LGBTQ

A collection of graphic novels featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and creators: light, dark, funny, sweet, introspective, nostalgic, triggering, romantic, artsy, revolutionary, representative. 

Generations by artist 1988- Flavia Biondi

Coming out as a young gay man in a provincial country town had led to ugly clashes with his conservative father, and the urban metropolis of Milan had been a welcome change from the stifling small town life of his childhood and the anger and bewilderment of some members of his family. But now, Matteo finds himself with little choice but to return home, with no money, no job, and an uncertain future, like so many other young people of his millennial generation. Afraid of encountering his estranged father, he instead takes refuge with his extended family, at a house shared by his grandmother, three aunts, and his very pregnant cousin. 

Bingo Love by Tee Franklin

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-'60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, an LGBT awareness day originally founded in 1988. Celebrate or learn more by reading a book in which teens experience the happiness and hardships of coming out. 

Fiction

Fan art by Sarah Tregay

September 23rd is Bisexual Visibility Day. Check out one of these great teen books that feature bi characters.

How to make a wish by Ashley Herring Blake
Adaptation by Malinda Lo

To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in the month of June, we wanted to highlight some graphic novels in our YA and Adult collections. From comic book heroes to real-life heroes, introverts and extroverts, butt-kickers, heart-melters, and heart-breakers. For more titles and information, check out the new Queer Comics Database.

Profiles of inspiring women, some who are world famous and some who are little known in graphic format, including Nellie Bly, Hedy Lamarr, Josephine Baker, Tove Janssen, and Naziq al-Abid.

Blue is having a hard time moving on. He's in love with his best friend. He's also dead. Luckily, Hamal can see ghosts, leaving Blue free to haunt him to his heart's content. But something eerie is happening in town, leaving the local afterlife unsettled, and when Blue realizes Hamal's strange ability may be putting him in danger, Blue has to find a way to protect him, even if it means...leaving him.

Librarians want to help you find the information you need. We don't judge and we keep your requests confidential. But, if you prefer to find information yourself, this guide will help.

Non-Fiction Books

Emotional and Mental Health

Sex & Sexuality

  • 155.3 (sexuality, gender, sexual relationships)
  • 306.76 (orientation, identity, LGBTQIA+)
  • 616.95 (STDs, STIs)

Relationships

  • 158.2 (friends, family, and toxic relationships)
  • 306.73 (dating)

Body and Biology

Online Resources

Lifeline

RAINN

The Trevor Project

Teen Line

Love Is Respect

Anti-Violence Project

Teen Help

  • www.teenhelp.com
  • mental and physical health
  • sex, birth control, drugs, alcohol
  • relationships and social life

Teen Health Freak

Local Resources

Save Our Youth (Livonia)

  • 800-241-4949
  • 24/7, substance abuse, mental health

Youth Shelters

  • Common Ground (R. Oak) 800-231-1127
  • Counterpoint (Inkster) 866-672-4357
  • Ozone House (Ann Arbor) 734-662-2265

Free/Low Cost STD Testing

  • Teen Health Center (Inkster) 734-729-3650
  • Wayne County (Wayne) 734-727-7100
  • Washtenaw County (Ypsi) 734-544-6840
  • Oakland County (Southfield) 248-424-7000

Your Rights  Online

Cyber Civil Rights Helpline

  • 844-878-2274
  • call if someone distributed sexual images of you without your consent

Without My Consent

Heartmob

Phone/Text Resources

Crisis Text Line

  • Text HOME to 741741
  • painful emotions and need support
  • Lifeline

  • 800-273-8255
  • distressed, thoughts of suicide
  • The Trevor Project

  • 866-488-7386
  • LGBTQIA, crisis, thoughts of suicide
  • RAINN

  • 800-656-4673
  • rape, sexual violence, or abuse

Domestic Violence Hotline

  • 800-799-7233
  • if you experience domestic violence

Anti-Violence Project

  • 212-714-1141
  • if you experience anti-LGBTQIA violence

Teen Line

  • 310-855-4673   or   Text TEEN to 839863
  • to talk to another teen

More Resources

Check out these picture books that celebrate all the different kinds of love.

The story of a lonely bunny, Marlon Bundo, who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, and the very special day when he met another boy bunny named Wesley that changed his life forever.

Worm loves Worm by J. J Austrian

Two worms in love decide to get married, and with help from Cricket, Beetle, Spider, and the Bees they have everything they need and more, but which one will be the bride and which the groom?

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