Diverse Voices: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Experiences in Comics
Happy Pride! This monthlong observance takes place each June to celebrate love and identity in the LGBTQ+ community. Public libraries have long held a position of importance to the community, often serving as safe spaces to access information, resources, and other materials while also helping to increase visibility and amplify voices.
In recent years, comics and graphic novels have become a thriving medium for writers and illustrators to tell their stories and express their art to a wider audience.
Notable Titles
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia and Phoebe Kobabe: A frequent target of book challenges and bans, this stunning comic details Maia’s exploration of gender identity and sexuality.
Matchmaker by Cam Marshall: The complete collection of the webcomics series that ran from 2021-2023 and was written and illustrated by Cam Marshall. This Eisner Award nominee explores the bonds between queer and trans friends and family.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: Follow Nick and Charlie—recurring characters throughout Oseman’s work—as they meet and fall in love.
The Out Side: Featuring work from 29 trans and nonbinary artists, this collection offers a variety of tales focusing on gender, identity, and affirmation.
For Early Readers
Batcat by Meggie Ramm: This series focuses on themes of accepting yourself and others, featuring an adorable main character who isn’t quite one thing or the other.
For Middle Grades
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill: This multi-Eisner winner (Best Webcomic and Best Publication for Kids 9-12) follows Greta, along with her family and friends, as she learns the nearly lost art of caring for tea dragons.
Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, and Irene Flores: What could be better than a new job at the local record shop? Chris thinks she’s ready for the challenge…until she finds out the store is also a secret fight club!
Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens: Artie is shocked to learn that she’s a werewolf. As she grows into her new identity and her family, she also learns about their feared rivals—vampires.
Moonstruck by Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, and Kate Leth: Another werewolf comic, this one gives rom-com vibes after Julie and her new girlfriend see a magic show gone wrong.
Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams: Goldie, who wants to be a detective, teams up with her mentor to solve a series of mysteries at the resort where she lives with her dad.
For Young Adults
Hey, Mary! by Andrew Wheeler and Rye Hickman: Is it possible to be both Catholic and gay? Mark Dudyk is trying to find out in this emotional coming-of-age journey that explores the intersection of feelings and faith.
The Marble Queen by Anna Kopp and Gabrielle Kari: Fans of YA fantasy will be enthralled with this twisty, fast-paced story of swords and sorcery that hinges on a marriage alliance between Princess Amelia and the mysterious new queen of a distant country.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu: A queer teen love story told against a backdrop of witchcraft and werewolves, this was an ALA Rainbow Top Ten book in 2020.
King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green: King Lear reimagined by way of a high school cheerleading squad! This spirited tale is all about self-discovery in the face of uncertainty about the future.
Tragic by Dana Mele and Valentina Pinti: Likewise, Mele and Pinti turn a queer, gender-swapped lens on Hamlet, as Harper Hayes seeks help in finding out who killer her father.
For Adults
The Science of Ghosts by Lilah Sturges, El Garing, and Alitha Martinez: The protagonist, Joy Ravenna, is a forensic psychologist charting her post-transition path while focusing her investigations on another type of transition—from life to afterlife.
Grand Slam Romance by Emma Oosterhous and Ollie Hicks: A beautifully illustrated sports dramedy focusing on Mickey and Astra—rivals on the softball field, with a rocky, spicy history off of it.
Chef’s Kiss by Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine: An Alex Award winner and nominee for Eisner and GLAAD Awards, this graphic novel explores recent college graduate Ben’s suddenly not-so-clear career path. Look for a sequel in 2026!
Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman: After winning a Stonewall Award Honor for As the Crow Flies, Melanie Gillman turned her attention to this hard-charging western adventure in which a pair of outcasts team up on a crucial heist.
When I Arrived at the Castle by E.M. Carroll: A dark, atmospheric fantasy graphic novel featuring an anthropomorphic cat taken in by a vampire.
These incredible titles are a great place for patrons to get started. Our full Pride Month collection contains over 150 comics and graphic novels, with something to offer comics fans of any taste.
There’s More to Explore
While it’s important to celebrate the progress that has been made, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, acceptance, and visibility goes on. The presence of queer-friendly materials in your library’s collection is a beacon of hope to someone who needs it. With that in mind, we’ve also created a multiformat Pride Month collection that includes video, music, audiobooks, and eBooks in addition to comics.
Pride is for everyone.
