This month we’re very excited to offer something new—the beginning of Quarterly Book Dumps! Once every three months we’ll be adding even more books than usual to the library’s collection in order to connect you with more excellent LGBTQ+ content, and what better month to start than December? Consider it a gift from us to you!
For December’s Book Dump we’re focusing on adding even more information and resource texts so you can get more of your questions answered. We’ve shelved an additional 13 books on a variety of LGBTQ+ topics, and hope you can find what you need here! Here’s what’s new:
Basic Information: Confused by terms? Wondering where you seem to fit? Have an idea but want to explore more? Just looking to learn? Four of our new books will help you do just that! Page through one of these for what you might need:
What is Gender? How Does it Define Us? And Other Big Questions by Juno Dawson. This book is written with youth and children in mind and covers everything from gender stereotypes to being intersex. While this book is more British in scope, it overlaps a lot with US people and thoughts. Dawson asks questions for youth to explore on their own, as well as offers famous people in all fields for readers to reflect on.
The ABCs of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell. This book is a great baseline for learning new terms and hearing from everyday people talking about how they experience their identity. In it you will find numerous terms explained in easy-to-understand ways, definitions and explanations for concepts, and of course personal accounts to help you see the humans beyond the identities. You may find you have a lot in common with someone!
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. This is a reprint of an earlier edition and discusses all LGBTQ+ identities in easy terms. From coming out to everyday life, this book covers a wide range of experiences and is an informative beginner’s manual to all things LGBTQ+.
What’s the T? by Juno Dawson. This book is all about being transgender. From a brief history to lots of information on what it’s like to be trans, this book will answer many of your questions. It also has a section specifically for parents and caregivers of transgender youth. If you’re new to this or just want to learn a bit more about the trans experience, this book is for you!
Nonbinary Information: Maybe you’ve heard the term nonbinary recently and are curious. Maybe you think you may be nonbinary. Maybe you just want to get it right with your nonbinary friends! If so, we have a couple books this month that will help:
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon. This short, sweet little book is a quick read and discusses moving beyond a gender binary. This will make you feel better about your own gender nonconformity, or clear up questions you have about why someone just doesn’t seem to fit with a binary system. Challenge yourself and expand your horizons on what it means to have (or not have) gender!
How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity by Stuart Getty. This book combines art and text to offer a clear journey through everything from terms to how to use they/them pronouns correctly. The text will clear up a lot of questions or confusion you have about gender binaries, assigned roles, and more. Lighthearted and straightforward, this book is an easy read with big ideas.
Self-Exploration: Looking to explore who you are and what your sexuality or gender means to you? Maybe looking to work through any trauma related to identity? These books are for you!
How to Understand Your Gender by Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker. This book will take you through everything you might want to explore when it comes to who you are in regards to gender. Because it starts off with the basics, it’s also a book easily accessible to anyone just wanting to learn. It covers gender, gender and sexualities, intersections, and more.
How to Understand Your Sexuality by Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi. This is another guide taking you through the intricacies of sexuality and what they might mean to you. This covers everything from understanding your sexuality to trauma to consensual relationships.
Hell Yeah Self Care!: A Trauma-Informed Workbook by Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker. This self-care book takes you through healing in practical ways. This book does offer more Western premised techniques. It also encourages you to explore what works for you and disregard what doesn’t.
Queer and Autism Intersections: Want to learn more about how being queer and autistic intersect? Looking to find helpful tips for yourself? Trying to find ways to reach others? These books might be just what you’re looking for:
Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum by Erin Ekins. Written by a queer autistic woman, this book offers great groundwork for autistic youth starting to explore their sexuality and/or gender. With easy definitions, famous queer people you may know, and lots of other resources, this book is accessible for everyone.
Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults: A Guide for Professionals and Families by Finn V. Gratton, LMFT, LPCC. This book is an in-depth look at the particular needs of people who are transgender and autistic, covering everything from trauma, navigating the neurotypical world, stresses, and relationships for people who are both autistic and trans—or those engaging with someone who is autistic and trans. This is a thorough text including case studies as well as how to meet medical and life needs for those who may find themselves outside the neurotypical and cishet standards.
Sex Advice: Sex advice, particularly in LGBTQ+ terms, is often not talked about. But we deserve to have good experiences! With that in mind we’re adding two books this month focusing on how to have satisfactory, safe, consensual encounters that promote your happiness and well-being (and that of your partner or partners)! Get the questions you don’t dare ask answered with these books:
Girl Sex 101 by Allison Moon and KD Diamond. This is *the* book for anyone who has or wants to have sex with women of any variety, trans or cis. Some nonbinary and agender people may also benefit from this. This takes you through the basics and covers all forms of safe practices and consent, while also teaching you sexy things. With stories and numerous contributors, this book covers a lot of ground. Learn about bodies, how to communicate, safe practices, and so much more.
Finally, Helpful Sex Advice: A Practical Guide to Sex by Meg-John Barker and Justin Hancock. This small but information-packed book will take you through an exploration of sex that will help you navigate external messages, figure out what you really want, and take care of yourself and anyone you may be engaging with. This book offers practical advice for consensual encounters and helps you to go easy on yourself and others.
And that’s it! We hope you enjoy this first Book Dump and look forward to the next one we can share with you. Happy Reading!