World Pride marched DC for Pride Moon, contrary to Trump
WorldPride, a global festival promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, hosted an anniversary parade in DC
Every June, readers gather to celebrate the author’s transformation of literature with LGBTQ+ storytelling.
Some of the biggest releases of the year feature LGBTQ+ stories. The “atmosphere” astronaut love story of Taylor Jenkinsleid, author ve schwab, who defines new genres from Ocean Von’s “The Emperor’s Joy” and “Burning the Bones of the Midnight Soil”, “Adirauu’s Invisible Life”. Romance author Jasmine Guilloly wrote her first sufficient romance, “The Flirting Lessons.” Torrey Peters, author of “Dedransition, Baby,” has published a fascinating new collection of short stories.
Want to stock new, weird readings on your bookshelf? There are recommendations. For more about staff favorites, check out LGBTQ+ books that make queer staff feel expressed.
10 new LGBTQ+ books to read this Pride Month
Whether you’re looking for a rushing summer romance, inspiring social commentary, or thrilling whodunits, the list of LGBTQ+ books released in 2025 is a good starting point for all readers.
Ashley Herring Blake’s “Dream, Ramona Riley”
Small town waitress Ramona has big Hollywood dreams, but is stuck in New Hampshire in car accident after her father’s car accident. The town’s large film crew offers a faint thing of hope, but Ramona runs over to her first kiss, Wild Chilled’s Hollywood Nepo Baby Dylan.
“Lilac People” by Milo Todd
Inspired by real events, this historical fiction novel follows Transman, where Hitler takes power, his job of improving Germany’s strange rights ceases. Upon fleeing the Nazis, he and his girlfriend flee to a nearby farm, living in disguise and isolated. Ten years later, when the young transmen of a Holocaust prison collapse into their fortunes, the couple vows to protect him and run away together.
Nicola Dinnan’s “Disappointment Me”
Deeply unhappy with tumbling (literally – the story begins when our hero steps down the stairs and walks through his life), and trans women decide to make a difference. When Max starts dating Slick, a corporate Vincent, she thinks it will turn her life around. However, he hides secrets about his true feelings and intentions. “Rissond Me” is a commentary on transness, race, millennial anxiety and relationships.
“Masha” by Turmarin
Activist, writer and film director Tour Marine pays tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most influential figures in LGBTQ+ history. In “Masha,” Turmarin depicts a comprehensive and fascinating record of a trans woman rumoured to have thrown her first brick in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, and how her legacy of liberation continues.
Eating out by Eric Piepenburg
“Dining Out” is a restaurant’s culinary tour as a safe and festive space for the LGBTQ+ community of journalists in the New York Times. Piepenburg’s analysis moves from gay bars to stonewall diners and intersecting eateries that shape LGBTQ+ culture.
“Normal Love” by Marie Ratkoski
In “Normal Love,” a woman from the Upper East Side who is seemingly perfect marriage, and her family finds life in confusion after meeting a high school girlfriend, now famous Olympic athlete. As her relationship with her parents and marriage deteriorates, Emily finds herself drawn to Gen despite her rocky history and everything she is going to lose.
“Murder in the Dressing Room” by Hollystar
Can Mysty Divine, a London drag queen, revenge her drug mother lady after being poisoned by a mysterious box of chocolate? After the dressing room murder, Misty and her fellow performers become major suspects. Frustrated with the police, Misty takes matters into her own hands and competes against time before the others get injured.
“Mutual Benefit” by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
“Mutual Interest” follows the marriage of lavender at the turn of the century, followed by the success of the soap, perfume and candle empire that couples run. To get married, both Oscar and Vivienne give them the freedom they need to build the life they want, especially after Oscar falls in love with his business partner Squire Clancy. Can they stay safe from exposure while their power is built?
“Roca” by Alejandro Heledia
“Loca” follows a year after the lives of two best friends who travel from the Dominican Republic to New York City. Charo is running away from the life she is expected to be a woman. A monkey after an indescribable tragedy. In New York, chance encounters at gay bars thrust them into the queer community that intersect, giving shots on the lives and families they have long wanted.
Gabriella Games’ “Kiss Me, Probably”
In this romance, the librarian goes viral for a video she shares talking about being a slow bluemer. Ready to get out of the way, Angela begins a scavenger hunt using her 15-minute fame, promising her first kiss to the winner. But she can’t do it on her own. Does the help of a hot bartender, or crush on crush – stop her plan?
Clare Mulroy is USA Today’s Books Reporter, covering Buzzy releases, chatting with authors and diving into the culture of reading. Find her On Instagramsubscribe every week Book Newsletter Or tell her what you’re reading cmulroy@usatoday.com.
