With Pride month in full swing, it’s vital to celebrate the power of inclusive storytelling.

Queer authors and stories spotlighting LGBTQ+ characters have historically been sidelined and marginalised, but the publishing industry – like the world of TV and film – is slowly taking steps to remedy that.

There are few joys like becoming hooked on a seriously addictive plot or rooting for a particularly vivid character. For LGBTQ+ readers, getting absorbed in a story that reflects and explores similar experiences can be brilliantly affirming; for allies, reading these stories can be an act of empathy that broadens perspectives.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite recent LGBTQ+ novels, from dazzling debuts to award winners, reflecting the multiplicity of the queer experience. It’s not an exhaustive list, of course (we’ve focused on releases from the past few years) but you will find coming-of-age tales, love stories, historical fiction and more to captivate you this Pride month and beyond. Happy reading…

11 brilliant LGBTQ+ novels to add to your reading list this summer