Books

5 New Books By British LGBTQ+ Authors To Buy This Pride Month

Including the stories, thoughts, and lived experiences of Bimini Bon Boulash, Olly Alexander, and Black Pride’s Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah.

by Niellah Arboine
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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June marks Pride month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ people, culture, and history – and a reminder of the solidarity and continued protests that are an important part of Pride.

Although lockdown is easing in the UK, many Pride events have still had to be postponed, cancelled, or moved to online spaces, but there are still plenty of other ways to mark the occasion.

A lot has happened for LGBTQ+ communities over the last year in the UK. Whether that’s through media representation and the success of shows like Drag Race UK, or through policy change and the cost of gender recognition Certificates being cut to £5.

While there have been great strides for LGBTQ+ communities, the fight has by no means stopped. The government is still rejecting the right for non-binary people to be legally recognised and did not include non-binary people on the government census — a missed opportunity to collect data on how many gender non-conforming people there are in the country. It has also been accused of dragging its feet when it comes to fulfilling its promise of banning conversion therapy.

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to listen to the stories, thoughts, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people — and what better way to do that than through books? From personal biographies to essays on nightlife and organising, there’s a whole host of wonderful new books coming out this year.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

We Can Do Better Than This edited by Amelia Abraham

'We Can Do Better Than This' edited by Amelia Abraham
Foyles
Following on from her debut Queer Intentions, Amelia Abraham returns with the essay anthology We Can Do Better Than This. Thirty-five voices from the LGBTQ+ community share their vision of the future including Gossip singer Beth Ditto, Years & Years singer Olly Alexander, and Black Pride founder Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah.
£12.99

A Dutiful Boy by Mohsin Zaidi

'A Dutiful Boy' by Moshin Zaidi
Foyles
Now in paperback, A Dutiful Boy is Zaid’s personal account of life growing up Muslim and gay in Britain. After becoming the first person in his school to get into Oxford University, he has to decide what path in life he will take next. It touches on themes including belonging, shame, and self-acceptance.
£8.99

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