The following blog post has been written by LGBTQ+ Society President, Megan Elizabeth Dredge.
The following blog post has been written by LGBTQ+ Society President, Megan Elizabeth Dredge. Fancy reading one of her recommendations? Check out your local library, or purchase from a local independent book shop! We've included ISBN numbers to make things easier.
Want to join the LGBTQ+ Society? Just click here.
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LGBTQ+ History month is all about remembering the past and celebrating how far the community has come - or even educating ourselves and exploring the past. Why not use this month as an excuse to pick up a book to do just that! Carry on reading to see which books I have read this past year, that you should not miss!
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
This was not a book that I expected to pick up, but I am glad that I did. This gothic horror novel did not disappoint. This novel follows Dorian Gray, who is obsessed with his portrait and in turn exchanges his soul for eternal beauty. Whilst being a horror novel, Wilde also explores themes of homosexual desire. This gripping page turner is bound to keep you on your toes.
ISBN: 9780199535989
Stone Butch Blues - Leslie Feinburg
Stone Butch Blues follows the life of Jess Goldberg, a butch lesbian navigating life in New York in the 1940s. It sheds light on the reality that families of LGBTQ+ individuals can be unsupportive. This heart wrenching book is bound to connect with many of us, touching on themes of gender nonconformity and the search for community. This book is very insightful and delves deeply into the history of butch lesbians. It is a perfect read for those who want to learn about lesbian history, or to simply enjoy a great book.
ISBN: 9781459608450
The Thirty Names of Night - Zeyn Joukhadar
This novel is centered around closeted trans man, who after a family tragedy, embarks on an identity journey in search of a new name. I was taken on not only an emotional but physical journey along with the protagonist. This book explores themes of culture, trans history and racism within the Arab community. This book is so raw and kept me hooked, I couldn't put it down.This was definitely a significant read of 2025.
The Confessions of Frannie Langton - Sara Collins
This gothic Jane Eyre-esque novel follows the character Frannie Langton who is on trial for a crime she supposedly does not remember. We are brought back to Frannie’s childhood in Jamaica and issues of slavery and racism in Georgian England. It also follows the love story between Frannie and her mistress. It was impossible not to connect with her character due to her honest confessions. The themes in this book are love, murder, slavery, betrayal. If you love a thrilling crime novel, this is the book for you.
ISBN: 9780241984017
Plague Years - Ross A Slotten
This moving medical memoir transported me back in time to the AIDS crisis in the 1990s, through the experience of gay physician Dr Ross A in Chicago. This book not only informed me about Slotten’s painful experience, but also made me feel for him and all those affected. This was an emotional read, but I am glad I read it.
ISBN: 9780226718767