In 2023, an Ipsos survey of over 22,000 respondents in 30 countries found that nearly 1 in 10 adults identify as LGBTQ+. While not all areas of the world are equally represented, the survey nonetheless illustrates the widespread reach of the LGBTQ+ community. Even in areas where their existence is criminalized or threatened, queer and trans people still find ways to thrive. These nine fiction picks provide glimpses into queer lives around the globe.
Trigger Warning: The books discussed in this article contain depictions of homophobia, transphobia, ableism, war, sexual assault, violence, torture, attempted suicide, and gore.
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah Moses
As the outside world descends into apocalyptic chaos, an unnamed nun records her story within the convent walls of the Sacred Sisterhood. The narrator is an unworthy, a lower member of the ranks, whose ultimate goal is to join the convent’s upper echelon: the Enlightened. But when a new sister, an outsider, joins the unworthy, the narrator begins to question everything she knows. Who was she before the Sisterhood? And what does it actually mean to become one of the Enlightened?
Necessary Fiction by Eloghosa Osunde
Nigerian author Eloghosa Osunde’s sprawling new novel explores life in the queer community of Lagos. Necessary Fiction follows a cast of two dozen characters spanning generations and identities as they attempt to carve out a life on their terms. Though their interpersonal relationships can sometimes get messy, this chosen-family-centered epic is ultimately a celebration of love.
Walking Practice by Dolki Min, translated by Victoria Caudle
When a shapeshifting alien crash-lands on Earth, they begin hunting humans to survive. Using dating apps to scope out their targets, they take the form of a sexually desirable partner to lure their prey to their doom. But when they fail to kill their next meal, our alien protagonist is thrust into a chase that places them closer emotionally to humanity than ever.
Sons, Daughters by Ivana Bodrožić, translated by Ellen Elias-Bursać
Divided into three sections, Sons, Daughters relays the stories of a young woman, her boyfriend, and her mother, all living in Croatia. Lucija has been paralyzed in a car crash and now lives with locked-in syndrome, both placated and tormented by her memories. Her partner, Dorian, navigates both Lucija’s recovery and his gender transition. Lucija’s mother, meanwhile, has a story of her own, one that explains the friction between her and her daughter.
Selamlik by Khaled Alesmael, translated by Leri Price
Amid the prejudice and cruelty of the Syrian government, gay men in Damascus find ways to meet in secret. One such man is Furat, who finds community in the local bathhouses and falls in love with his roommate, Ali. But as Syria descends into civil war, Furat is forced to flee to Europe, thrusting him and countless other refugees into an uncertain future.
Everything is Fine Here by Iryn Tushabe
In Aine Kamara’s homeland of Uganda, homosexuality is illegal. When her beloved older sister, Mbabazi, arrives at Aine’s boarding school, she brings along a guest: her partner, Achen. As Aine grows closer to Mbabazi and Achen, she must grapple with the reality of her sister’s queerness and its implications. The newfound bond between the three girls drives a wedge between Aine and her mother, forcing Aine to make difficult decisions.
Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna
It’s the summer of 2019, and the London temperatures aren’t all that’s heating up. Oisín McKenna’s debut novel follows the intertwined lives of Maggie, her boyfriend, Ed, and her best friend, Phil. While a pregnant Maggie contemplates moving back to the hometown she left behind, Ed has his own desires — and past dalliances — to confront. Meanwhile, as Phil grapples with feelings for his housemate, Keith, his mother has unfortunate news to deliver to him. Over a single weekend, these mounting tensions will come to a head.
Taiwan Travelogue by Shuang-zi Yang, translated by Lin King
In May 1938, novelist Aoyama Chizuko arrives in Taiwan on invitation from its imperialist Japanese government. Her interpreter is a young Taiwanese woman named Chizuru, who organizes Chizuko’s itinerary and charms her with her cooking prowess. But though Chizuko wants nothing more than to grow closer to her new companion, Chizuru is holding back. Framed as a translation of a rediscovered historical text, Taiwan Travelogue explores the complex dynamics of colonialism through an unconventional lens.
The South by Tash Aw
Upon his grandfather’s death, Jay Lim and his family inherited from him a dilapidated farm. While working the land that remains, Jay encounters the farm manager’s son, Chuan. As the two boys embark on a secret romance, the rest of their families reckon with their own issues, from missed opportunities to the changing tides of postcolonial Malaysia. The South is the first in a planned quartet focusing on Jay’s family.
Throughout the world, LGBTQ+ people continue to fight for the right to exist on their terms. These stories are a testament to their spirit and resilience.
Click here to learn about the history of LGBTQ+ literature.
Find more excellent queer reading recs at our Bookshop.
