This reading list explores the history and advancement of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada, highlighting key legal milestones, the impact of the LGBT Purge, and the expansion of human rights protections. It also places Canadian progress within a broader global context, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, inclusive spaces, and diverse stories in promoting understanding, equality, and community connection.
The LGBT Purge and the Fight for Equal Rights in Canada by Ken Setterington explores the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada from the 1950s to the 1990s. It examines how many were investigated and removed from military, RCMP, and public…
The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk is an illustrated collection of stories about LGBTQ+ activists, artists, and leaders who helped advance equality. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, it celebrates their…
The Stonewall Riots: Making a Stand for LGBTQ Rights by Archie Bongiovanni examines the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn, a landmark event in LGBTQ+ history. The book explains the causes and impact of the riots, showing how collective resistance…
The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle by Lillian Faderman chronicles the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Through research and personal accounts, it explores key movements, protests, and legal victories while highlighting the…
The Big Book of Pride Flags is an illustrated guide to the many Pride flags representing 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and communities. It explains the meaning and symbolism behind each flag, celebrating diversity while serving as an accessible reference on…
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid is a contemporary romance about two professional hockey players whose intense on-ice rivalry hides a secret, long-term relationship. Set in the world of elite sports, the novel explores identity, ambition, love, and the…
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead is a coming-of-age novel about a Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer young man balancing life in the city with memories of his prairie home. Through humor, vulnerability, and social commentary, the book explores identity,…
In Memoriam by Alice Winn is a historical novel set during World War I that follows two schoolboys whose close friendship develops into a romantic relationship amid the horrors of war. Exploring themes of love, identity, loss, and secrecy, the novel…
What I Know About You by Éric Chacour follows a young Egyptian doctor whose life is transformed when a relationship forces him to confront his sexuality. Set between Cairo and Montréal, the novel explores identity, secrecy, exile, and self-discovery…
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford is a practical resource that provides LGBTQ+ youth with information on health, relationships, identity, and well-being. Written in an accessible and supportive…
Parenting With Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen by Heather Hester is a guide for parents supporting LGBTQ+ teenagers. It focuses on recognizing and unlearning bias while fostering acceptance, empowerment, and open…
Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone by Mischa Oak shares lessons drawn from LGBTQ+ experiences, offering reflections on identity, resilience, and acceptance. The book presents accessible insights meant to encourage understanding,…
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is a series of graphic novels about two British schoolboys who develop a close friendship that gradually turns into a tender romance. Set in a high school environment, it explores themes of identity, friendship, coming…
Coming Out, Again: Transition Stories by Sabrina Symington is a collection of illustrated stories about trans and gender-diverse experiences. It explores themes of identity, transition, self-acceptance, and resilience, highlighting personal journeys…
