As LGBTQ+ representation becomes increasingly important in literature, it is crucial for students to engage with diverse perspectives and voices. LGBTQ+ Asian American authors bring unique and complex narratives to the forefront, shedding light on issues of identity, belonging, and acceptance. Here is a list of 10 must-read books by LGBTQ+ Asian Americans for students to explore:
1. “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
In this critically acclaimed novel, poet Ocean Vuong delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, queerness, and immigration through the story of a young Vietnamese American man and his relationship with his mother.
2. “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner
In this memoir, musician Michelle Zauner reflects on her Korean American identity, her grief over her mother’s death, and her experiences as a queer woman navigating family, food, and culture.
3. “The Perseverance” by Raymond Antrobus
Raymond Antrobus, a British Jamaican poet of Chinese and English heritage, explores deafness, race, masculinity, and family in this powerful poetry collection that won the Ted Hughes Award.
4. “Frankly in Love” by David Yoon
David Yoon’s debut novel follows a Korean American teenager navigating love, friendship, and familial expectations while grappling with his own identity and sexual orientation.
5. “fun home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel
Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir delves into her coming-of-age as a lesbian, her relationship with her father, and her struggles with her own identity in the context of her family’s history.
6. “If They Come for Us” by Fatimah Asghar
Fatimah Asghar, a queer South Asian American poet, interrogates themes of diaspora, queerness, trauma, and survival in this powerful poetry collection.
7. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
In this coming-of-age novel, Mexican American author Benjamin Alire Sáenz explores friendship, love, and self-discovery through the unlikely bond between two teenage boys.
8. “How We Fight for Our Lives” by Saeed Jones
Saeed Jones, a Black queer writer of mixed Indian and African American heritage, reflects on his experiences growing up in the South, navigating his identity, and coming to terms with his sexuality in this poignant memoir.
9. “I Love You More Than You Love Yourself” by Shaheen Dill-Riaz
In this collection of personal essays, Bangladeshi filmmaker Shaheen Dill-Riaz explores his experiences as a queer Muslim man, grappling with his faith, family, and identity.
10. “If I Had Your Face” by Frances Cha
Frances Cha’s debut novel offers a glimpse into the lives of four young women in contemporary Seoul, grappling with societal expectations, beauty standards, and personal desires in a rapidly changing city.
These 10 books by LGBTQ+ Asian American authors offer students a diverse range of perspectives and stories to explore, offering insight into the complexities of intersectional identities, cultural heritage, and the quest for acceptance and belonging. By reading and engaging with these texts, students can expand their understanding of gender and sexual diversity within the Asian American community, fostering empathy, compassion, and inclusivity.