LGBTQ+ for K-12

Intersectionality can be defined as "the ways in which systems of inequality based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class and other forms of discrimination “intersect” to create unique dynamics and effects" (Center for Intersectional Justice). People are more complex than one single identity alone! This means it's important that literature for children and young adults features these more complex combinations of identities. The resources on this page feature books with LGBTQ+ identities that overlap with other marginalized identities.

Search Tips:

• Search for combinations of keywords or subjects that feature different identities/races/ethnicities/etc:
  • General example: "ethnicity AND sexual orientation"
  • Specific example: "gay AND Black (OR African American)"
• Look online for book lists from good quality sources about combinations of identities that you want to explore.
  • Sometimes, one of the intersecting identities may not be explicitly mentioned in the book's record. For instance, the book Calvin by J.R. Ford features a transgender boy who is also Black. The main focus of the book is on his gender identity, and there is no reference to race in the information about the book. That makes it important to do a wide exploration beyond the catalog for more information!

photo by Tim Samuel