Top 20 Best Books on Being Gay:2024 Edition

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Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy that follows the love story between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. When an altercation at a royal wedding threatens international relations, Alex and Henry are forced to pretend to be best friends, leading to a rollercoaster journey of self-discovery, forbidden romance, and political intrigue. This book on being gay is filled with witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and a diverse cast of characters. McQuiston’s writing is both funny and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of identity, family, and love. Red, White & Royal Blue is a refreshing and uplifting read that celebrates love in all its forms, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming being gay book.

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Less

by Andrew Sean Greer

Less by Andrew Sean Greer is a delightful and humorous novel that follows the journey of Arthur Less, a struggling writer who is about to turn fifty. In an attempt to escape the impending wedding of his ex-boyfriend, Arthur embarks on a worldwide journey that takes him from Paris to Berlin to Morocco and beyond. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and navigates the complexities of love, aging, and the pursuit of happiness. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a charming and heartfelt exploration of the universal themes of self-discovery and acceptance, wrapped in a witty and poignant narrative. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and insightful book about being gay.

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The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a captivating retelling of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, this novel explores the deep bond between the two heroes, offering a poignant and powerful portrayal of love and friendship. With lyrical prose and rich imagery, Miller brings the ancient world to life, immersing readers in a story of honor, sacrifice, and devotion. At its core, The Song of Achilles is a mesmerizing exploration of the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of love. This being gay book provides a moving and thought-provoking portrayal of same-sex love in a historical context, making it a compelling and resonant read for all audiences.

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Call Me By Your Name

by André Aciman

Call Me By Your Name is a poignant coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of love, desire, and self-discovery. Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside during the 1980s, the story follows the passionate and forbidden romance between Elio, a precocious 17-year-old, and Oliver, an older graduate student who comes to stay with Elio’s family for the summer. As their relationship unfolds, the novel delves deep into the emotional turmoil and yearning that comes with realizing one’s true identity and desires. André Aciman’s lyrical prose beautifully captures the intensity of first love and the universal experience of longing and heartache. A timeless and evocative book about being gay, Call Me By Your Name is a tender exploration of the complexities of sexuality and the exhilarating and devastating journey of self-discovery.

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Giovanni’s Room

by James Baldwin

Giovanni’s Room is a captivating and powerful novel by James Baldwin that delves into the complexities of identity, love, and desire. Set in 1950s Paris, the story follows the protagonist, David, as he navigates his tumultuous relationships with both a woman named Hella and a man named Giovanni. As David grapples with his own internal struggles and societal expectations, the novel explores themes of sexual orientation, intimacy, and the fear of societal judgment. Baldwin’s evocative and lyrical prose brings to life the emotional turmoil and heart-wrenching decisions faced by the characters. Giovanni’s Room is a thought-provoking and poignant book about the challenges and conflicts experienced by individuals who are grappling with their own sexual identity. This timeless story continues to resonate with readers as a profound exploration of love and self-acceptance.

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The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and moving novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Celie, a young girl who is sexually abused by her father and then forced into an unhappy marriage. Throughout the novel, Celie finds solace in her deep and transformative relationships with other women, including her sister Nettie and the fabulous Shug Avery. The novel is a beautiful exploration of resilience, sisterhood, and the struggle for self-discovery and independence. It has been celebrated for its bold portrayal of the lives of black women and its unflinching examination of the struggles faced by women of color. The Color Purple is a must-read for anyone interested in powerful and evocative storytelling.

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Middlesex

by Jeffrey Eugenides

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of gender identity and the experience of being gay. The story follows the life of Calliope Stephanides, who is born intersex and raised as a girl before eventually embracing a male identity as Cal. Through Cal’s journey, the novel explores the challenges of navigating gender and sexuality, as well as the impact of family history and cultural identity.

Eugenides weaves a rich and immersive narrative, blending elements of family saga, coming-of-age story, and historical fiction. The novel’s exploration of identity and self-discovery resonates with readers, offering a powerful and moving portrayal of the human experience. Middlesex is a must-read for anyone interested in a beautifully written and poignant book about being gay.

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a captivating novel by Oscar Wilde that delves into the themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of living a hedonistic lifestyle. The story follows the young and handsome Dorian Gray, who becomes the subject of a portrait painted by the talented artist Basil Hallward. As Dorian indulges in a life of pleasure and decadence, his portrait mysteriously ages and reflects the true consequences of his immoral actions, while he remains outwardly untouched. This classic novel has been celebrated for its exploration of the human psyche and its critique of Victorian society’s obsession with appearances. With its richly textured prose and complex characters, The Picture of Dorian Gray remains a timeless book about being gay that continues to captivate readers with its thought-provoking exploration of morality and the consequences of a life lived without restraint.

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Stone Butch Blues

by Leslie Feinberg

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg is a groundbreaking book on being gay that tells the powerful and poignant story of Jess Goldberg, a young butch lesbian coming of age in the 1960s and 70s. Set against the backdrop of the working-class struggles and the burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement, Jess navigates the complexities of gender identity, love, and acceptance. This compelling book about being gay explores the challenges and triumphs of living as a masculine-presenting woman in a society that often seeks to erase and oppress those who don’t conform to traditional gender roles. Feinberg’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply moving, making Stone Butch Blues an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the experiences of being gay and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

by Alison Bechdel

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, written by Alison Bechdel, is a powerful and poignant graphic memoir that delves into the author’s complex relationship with her father and her own coming-of-age as a lesbian. The book beautifully captures the ups and downs of family dynamics, as Bechdel unravels her father’s hidden homosexuality and her struggle with her own identity. Through vivid illustrations and honest storytelling, Fun Home explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the impact of secrets on family life. Bechdel’s candid and introspective narrative makes this a compelling read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature or memoirs about family relationships. This book is an insightful and emotional exploration of the complexities of being gay and the impact it has on family dynamics.

