10 LGBT Books You Need On Your Bookshelf
Preparing to come out, but don’t feel quite prepared enough? Fed up with having quotes for the Bible thrown at you as you’re told you’re evil for being gay? Feel you want to learn more about what makes you gay or just want to understand transsexualism and bisexuality better? Whichever it is, you’re going to find the answer amongst these 10 must have LGBT books:
1. True Selves: Understanding Transsexualism – For Families, Friends, Coworkers and Helping Professionals
Exploring the range of conflicts that transsexuals are forced to face every day, this book acts to give those of us outside the transsexual community an insight in to not only the challenges that transsexuals face, but also the courage and bravery with which they face them.
Made up of a mix of real life stories and letters, alongside other examples and advice, this is book is definitely one worth picking up if you’re looking to learn and understand more about transsexualism.
Available to order online from Amazon.
2. Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out
Coming out as a bisexual puts you at risk not only of discrimination from the heterosexual community, but also the homosexual community. “Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out” is a book that not only explores these struggles, but also deals with coming to terms with your bisexuality and recognising through the essays that are contained in the book that you are far from alone. A great read for bisexuals, but also those in the LGT community who want to learn more and have greater understanding of bisexuality.
Available from Amazon.
3. The Velvet Rage: Overcoming The Pain Of Growing Gay In A Straight Man’s World
Exploring whether gay men are really any better off in today’s society, this book by Alan Down explores how growing up gay in a predominantly straight world still leads to an internal shame for many men, including the author. Questioning whether this leads men to try and obscure this shame through a facade of beauty, creativity and material success, Down explores ways in which gay men can act to stop this cycle of shame.
Available from Amazon.
4. What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality
Fed up with having the Bible quoted at you when people act to condemn you for being gay? “What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality” is a great introduction to understanding what the Bible really says on the issue. Written in a straightforward way that you can dip in and out of easily, this book doesn’t go into the depths that others do, focusing more on the author’s views than comparing wider views, but will act to give you the basics that you can then go on to research in more detail.
Available from Amazon.
5. In The Eye Of The Storm – Gene Robinson
Becoming Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 saw Gene Robinson make history. Why? Because his appointment marked the first appointment of a gay man to the position. Facing huge controversy and criticism since that appointment, this book sees Robinson explore how he balances his faith and his sexuality, the reason why he feels people react the way they do to his sexuality, and the LGBT community in general, as well as more general insights into this lfe.
Available at Amazon.
6. Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the 14th Century – J Boswell
Written by John Boswell, this award winning book takes a look at the history of attitudes to homosexuality and is definitely one for all you history buffs. First published 25 years ago it was seen as a ground-breaking piece of work then, and still is by many for it’s strong argument that the Christian church hasn’t, as many would assume, always had an anti-gay sentiment to it.
Available at Amazon.
7. Living it Out: A Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Christians and Their Friends, Families and Churches – Rachel and Sarah Hagger-Holt
Trying to balance your religious views with your sexuality can be a difficult thing for many people. This book by Rachel and Sarah Hagger Holt acts to offer guidance on how you can embrace both and live with integrity.
Featuring stories, reflections, prayers and a range of tips from people from all denominations, this guide offers many personal insights into how others have dealt with the issue and is a must read for anyone struggling with the religion / sexuality issue.
Available at Amazon.
8. Born Gay: The Psychobiology of Sex Orientation – Glenn Wilson and Qazi Rahman
Exploring the issue of sexual attraction, this book looks to explore the question of whether people are really born gay or not. Coming to the conclusion, via the exploration of academic research, that sexual orientation is largely innate, Wilson and Rahman also act to dispute sociological causes exist.
Available at Amazon.
9. Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics – Jennifer Baumgardner
Exploring the increased visibility of gay and bisexual issues, characters and performers on the national cultural. Baumgardner argues that bisexuals are still being marginalised by both the straight and gay community. Using her own experiences, as well others, this book explores how the impact this has on bisexuals and how whilst many still live hidden bisexual lives there are still many who refuse either/or paradigm defended by both gay and straight communities.
Available at Amazon.
10. Outing Yourself – Michelangelo Signorile
If you’re thinking of coming out to friends and family then this book is definitely one you’re going to want to pick up. Breaking the process down into steps, Signorile’s advice acts to not only prepare you for potential reactions, but also food for thought on the things you need to consider before you do.
Available at Amazon.
Photo by somegeekintn
