LGBTQIA+ Novels About Mental Health
By Damaris Young, Mental health Advice Caseworker
Representation matters, and it is important that stories reflect our experiences and identities. Here is a selection of stories to read this LGBTQIA+ History Month that encourage confidence, self-love and acceptance of ourselves and each other.
LGBTQIA+ Novels that deal with Mental Health
Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman
“Written from the point of view of two teenaged brothers: Dante, who is looking forward to university and a successful career, unexpectedly finds himself faced with the demands of full-time single parenthood, and Adam, who is happy to be gay and makes no secret of it, but ultimately suffers from the intolerance of those around him.
A hard-hitting novel dealing with some of the real issues facing teenagers.”
What is Gender? How Does It Define Us? And Other Big Questions by Juno Dawson
“What exactly is gender and how is a person’s gender decided? What are the different genders? How does gender differ in different countries? And how does gender affect us and the way we interact with the world or the way the world interacts us?
Using clear language and scientific definitions, bestselling author Juno explains what the subject in a straight-forward, no-arguments way. Discussion around the different issues is invited through ‘lightbulb’ prompts with ideas to think about, while a range of people share their views and personal stories about the issues, bringing the different experiences to life.”
Wranglestone by Darren Charlton
“In a post-apocalyptic America, a community survives in a national park, surrounded by water that keeps the Dead at bay. But when winter comes, there’s nothing to stop them from crossing the ice.
Then homebody Peter puts the camp in danger by naively allowing a stranger to come ashore and he’s forced to leave the community of Wranglestone. Now he must help rancher Cooper, the boy he’s always watched from afar, herd the Dead from their shores before the lake freezes over.
But as love blossoms, a dark discovery reveals the sanctuary’s secret past. One that forces the pair to question everything they’ve ever known.”
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
“The Henna Wars is a young adult novel set in Dublin, the book follows Nishat, a Bangladeshi teenager who comes out as a lesbian while in high school. The book was included on Time’s list of the “100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time.”
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
“From award-winning author Kacen Callender comes a revelatory YA novel about a transgender teen grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time.
As Felix navigates his complicated feelings, he begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself. Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognising the love you deserve.”
Check out our LGBTQIA+ mental health support and resources page.
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Posted on: 8th February 2022
