand and celebrate diversity.

What do you like?
How do you feel?
Who are you?

This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, a short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points.

This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

'A much-needed non-fiction children's book exploring gender. Who Are You? will benefit every child!'
- Pamela Wool, Director of Family Services, Gender Spectrum

'A gem that promises to make these concepts accessible to teachers and immediately useful in their classroom contexts. It will certainly become a "go to" resource in teacher education.'
- Thomas M. Philip, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Teacher Education and Urban Schooling, UCLA

Author: Brook Pessin-Whedbee, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785927287

This is an educational children's book for ages 7-11 that makes gender identity, romantic orientation, and family diversity easy to explain to children. Charming illustrations help children engage with concepts such as intersectionality, discrimination, privilege and allyship in a comprehensible and respectful manner.

Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal Winner

This is an illustrated children's book for ages 7-11 that makes gender identity, sexual orientation and family diversity easy to explain to children.

Throughout the book kids learn that there are many kinds of people in the world and that diversity is something to be celebrated. It covers gender, romantic orientation, discrimination, intersectionality, privilege, and how to stand up for what's right. With charming illustrations, clear explanations, and short sections that can be dipped in and out of, this book helps children think about how to create a kinder, more tolerant world.

'You Be You! is a much needed honest, inclusive and respectful guide that should be read by all kids and adults alike! The author's comprehensive approach including discussions about discrimination, intersectionality and privilege make this book an exceptional and timely resource.'
- Kimberly Zieselman, JD, Executive Director, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth'

A great book of real power, this will be useful in schools, at home, and just about anywhere. We learn the meaning of words like: gender and gender identity, intersex, cisgender, asexual, gay and lesbian, straight (heterosexual), bisexual (pansexual), orientations (sexual or romantic), discrimination, sexism, transgender and transphobia, and homophobia. All these are described in simple but truthful terms with easily understood and enjoyable vignette picture to go with them. I must say, I learned a lot!'
- School Library Journal

Author: Jonathan Branfman, illustrated by Julie Benbassat
Format: Hardback
Pages: 80
ISBN: 9781787750104