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The Price of Salt

by Patricia Highsmith

The Price of Salt, written by Patricia Highsmith, is a groundbreaking book about being gay. This 1952 novel follows the story of Therese Belivet, a young woman who falls in love with the captivating and enigmatic Carol Aird. Set in the conservative 1950s, the book explores the complexities of love and desire in a society that is hostile to same-sex relationships. Highsmith’s exquisite prose and compelling characters make this novel a timeless exploration of the human experience, as well as a powerful book on being gay. The Price of Salt challenges societal norms and offers a poignant portrayal of love and self-discovery. This evocative and beautifully written novel continues to resonate with readers, making it a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature.

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Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

by Jeanette Winterson

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson is a compelling coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of identity and sexuality. The novel follows the protagonist, a young girl named Jeanette, as she grapples with her burgeoning feelings for women in a strict religious environment. Winterson’s poignant and humorous writing style brings Jeanette’s journey to life, exploring themes of love, faith, and self-discovery. The novel is a powerful exploration of what it means to be different and the struggles of coming to terms with one’s own sexuality. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book about the challenges and triumphs of embracing one’s true self.

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A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a heart-wrenching novel that follows the lives of four college friends as they navigate the complexities of adulthood in New York City. At its core, the book is a profound exploration of trauma, friendship, and the enduring power of love. The story delves into the life of Jude St. Francis, a complex and enigmatic character whose past struggles with abuse and self-harm are central to the narrative. A Little Life is a compelling and emotionally charged read that delves into the depths of human suffering and resilience. It’s a poignant portrayal of the enduring impact of trauma and the unwavering bonds of friendship. The novel has been widely praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the human experience, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience.

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The Line of Beauty

by Alan Hollinghurst

The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating and beautifully written novel that delves into the intricacies of relationships, politics, and the complexities of being gay in 1980s Britain. Set in the backdrop of Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government, the story follows the life of Nick Guest, a young gay man who becomes embroiled in the world of the wealthy and the privileged. Through Nick’s experiences, the novel explores themes of desire, social class, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that is often intolerant of those who are different. Hollinghurst’s prose is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into a world of opulence and hidden desires. The Line of Beauty is a remarkable and thought-provoking book about being gay that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

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Fingersmith

by Sarah Waters

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on a twisty and turny journey through Victorian England. This gripping tale follows the lives of two young women, Sue and Maud, as they navigate deceit, betrayal, and unexpected love. The story delves into themes of identity, desire, and the constraints of society, making it a compelling book about being gay. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of secrets, manipulation, and forbidden passion that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, Fingersmith is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and immersive historical fiction novel that explores the complexities of being gay.

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The Hours

by Michael Cunningham

The Hours by Michael Cunningham is a captivating and introspective novel that weaves together the lives of three women from different time periods, each grappling with their own sense of identity and purpose. The story explores the impact of Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway on these women, as they navigate themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in their lives. Cunningham’s lyrical prose and deep insight into the human experience make this a compelling read that delves into the complexities of existence and the connections that bind us all. The novel also subtly explores the theme of ‘being gay’, as it delves into the lives of characters who are struggling with their own sexual identity and societal expectations. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the human experience.

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Tipping the Velvet

by Sarah Waters

Tipping the Velvet is a captivating novel by Sarah Waters that delves into the world of LGBTQ+ relationships and the struggles faced by individuals who are exploring their sexuality. The story follows the journey of Nan King, a young woman who falls in love with a male impersonator and embarks on a thrilling and tumultuous journey through the vibrant underworld of Victorian London. This book about being gay is a powerful exploration of love, desire, and self-discovery in a time when such relationships were often taboo. Through rich historical detail and compelling characters, Waters brings to life a vivid and evocative portrait of a woman coming to terms with her own identity in a society that is often unforgiving. Tipping the Velvet is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of being gay.

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Maurice

by E.M. Forster

Maurice is a groundbreaking book about being gay written by E.M. Forster, but not published until after his death. The novel follows the protagonist Maurice Hall as he navigates his sexuality and relationships in Edwardian England. Maurice struggles with societal expectations and his own desires, leading to a poignant exploration of love, identity, and self-acceptance. The novel is a powerful and moving portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals in a society that does not accept or understand their sexual orientation. With its honest and compassionate depiction of being gay, Maurice remains a timeless and important work in LGBTQ+ literature, offering readers a compelling and intimate look into the complexities of love and self-discovery.

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The Color of Water

by James McBride

The Color of Water is a captivating memoir by James McBride that tells the story of his mother, a white Jewish woman who married a black man in the 1940s. The book delves into the complexities of race, identity, and family, as McBride explores his own upbringing in a mixed-race household and his mother’s remarkable journey from a small town in the South to New York City. McBride skillfully weaves together his mother’s narrative with his own, creating a compelling and poignant portrait of their lives. The Color of Water is a powerful exploration of love, resilience, and the search for belonging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories of family and identity. This memoir is a profound and moving testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

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Orlando

by Virginia Woolf

Orlando by Virginia Woolf is a groundbreaking book about being gay that follows the journey of its protagonist through four centuries of British history. The novel explores themes of gender, identity, and freedom as Orlando transitions from a man to a woman and navigates the complexities of love and society. Woolf’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling make this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read. Through Orlando’s experiences, Woolf challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, making this a timeless and relevant exploration of being gay and the fluidity of gender and sexuality. With its rich historical backdrop and poetic language, Orlando is a literary masterpiece that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.