Only recently can we look toward a new year and expect to find more and more room for LGBTQ+ representation in bookstore. The past few years have brought a wave of new, innovative, and diverse queer books–and 2023 looks to be no exception.
Throughout the new year, we’re looking forward to filling our shelves up with exciting debuts, fascinating memoirs, and plenty of eagerly-awaited releases from beloved queer writers. Here, find our 17 most anticipated LGBTQ books of 2023.
You Don’t Have A Shot by Racquel Marie
Following her excellent debut Ophelia After All, Racquel Marie returns with a queer romance following two soccer rivals. Valentina Castillo-Green retreats to her childhood soccer camp after inciting a fight during a playoffs game, only to find that the rival she’s avoiding…is her new co-captain, who she might just end up seeing in a new light. Sign us up for this enemies-to-lovers rollercoaster. Available May 9, 2023.
The Big Reveal by Sasha Velour
This first book from the Season 9 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race promises to leave us “So Emotional.” Featuring her signature creative voice and stunning visual art, Sasha Velour combines memoir, history, and queer theory for the ultimate drag manifesto. The Big Reveal is sure to be nothing short of edifying (yes, we’re using that word correctly!). Available April 4, 2023.
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Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
This highly-anticipated Young Adult release follows the story of three boys from separate generations of an Iranian family – one timeline in 1939, one in 1978, and another in 2019 – each of them battling a unique challenge with their identity, sexuality, and intergenerational trauma. From the Stonewall Honor-winning author of the stunning LIKE A LOVE STORY, this one belongs at the top of your YA list for the summer. Available May 9, 2023.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
Academy Award nominee Elliot Page recently announced his first book–a memoir on his life, career, and journey to coming out as trans in 2020. As he wrote in his announcement, “Books have helped me, saved me even, so I hope this can help someone feel less alone, feel seen, no matter who they are or what path they are on.” We’ll be first in line come June. Available June 6, 2023.
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
This summer release from Sonora Reyes follows Ariana, a queer autistic girl in high school who is the victim of a sexual assault by a fellow student at a party. When an unlikely group of students emerges determined to expose the truth and defend Ariana, this brave and heart-wrenching story turns to one of friendship and camaraderie when it matters most. Available May 23, 2023.
Ryan And Avery by David Levithan
Ten years after the widely celebrated Two Boys Kissing, David Levithan is letting us into the story of ten dates between two of its central characters, Ryan and Avery. This beloved couple is bound to make our hearts soar again, and will likely send us back for a reread of the book where we first met them. Love stories are part of what David Levithan does best, and his 2023 release–cover and release date yet to be revealed–looks guaranteed to take us all the way there. Available Fall 2023.
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Following Anita Kelly’s heartwarming Love & Other Disasters comes a new queer romance following two men on a long, long journey across the Western wilderness. Sure to be packed with Kelly’s upbeat and romantic voice, Something Wild & Wonderful is being sold as a grumpy-meets-sunshine romantic adventure, and we’re buying. Available March 7, 2023.
The Sun And The Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
At long last, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace–the fan-favorite gay couple from the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series–are upgrading from side characters to leads inThe Sun And The Star, co-written by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro. This one will no doubt be filled with as much mythology and adventure as Riordan’s previous work, this time partnered with Oshiro’s signature sharp YA voice. Available May 2, 2023.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Following the 2021 success of The Guncle Steven Rowley’s fourth novel is poised to deliver as many lovable characters and pitch-perfect, comedic, bittersweet moments as his first three. After the loss of one of their own, a group of friends promises to throw “living funerals” for each other to celebrate and appreciate their relationships as they’re happening right in front of them. Hold on tight for this emotional gut-punch. Available May 16, 2023.
Just As You Are by Camille Kellogg
This debut novel is a Pride And Prejudice-inspired rom-com following Liz Baker, a writer at a queer magazine. Things get complicated when she starts to catch feelings for a harsh minority investor who has been overly-critical of Liz’s work, but turns out to have a secret soft side. We can’t wait for this spring release to revitalize a classic with a queer, New York City twist. Available April 25, 2023.
The Year My Life Went Down The Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow
This middle-grade release from the Stonewall Honor-winning Jake Maia Arlow follows a young girl in middle school discovering that she just might be queer, in conjunction with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Packed with humor and painful honesty, this will be a perfect summer read for the middle-grade reader in your life–or anyone willing to revisit those painful years. Available May 2, 2023.
A Tale Of Two Princes by Eric Geron
God save the queers! In this January YA release destined to start our years on a royal note, Edward and Billy are long-lost twins living vastly different lives–one as a prince, one in rural Montana–until a chance reunion in NYC brings them together and catalyzes a Parent Trap-style journey of growing pains and new beginnings for both of them. Available January 10, 2023.
Is It Hot In Here (Or Am I Suffering For All Eternity For The Sins I Committed On Earth)? by Zach Zimmerman
Comedian Zach Zimmerman’s debut essay collection releases this spring, guaranteed to highlight their signature hilarious, honest, and endearing voice. Featuring essays on vegetarianism, atheism, and queerness, we can’t wait to get our hands on this first-person account of growing up queer, funny, and (famously) very tall. Bonus points if they choose to narrate the audiobook! Available April 18, 2023.
