As the phrase ‘decolonize your bookshelf’ continues to resonate with readers, it’s essential to consider not just the racial diversity but also the intersectional identities of the authors we’re reading. Simply adding non-white or non-straight authors to our shelves may not be enough; we must strive for a nuanced representation that acknowledges and celebrates the complexities of different identities.
The absence of nonbinary, disabled, neurodivergent, or queer experiences from predominantly white, straight narratives can lead to a narrow understanding of what it means to live outside of those dominant norms. As Pride Month concludes, it’s an opportune time to reexamine our reading lists and bookshelves. Let us commit to creating a more inclusive literary landscape by exploring the works of Black authors who write about LGBTQ experiences.
This diversification not only broadens our perspectives but also helps us challenge ingrained biases and beliefs. It can lead us to new favorite authors, genres, or topics that we might have overlooked if we relied solely on traditional lists of classics. To embark on this journey, I recommend starting with these 20 remarkable Black authors who write about LGBTQ experiences. Their stories offer a wealth of fictional and non-fictional insights into what it means to be queer and Black.
These authors, including some personal favorites, classic works, and titles still waiting to be devoured, will provide an enriching reading experience that can be enjoyed at any time.
Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon’s work is a masterclass in blending genres and exploring complex themes. Their novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts, delves into the terrors of the Antebellum era, reimagining them on a spaceship where generational trauma and family bonds take center stage. The result is a hauntingly powerful narrative that will leave readers deeply unsettled. Meanwhile, their collaboration with clipping.
, The Deep, crafts a rich mythology around the children born to African women who were forced overboard from slave ships during pregnancy. While both books tackle heavy subject matter, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and sensitivity. Be sure to consult reviews and trigger warnings before diving in.
Kacen Callender
Kacen Callender is a celebrated author of contemporary queer fiction, with a body of work that traverses age ranges from middle grade to adult. Their latest novel, Felix Ever After, tells the poignant story of a black, trans teenager on a quest for self-discovery and love.
A common thread throughout their oeuvre, including Hurricane Child, This is Kind of an Epic Love Story, and King and the Dragonflies, is the exploration of queer identity and the universal human desires to belong and find one’s place in the world.
N.K. Jemisin
N. K. Jemisin is a celebrated author in the realm of science fiction and fantasy (SFF), but her work often extends beyond these genres to incorporate powerful and nuanced portrayals of queerness. Her latest novel, The City We Became, is a prime example of this. This fantastical tale revolves around the living avatars of New York City’s boroughs and its iconic cityscape, where queer characters take center stage in their struggle to protect the very fabric of their beloved metropolis.
Jemisin’s exceptional short story collection, How Long Til Black Future Month?, as well as her fantasy series, The Fifth Season, are further testaments to her skill in crafting complex and memorable characters that defy simplistic categorization.
Jacqueline Woodson
Jaqueline Woodson’s writing is deeply rooted in her queer identity, as well as her signature lyrical prose. Her exploration of adolescent experiences, generational heritage, and personal childhood memories – as seen in works like Another Brooklyn, Red at the Bone, and Brown Girl Dreaming – uniquely brings her stories to life through her remarkably insightful and tactile storytelling.
Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series was instrumental in introducing me to the romance genre. The books and novellas within this series have a unique blend of friends, royals, and unexpected connections that left me enthralled.
What sets this series apart is its thoughtful inclusion of queer characters and storylines, such as Once Ghosted, Twice Shy, which explores the second chance at love for a prince’s assistant and a jewelry maker, A Prince on Paper, where an underestimated cousin of the Princess of Thesolo and a bisexual step-prince of Liechtienbourg transition from adversaries to romantic partners, and Can’t Escape Love, which follows a nerdy bi businesswoman and puzzle-obsessed designer as they navigate a deal-turned-romance.
These stories not only showcase Alyssa Cole’s storytelling prowess but also her commitment to representation and inclusivity.
