If you've been looking for more books by LGBTQ+ authors [1] or literature that delves into the queer experience in an authentic way, this one's for you. Whether you're in the market for a novel that offers a deep, thought-provoking depiction of your life experience and identity or you're interested in diving in head first into a book that highlights an experience quite different from yourself, there are many amazing TikTok accounts dedicated to books by LGBTQ+ authors [2] and to the amplification of queer and BIPOC literature.
Recommending work that is so crucial to expanding people's minds, making the world a more beautiful place for everyone [3], and allowing so many to feel represented and seen, these accounts recommend their favourite LGBTQ+ books in fun, irreverent, and oftentimes hilarious ways. Swipe through to see our favourite #queerbooktok accounts, and hopefully, you'll find incredible recommendations for page-turners that can accompany you out and about or at home with a cup of tea [4].
@ellelillylew
A TikTok account solely dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature, with hefty dashes of humour and wit, @ellelillylew [5]'s bio simply states: "decided to become a booktok page . . . a queer one." Here, you'll find videos that use hilarious commentary to recommend books centreing the queer experience, such as "overused tropes BUT gay edition," or videos discussing her favourite book characters with disabilities.
@a.very.queer.book.blog
@a.very.queer.book.blog [6] by Jacob Demlow is constantly recommending queer lit, posting several videos a day that detail how his love of books got started, and sharing his favourite books centreing on the lesbian experience, the best queer series, and more. You'll even find fun features like reading a line a day from Red White And Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
@thebookmarvel
@thebookmarvel [7]'s account focuses solely on book analysis and recommendations, with an emphasis on queer literature. He cites Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli as a book that changed his life, which was later turned into the 2018 film Love, Simon. Follow this account for recommendations, impressions, and bookshelf tours.
@justgreggy
@justgreggy [8] is a fantastic account to follow for all kinds of queer book analysis. Posting frequent videos that recommend LGBTQ+ books for quarantine boredom, he thoughtfully explains and details his recommendations, such as The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, which he describes as a pirate/romance queer adventure with a sentient sea. Um, yes please!
@clockworkshelves
For those interested in analytical discourse and critique, @clockworkshelves [9] is an all-encompassing account that uses humour to critique, poke fun at, and analyse. With videos that argue the apparent queerness in Little Women's Jo March, and even critique literature commentary, it's a whip-smart account to follow that includes several recommendations for books featuring LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters.
@mx.readtherainbow
Follow teacher account @mx.readtherainbow [10] for incredible YA queer rec's, including videos such as the best LGBTQ+ books for middle schoolers, labelling by specific queer experience (for example: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, non-binary). They also include ways of decorating a queer educator classroom, and ideas for virtual learning.
@kati.reads.books
@kati.reads.books [11] is an amazing account to follow for LGBTQ+ books that intersect with several issues, such as queer books that simultaneously deal with mental illness, size inclusivity, and more. There are other, more lighthearted angles too, such as books that are LGBTQ+ but that deal with the theme of fake relationships or fandom culture. Fun, interesting, and all in all, a super educational resource.
@ezeekat
@ezeekat [12] is such a great TikTok account for its #booktok analysis, queer pride, and hot takes. With ample recommendations for innovative queer books such as Cemetary Boys by Aiden Thomas, a fantasy/spiritual novel about a trans boy trying to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family, this account is a must follow.
@tamarareads
@tamarareads [13] is another illuminating #booktok that educates on all kinds of books, often delving into queer representation in literature and recommending her favourites. Here, you'll find scavenger hunt videos that spotlight books with lesbian representation, such as Fat Angie by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo, or gay representation, including The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.
@emmas.book.life
While this account includes a little bit of everything when it comes to lit recommendations, @emmas.book.life [14] is constantly posting videos about LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation. She educates her followers on how to diversify their shelves with books such as The Son of Achilles by Madeline Miller and Call Me By Your Name (yep, that one!) by André Aciman.
@magicmocosplay
Self-proclaimed bibliophile, @magicmocosplay [15], both recommends books and critiques them, analysing novels such as Twilight [16] for all its apparent red flags. You'll also find videos about queer representation in literature, with recommendations such as Blank Spaces by Cass Lennox.
@katie.bex3
@katie.bex3 [17] is a great account to follow for people interested in fantasy novels analysed with queer representation in mind. Throughout her videos, there is a constant use of humour and witty commentary to discuss the queerness in books such as the Harry Potter [18] series.
@bridgelikesbooks
For anyone passionate about the need for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters in all kinds of novels, and who loves thought-provoking, quirky, incredible content, look no further than @bridgelikesbooks [19]. With an emphasis on queer characters in fantasy adventures, this account is entertaining and educational.
@quarantined.cosplay
Follow @quarantined.cosplay [20] for her series on "Gay books that aren't about being gay," aka books that have LGBTQ+ protagonists but whose plots don't necessarily revolve around their sexual orientation. Find recommendations such as At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson, a book about a boy who believes the universe is slowly shrinking.
@etherealacademia
Last but not least, @etherealacademia [21] is an amazing account for literature recommendations straight from an English major. You'll find rec's for poetry, classic lit, and for books specifically revolving around WLW characters or themes.