Saint Juniper’s Folly by Alex Crespo
Alex Crespo’s debut novel is a gothic mystery, arriving just in time to kick our summers off on an extra spooky note. Following two teenagers determined to rescue a Mexican-American boy “with a cryptic past” from a haunted mansion in the woods of a Vermont town, this bone-chilling, paranormal debut promises to also deliver a tender story of found family… if we read deep enough into the woods. Available May 16, 2023.
The Male Gazed by Manuel Betancourt
This collection of essays is a searing exploration of queer intimacy, masculinity, and homoeroticism. With personal anecdotes and cultural criticism on “Hunks, Heartthrobs, and What Pop Culture Taught Me About (Desiring) Men,” Manuel Betancourt faces us with difficult truths and sharply honest storytelling about coming of age as queer people. Available May 30, 2023.
Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane
Byron Lane’s captivating 2020 debut A Star is Bored was written based on his experience as Carrie Fisher’s personal assistant. His follow-up, Big Gay Wedding, seems to feature fewer film icons, but more small-town charm, big-time secrets, and a whole lot of heart. “We do” vow to walk down the bookstore aisle for this promising second novel. Available May 30, 2023.
The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
From the celebrated writer of Real Life and Filthy Animals comes a new novel about chosen family and queer relationships. This Iowa City-based novel guarantees an even deeper exploration of Brandon Taylor’s astute, haunting, and intimate voice. Available May 23, 2023.
linedrive
Keep those queer books coming! I second the notion that’s it’s exciting that there are now so many LGBTQ literary offerings available, with more being released constantly. There’s something for everyone.
tjack47
In 1978-79, approximately, I was 15. It was happenstance that I was in a Waldenbooks in a city mall(little country bumpkin). I saw a book that had two guys on the cover. I was more than intrigued. I bought it, and that’s when I was introduced to the great, Patricia Nell Warren. The book was, “The Front Runner”. I still remember my excitement at reading a book for people like me. I wished the film had been made.
eeebee333
When I was a senior in high school (1975) my school library had an anthology of plays from the 1960s. One of them was “The Boys in the Band”. I had it checked out for most of the year and read it countless times. Not exactly great role models, those boys. At that time there was a best selling book called “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask)”. The chapter on homosexuality was about men cruising public rest rooms. Those and the rape scene in “Deliverance” were my only exposure to homosexuality in literature, until I read “The Front Runner” when I was 19.
Joshooeerr
Yes, The Front Runner was the first gay novel read by a whole generation. It’s somewhat amazing that nobody has yet done a film adaptation. For a while there Paul Newman had the rights and there were plans for it to star Newman as the coach and David Cassidy as Billy. That would have been amazing. But the rights lapsed, then moved to a succession of producers who never managed to make it happen. The story is somewhat dated now and, if filmed today, would probably have to be set when it was written, in the 70s. But it would have a built-in audience, and a story that’s a lot better than 90% of today’s gay-themed indie films.
Fname Optional Lname
I remember feeling the same excitement finding gay themed literature. I think it may have been Walden books also! Recently I was in a Barnes and Nobles and asked where the LGBTQ section was and the sassy sales person asked what specifically I was looking for? No gay section.
Scott
Another book that is great and should be added to the list is Death Changes Everything by Sean Cunningham. I read the book and am currently listening to the audiobook. The story is amazing with lots of twists and turns.
Joshooeerr
My recommendation would be Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. Best gay novel in years.
eeebee333
I’m 65 and love reading gay YA books. There was no such thing when I was a teenager. I’m so glad that gay and questioning youth can see themselves in literature now. And they are a great escape for me.
Thad
I can’t wait!
And don’t forget to request these books from your local library. They will be available to others when you’ve returned them. (Shout-out to Delaware County Public Libraries in PA!)
crt284
Agree! I have card for the Philadelphia, Norristown, and Pittsburgh libraries – tons of LGBTQ ebooks, and I always request the new ones be added to the collections.
JustinThyme1978
Way to go, Delco! Back when I was a teen (in the far NW burbs of Philly), I can say with certainty that I would have been scared to death to check out a book at the library that was known to be a “gay” book. I am hopeful that today’s youth feel freer to read these books, because seeing representation in stories is so damn important. I honestly cannot think of a single book I read back then with any queer representation.
bachy
Looking forward to the Betancourt essays.
WillParkinson
When I was a kid, I loved to write. Cruel words from my father stopped me cold. It wasn’t until I met Eden Winters, another author, that I tried again. Now I have like thirty books to my name, so suck it, Dad.
Dansktex
It is amazing how many LGBTQ+ books are now available on Libby from public libraries. No going to the library, just checking them out online to read on your personal device for free! (I use a Kindle.) In the past 4 months, I have read: Greenland by David Santos Donalson, The Kingdom of Sand by Andrew Holleran, The Town of Babylon by Alejandro Varela, First Time for Everything by Henry Fry, Perpetual West by Mesha Marin, Les Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer, Cleanness by Garth Greenwell, Here’s to Us by Becky Alberttali and Adam Silvera, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain, What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Alberttali, and History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera.
bachy
Thanks for the recommendation!