Akwaeke Emezi
Akwaeke Emezi’s writing voice is unparalleled in contemporary literature, weaving together genres like fabulist literary fiction and young adult fantasy to craft unique stories that leave a lasting impact. As I delve into their works, I’m struck by the haunting and mesmerizing qualities of their narratives.
Freshwater, a surreal tale, delves into the life of a Nigerian woman grappling with fractured selves, earning a nod for the Lambda Literary Award in the process.
Pet takes us on a journey that explores the societal struggles to achieve peace, despite the presence of monsters lurking in the shadows – all told through the eyes of a young trans girl.
Their upcoming novel, The Death of Vivek Oji, promises to continue their tradition of crafting thought-provoking stories. With its scheduled release later this year, I’m eager to see what Emezi has in store for us.
Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s literary reputation precedes her. Her debut collection, Ayiti, is a testament to her unique storytelling prowess as she weaves together fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to explore the Haitian diaspora. Her subsequent works, including the short story collection Difficult Women and nonfiction volumes like Bad Feminist and Hunger, have earned her a place among the literary elite.
With their reputation for thought-provoking insights and poignant storytelling, it’s little wonder that Gay’s books are often found on readers’ must-read lists – though even she can’t resist the allure of her own backlist, with titles waiting patiently to be devoured.
Jewelle Gómez
The Gilda Stories has cemented its place as a modern queer SFF masterpiece, weaving the narrative of a lesbian vampire across centuries to garner two prestigious Lambda Literary Awards. Moreover, her writing portfolio is characterized by an exploration of the intricate intersections between her multiple identities – Black Native American and lesbian.
This multifaceted expression can be seen in her fiction works like Forty-Three Septembers, as well as her poetry collections such as Oral Tradition: Selected Poems Old and New.
Leah Johnson
In celebration of Black queer girls in YA literature, Leah Johnson’s debut novel ‘You Should See Me in a Crown’ stands out as a compelling tale. The story follows a protagonist who sees becoming prom queen as a means to secure the scholarship she needs to escape her small Midwestern town’s confines. Meanwhile, Johnson’s next book, ‘Rise to the Sun’, promises an exciting exploration of queer girls at a music festival, offering another glimpse into the rich world of YA literature.
Samantha Irby
Samantha Irby’s essay collections offer a unique blend of humor, relatability, and poignancy, as she shares her experiences as a Black queer woman. Her writing is reminiscent of having a candid conversation with a close friend – it’s easy to laugh along with her, nod in understanding, and even shed a tear or two. The three collections mentioned – We Are Never Meeting in Real Life, Wow, No Thank You, and Meaty – are must-reads for anyone seeking nonfiction that resonates on a deep level.
Nalo Hopkinson
Nalo Hopkinson’s contributions to the Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF) world are nothing short of legendary. Her writing masterfully weaves together Afro-Caribbean folklore, sexuality, and a deep understanding of the human experience. Two notable short story collections that showcase her vibrant voice are Falling in Love with Hominids and Skin Folk. These works feature an eclectic mix of SFF tales told through Hopkinson’s unique lens.
Moreover, her novel The Salt Roads is a testament to her skill as she crafts a rich tapestry of strong, independent, and fearless Black women throughout history.
Claire Kann
Clair Kann’s works are characterized by their warm and uplifting depictions of Black queer girls. Her debut novel, Let’s Talk About Love, tells the story of a bi-ace girl working at a library who grapples with the possibility of rekindling a romantic connection after being dumped by her previous girlfriend due to her asexuality. At the core of If It Makes You Happy is a plus-sized, Black queer woman who politely declines unsolicited diet advice from others.
Meanwhile, The Marvelous, set for release in 2021, follows a group of friends as they navigate the unexpected consequences that arise when they win a life-changing cash prize during a game night.
Julian Winters
When seeking out queer YA that resonates deeply with its audience, Julian Winters’ works should be at the top of your list. His novels masterfully capture the complexities of love, identity, and self-expression, as seen in his earlier titles like Running with Lions, which explores romance on the soccer field, and How To Be Remy Cameron, a heartwarming tale of an out gay teen navigating their journey.
