It is during times of crisis that we as a nation pull together. We all were affected by the massacre that took place in Orlando.  The effects of this tragedy will forever change this nation. It is up to us to ensure that the change is a positive one that will bring about healing and tolerance for those directly and indirectly affected by this attack on the LGBTQ community.  

Adults: This collection of stories challenges the reader to question stereotypes and labels that are put on many lesbians, either by themselves or by others. 

The Danish Girl : a novel by David Ebershoff [8]
This is a thought-provoking tale that is loosely based on a true story.  This story brings to the forefront a very interesting question: “what do you do when the person you love has to change?” This story follows Lili Elbe, a pioneer in transgender history, and the woman who was her wife, who faced the challenge of choosing between loyalty to her marriage and her own ambitions and desires. 

The Gay Revolution : the story of the struggle by Lillian Faderman [9]
This is a comprehensive account of the gay-rights movement in America. 
  Bl [11]ack Deutschland by Darryl Pinckney [11]

Jed is a black young man who flees from Chicago to Berlin after being released from rehab. He thinks that his escape from his past is the end and that he is free to do as he pleases. But judgement, disapproval, and social uproar have come to bring Jed’s dreams of a peaceful life to a tragic end. 

Teens:

Am I Blue? by Marion Dane Bauer [12] 
A collection of original stories about growing up gay or lesbian or with gay or lesbian parents or friends. 

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronns-Mills [13]
This story follows the main character Gabe. Gabe is a radio disc jockey for a community radio station, 90.3 KZUK.  His show is called “Beautiful Music for Ugly Children.” But Gabe isn’t happy because he is still seen as Elizabeth by his parents and by the world at large. 

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth [14]
Cameron Post's parents die in a horrific car accident. He feels guilt that he is glad that their death means they will never know that she was gay.  She is forced to move to Montana to live with her grandmother and aunt after her parent’s death.  It is there that she meets and falls in love with a beautiful cowgirl.  Cameron is eventually outed and sent to “God’s Promise”, a religious conversion camp, to “cure” her of her homosexuality.  It is at the camp she realizes the importance of being her true self.  

The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson [15]
The “Bermudez Triangle” are three rising high school seniors, Nina, Avery, and Mel.  During the summer Nina falls in love with an eco-warrior, while Avery and Mel get waitressing jobs together. When Nina gets back into town, she finds out that Avery and Mel have started dating. Avery and Mel’s relationship causes a rift in the Bermudez Triangle’s friendship.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan [16]
Two 17-year-old teen boys set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, but their 32-hour marathon of kissing brings about a lot more than they anticipated. A great story that focuses on relationships, coming out, and gender identity.

Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz [17]
Etta, like many teens, doesn’t feel like she fits in. She meets Christian and everything changes for her. The two teen girls meet while trying to be a part of the prestigious New York theater academy, which will get Etta out of Nebraska. This inspirational story brings to the forefront the idea of community, stereotypes, and defining yourself.