Building upon this reputation, Winters’ upcoming novel, The Summer of Everything, promises to be just as impactful. This story follows a young adult on the cusp of adulthood as he strives to save his cherished local bookstore from impending doom, mend his strained relationship with his sibling, and maybe even capture the heart of his long-time crush in the process.
James Baldwin
James Baldwin’s legacy extends far beyond his influential writings on the Civil Rights era. As an openly gay man himself, he was a fierce advocate against discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. His semi-autobiographical works, such as ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’, offer poignant insights into both Black and queer American experiences. Additionally, essay collections like ‘The Fire Next Time’ showcase his incisive voice.
Furthermore, novels like ‘Another Country’ and ‘Giovanni’s Room’ are considered classics of gay literature, thoughtfully exploring themes of love and identity along racial and gender lines.
Sara Collins
Sara Collins’ The Confessions of Frannie Langton is a must-read for fans of gothic romance or those intrigued by unconventional love stories. This 2019 debut novel, shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish prize and winner of the Costa First Novel Award, has already garnered significant recognition. As I await her next literary endeavor with bated breath, it’s clear that Collins’ talent is only just beginning to be unleashed.
Samuel R. Delany
Samuel R. Delany’s works are a staple in the realm of Black queer science fiction (SFF). I was first exposed to his writing in a college literature class, where his unique style and themes left a lasting impression. While his novels may not be suited for those seeking a light and easy read, they have earned their place as classics within the genre. Babel-17 masterfully explores the complexities of language in the midst of intergalactic conflict.
Dhalgren delves into the aftermath of a mysterious disaster that ravages a Midwestern city, leaving marginalized communities to grapple with the consequences. Meanwhile, Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand thoughtfully examines issues of gender and sexuality within the context of interstellar politics.
Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn
Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn’s writing weaves together tender stories that capture the complexities of life in Jamaica and the journey of immigration, all through the lens of queer experiences. Her work is characterized by poetic language, richly evoking the island nation’s culture and landscapes. Two standout tales showcase her skill: ‘Here Comes The Sun’ follows two sisters grappling with deep-seated wounds as a new hotel looms large over their village, threatening to upend their way of life.
Meanwhile, ‘Patsy’ is a poignant exploration of mother-daughter separation, each navigating the challenges of self-discovery and sexuality across different shores.
Nicky Drayden
In Nicky Drayden’s captivating novel, The Prey of Gods, a diverse cast of characters navigates the consequences of a technologically advanced society reconnected to its ancient divine heritage. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll likely appreciate Drayden’s writing style as seen in her other works, Escaping Exodus and Temper, which also boast impressive queer representation in science fiction and fantasy.
However, it’s essential to note that some of her books tackle sensitive topics, including sexual assault, so readers should be prepared for trigger warnings.
Bryan Washington
Looking for literary fiction that breaks free from traditional molds? Bryan Washington is a must-read. His collection of short stories, ‘Lot’, takes you on a journey through the complexities of Houston life, tackling relatable themes like breakups that ripple throughout entire apartment complexes and self-discovery in the family restaurant.
Meanwhile, his novel ‘Memorial’ delves into the unconventional forms of family, as Mike navigates leaving his long-time partner behind to care for his dying father in Japan with the help of his visiting mother. Washington’s works beautifully balance humor, vulnerability, and depth, making him an excellent choice for readers seeking fresh perspectives.
K. Ancrum
If you’re seeking queer YA reads with a blend of fantasy and science fiction, K. Ancrum’s works are an excellent starting point. Her novels, such as The Wicker King and The Weight of the Stars, beautifully capture the complexities of self-discovery for bi boys and girls falling in love. Additionally, her upcoming retelling of Peter Pan set in Chicago, Darling, promises to be a captivating adaptation.
For more recommendations, explore 3 great queer YA books by black authors, books featuring queer black women in love, 6 audiobooks by queer black authors, memoir and essay collections by bi+ women of color, or LGBTQ South Asian books to read.